David Barrett, director and executive producer of the MPI Original television pilot Public Interest, joined host Simon Applebaum on Tomorrow Will Be Televised to discuss the project, its development, and his vision for the series.

Public Interest is a character-driven legal drama set at a nonprofit law firm in Washington, DC, where newly appointed leader Ingrid Becker and her team navigate high-stakes cases involving eminent domain, regulatory disputes, and civil asset forfeiture. Blending humor with human-centered storytelling, the pilot explores individual rights, government accountability, and the challenges of confronting powerful institutions.

Reflecting on the project, David praised both the story and MPI’s vision. “When MPI sent me this script, it was a really original way into a law show. It has a great hook. It has heart,” he said. Barrett added that he was drawn to MPI’s goal of inspiring viewers “to really look at these kinds of cases from every side, every angle,” and said he believed “America needed to watch this show,” describing it as an opportunity to encourage thoughtful conversations around constitutional issues and the rights of individuals.

David’s credits include Blue Bloods, Tracker, Law & Order, The Mentalist, Twisted Metal, and Star Trek: Discovery. Over the course of his career, he has directed more than 160 television episodes and produced more than 225 episodes across some of the industry’s most successful franchises.

Listen to the episode on the Tomorrow Will Be Televised website or major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Audible.