There’s a new mayor in town, but he’s more than familiar to you.
Cheers andThe Good PlacealumTed Dansonhas elected to return to NBC to promote an agenda of laughter.
In the Tina Fey-and-Robert Carlock-created comedyMr.
Credit: NBC
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: You didn’t waste any time getting back on an NBC comedy.
How is construction on the Ted Danson Wing on the NBC-Universal executive building coming along?
And if the ratings are good, then they do come through.
If they promise you a wing, you get a wing.
Was it the chance to explore the lighter side of it?
First I would have to say it’s not a political comedy.
Its a workplace comedy.
But it’s not like that is the focus of the show.
But oh my goodness!
I have to read the scripts two or three times before I go, Oh, dear Lord.
I didn’t even see that!
They’re so fast.
You were last seen on TV playing a demon squid who becomes human.
First off, it was a little shocking to hear myself being described as a demon squid.
I forgot about the squid part!
[Laughs] Oh my god!
Mike Schur [creator ofThe Good Place]!
Heres a similarity between the two characters.
This is true, by the way.
Whats the most absurd L.A. issue that the show will have fun with?
And he’s trying very hard to raise money to have bus lanes.
Palm trees are so important to the economy of L.A., yet they don’t belong here.
It’s not just the desert that belongs to scorpions.
How do you deal with dating in Los Angeles at my age?
How do you deal with getting the city to do what you want?
How do you deal with reporters?
How do you deal with Holly Hunter?
Let’s talk about Holly Hunter for a second.
So she hates me and is just waiting for me to mess up.
You are a noted fierce advocate of the environment.
I have to say: I love palm trees.
Using only political jargon, how would you sum up your chemistry with Holly Hunter?
Ferocious combatants with begrudging respect.
This is her first sitcom gig.
You have a little experience in this department.
Did she ask you for any guidance?
And if so, did you offer any?
I did nothing of the sort.
She is a wonderful actor and has been so good in so many things.
But oh my God, she’s so good.
I mean, I just watch her and I’m in awe of what she pulls off.
In the original pilot, the outgoing mayor of L.A. was corrupt.
No one’s wearing masks, but it is in the rear-view mirror.
What are the chances that we’ll see one of yourGood Placecostars pop up in a guest role?
I don’t know who would come through, but I’m sure we will.
We get people because of Tina and Robert’s reputation.
And so far we’ve gotten some of the most wonderful actors.
I mean, the stunt casting is so easy for this.
You, Ted Danson, are suddenly elected mayor in real life.
Whats the first decree you would issue after, of course, saving the environment?
And it would be enforced.
With penalty of law.
It’d be a crime not to.
I think he has aspirations for the Medium Place.
But Neil Bremer is one huge, walking, unintended consequence.
[Laughs]
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