It is definitely safe to say that fans of the hit USA Network series, The Anonymous, are still thinking about that epic finale and everything it entailed and well, the time has come to properly bring season one of this show to a close via one last interview with the cast. Specifically, the Final Three, Christopher Shulstad, Andy King, and Marcel Cunningham.
John Betancourt: Let’s get right down to it gents, how tough was it to say goodbye in that manner.
 
Marcel Cunningham: I think, I think we were all pretty like, you know, happy that how it ended with Nina winning. I mean, obviously we all wanted to win, but, I mean, after that, we started howling at the moon together and stuff, we were all very happy for her, and as she ended up winning.
 
Christopher Shulstad: And truthfully, I think that Final Four we'd have been happy with any of us winning. I mean, there was no hard feelings at all between anybody, and we just wanted, you know, with that being the way the game ended, we all kind of knew there was some dumb luck involved in how that game was being played out. So, it was just, I mean, it was nothing but love for everybody. I mean, we were, yeah, we were talking shit before. We were talking shit after. It was a good time.
 
Andy King: I think Christopher brings up a good point, which is, like, halfway through, I feel like the game, we all kind of started saying, “Who do we want in the Final Four? Who do you want to be up there with?” It wasn't like, “Who do you want to win? It was like, “Who do you want to be up there hugging at the end?” We became a family. We really did.
 
John Betancourt: Obviously, um, hindsight is always 20/20B. So, is there anything you think you could have done differently to claim the title of The Anonymous?
 
Christopher Shulstad: I mean, probably not going first. Actually, I got, I got one for you. I got one for you. I would have picked the blue box.
 
Marcel Cunningham: I just would have sent Nina home. That's what I would have done. That's easy, right?
 
Andy King: I Yeah, obviously, as you know, it was a quandary for me, because I had the winning box, and then I'm like, “But you know what? I never became The Anonymous and I never won a competition. Like, how the hell am I going home with this winning box?” And so, my mind was going crazy there. Now I could have manipulated that situation a little bit better, or not and I, but I was definitely, I think that out of the four of us up there, I think I had a little bit more of a mind game going on because of the fact that I wanted to change the narrative. Don't want to be Andy King from fire festival anymore. I just want to be the ultimate a good guy, and I wanted the world to get to know Andy King. So, I'm like, do I take this winning box and manipulate the hell out of these three people? Or do I just -- and I, I was in a quandary, but and Nina could read me, as you know, from the couple Face Offs before she and I worked off each other. So, the fact that I kept looking down the ground, she knew something was going on. And I think Marcel was trying to click. And he's like, Andy, you're freaking us out. I'm like, I am freaking myself out.
 
Marcel Cunningham: I have to tell you something here, not to downplay, like, you know, how Andy played the game, even though Andy was never The Anonymous me and Christopher referred to him as one of the council members of The “Illumanonymous” the entire time it was like, like Andy, like it was never had the power, but you could tell your influence, right? Like Andy was right there with him the entire time, even though you never had power. I was like, either Andy has never had power, or he is influencing people that have power the entire time. So, Andy played a great game.
 
Christopher Shulstad:  Andy was a brilliant. He was, like, almost a therapist to all of us. Because at one point I was like, “Dude, I’m about to lose my mind.” And then he goes, “Christopher, just be still and figure out how you can switch your strategy around.” And he said, “Go in there and do what you do, and kill.” And I went in there. Well, then that was the next day. I was like, “Okay, cool. That's what I need.” I need somebody to put me back in my like, killer be killed mentality, because that's where I thrive. Yeah, and turn it on and let's get them.
 
John Betancourt: We’ve heard about how you all became family, and everyone had said it was such a blast out there, so I have to know what you’re all going to miss about being on the show?
 
Christopher Shulstad: I'm missing waking up in the morning, walking out and seeing that view that we had. It was probably one of the most beautiful locations you could ever film in. You know, sitting there on the couches in the evening watching the sunset. I mean, a lot of the times, it didn't necessarily feel like I was in a game, per se, wow, because I was like, I kind of changed my perspective on why I was there. I was like, I'm here. I'm lucky to be here. We're in a beautiful place with incredible people. Hey, I wish everyone could have seen some of the nights when we're all standing in the circle playing, you know, stupid games with each other. And it's just like you -- we didn't even have a care in the world about what was going on. You know, you don't have any phones, you don't have anything so it's just you spend time and develop relationships with the people you love, and you care about. So that's what's cool.
 
Andy King: And I think that for me, personally, I've been successful in my career because I have always had a young person or two standing by my side at every big event. We don't need to talk about festivals, but a lot of the things that I do, and they are my inspiration, this group. I mean, for me to be 20-30, plus years older than most of them, I always turn to a younger person to go, “what's your perspective?” Because at 63 sometimes you become like, can't teach an old dog new tricks. But I'm like, guess what? These young whippersnappers, I love chatting with them every day and every night and every meal, they're going, “Andy, here's what I'm like”.”  I love this, you know, totally inspiring. And I think that most successful CEOs and what have you are only successful because they surround themselves with good people, and they're all good people.
 
