How did this show come about?
I’m friends with [cocreators] Rob Thomas, John Enbom and Dan Etheridge. The idea of caterers seemed like it offered lots of opportunities—it’s realistic and awkward and naturally funny. It’s been gestating in our minds for several years, and now it’s finally come to fruition.
What’s the show about?
It follows this group of people who are catering through the eyes of Henry Pollard [Adam Scott], who moved to California to be an actor, got a job as a caterer, and then found success as the equivalent of the “Can You Hear Me Now” guy. He’s the “Are We Having Fun Yet?” guy for a beer campaign. The general theme is what do you do when you’re at a certain point in your life when you should maybe reevaluate your dream for practical reasons. We meet all of these people in different stages of their lives and careers.
Executive producer—what does that entail?
This season, the guy who did so much of the heavy-lifting was John Enbom, who also wrote a ton of the episodes. I do some of the writing, come up with ideas for the show, casting. It was such a condensed schedule, just trying to juggle everything, but I’m hoping if it gets picked up for a second season to write more and be a little more hands on.
You’ve got guest stars galore: Joey Lauren Adams, Breckin Meyer, Rob Corddry, Steven Weber, Kristen Bell.
We couldn’t believe it! Like, everyone we thought of—our dream persons—99 percent of the time, they said yes. The show really lends itself to guest stars, because each show is at a different event. That was one of the things we found appealing—a different cast every week.
And will you be showing up?
I definitely want to do something. It won’t be this season, but absolutely would [appear] on the show.
What was your Party Down-esque job before getting your big break?
I deejayed and mc’d Bar or Bat Mitzvahs, weddings and some stuff like that.
You and Jason Segel have been everywhere lately promoting your new dude-crush comedy flick, “I Love You, Man”!
It’s embarrassing—it really is. It’s too much. [Laughs] Ugh, and I’ve been hearing the word “bromance” nonstop. When did that phrase come into fashion? Brody Jenner!
You’re going to be 40 in April—are you ready?
It beats the alternative!
If you missed the first episode you can watch it online at starz.com The Next episode is tonight at 10:30pm.
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