The miniseries explores a racial conflict that explodes in Yonkers, NY when Mayor Nick Wasicsko (Oscar Isaac) carries out a court order to build low-income houses in a white neighbourhood, reported Deadline.
Ryder has been cast as Wasicsko's confidant Vinni Restiano, who leads the town's City Council.
Bernthal - best known for playing Shane Walsh in 'The Walking Dead' - will play a Harvard-educated lawyer who heads the NAACP's anti-segregation efforts.
Their political opponent will be former NYPD detective Hank Spallone (Molina), who uses his own council seat to lead the charge against construction.
'Show Me a Hero' is scheduled to premiere next year.