Marcel Cunningham: Me, it was, you know, a break away from my four screens. And it was like it was a vacation with structure. And my life does not have structure, you know, I I don't know what I'm I don't know what video game I'm gonna be playing today. So, it was a nice, like, change your pace for me, and I really missed that a little bit. Yeah. And also, you know, the awesome people that were there.
 
John Betancourt: I would definitely say that actually, we saw a lot of growth from everybody on this, I think. Andy, to your point, you definitely kind of reinvented yourself. And all of you kind of really -- we all really got to know you guys really well, but you all grew, I think, was the big key to this as the competition went on. And I'm very curious what the overall journey of this meant to each of you.
 
Christopher Shulstad: I would say what I say at this fishing camp that I run and take risks, right? Life is way, way, way too short to not take risks. And you know, whether you grow up poor, wealthy or middle class or whatever, right, every opportunity that you have, every single person that you meet, look at them as an opportunity, or look at whatever it is… “Hey, where can this go? What can I do?” Because, you know, it may be scary sometimes to go to another country or wherever you may be going with people you've never met before, and it's like, “Oh, it's out of my comfort zone.” Make your comfort zone not a thing, right? Your comfort you shouldn't have a comfort zone. Don't live in that comfort zone, go explore, go see go meet new people, go do all these different things, because at the end of the day, when you die, I There's this quote I love. I heard it from Ed Violet, and he says, “One day when you when you get to heaven, or wherever you believe in, you're going to meet the person that took every risk and took every chance that they ever wanted to do in the life” Do you want to meet that person and go, “Hell yeah, man, it was a hell of a ride with, you know, no wheels on your motorcycle and smoking.” Or do you want to meet that guy and go, “Oh my God. What could I have done to be this guy?” Right? So, it's like, take the risk. Go do it, man.
 
Marcel Cunningham: How do you follow that up? Christopher, come on. Yeah. I mean, I definitely, like, you know, step outside your comfort zone and, and that's like, yeah, Christopher summed everything up. I mean, that was like, that's, that's perfect, you know, you know, it's, it's crazy, like, how many people that were there, and how different of like, fields of life that we're in, but we all were similar in like, a very unique way. And like, just making those connections. And like, you know, talk to that person that you might not have anything in common with. Like me and Christopher don't have much in common. We're both assholes. (Laughter) So it was just like, you know, and then we bonded over that. And like me and Andy had a nice conversation. He was water coloring, and I was crocheted, I was knitting, and we just sat there and talked. So, it's like, those conversations and those things that you normally wouldn't have, like me and Andy were probably never going to be in the same room in life, but now we were forced to be in the situation, and you bond, and you connect over the most random things. So, you know, get out there, have fun, talk to people.
 
Andy King: The reward that's it, you know. And I think firstly, for me, obviously changing the narrative, which was the big thing I wanted to do. I think I accomplished that. And now, you know, we're working on a new TV show, and I'm talking about a reality show. We're looking at some scripted things and unscripted. So, I feel like the opportunities are now coming. I don't want to, you know, “what do you want your legacy to be?” And that's kind of what Christopher and Marcel is saying, you know, I don't want mine to be… oh, you know, I want people to go “He was a cool guy. He did a bunch of different stuff. Like he wasn't afraid.” Like, how many people in my world at 63 years old are going to jump on a show like this and do these different things? You know what? You got nothing to lose and everything to gain. So. Get out there and live life.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.
​

While it was lovely to see Nina be crowned the winner in the season one finale of The Anonymous on USA Network, others had to be sent home to make that happen, and to pay them their dues as gamers, we sat down with all of the runners up from season one, starting with Victoria Vesce and Lilly Jenkins!
 
John Betancourt: So, I’d like to start by looking at the tough stuff, just because you two had some rough exits in this final episode here, and I'm very curious how tough it was to leave the show in the last episode,
 
Lilly Jenkins: For me, it was honestly devastating, especially to come that far and have the rug ripped out from right underneath me. But I think the hardest part was knowing who did it. If it was a strategic move, and it absolutely made sense for their game to send me home... I would have respected it, but because I had a really close relationship with Marcel, and I trusted him, and I basically tried to tug him along when everybody was against Marcel besides me, so finding out that Marcel was the one to kind of ruin that opportunity for me to get to the end was really hard to hear.
 
Victoria Vesce: I mean, for me, I really didn't even get an ending to the story, so I just literally was like, “Bye. See you later. See you back at home.” Um, so I feel like, for me, that was like… the bitter part of it wasn't even like Marcel eliminating me or who sent who home. It was just like; I didn't even get to have my mic drop moment and my little runway exit. I was I was ready. I was like, I want to work and twerk on the runway, but it's okay. Um, I just feel like I keep telling myself, like, you know, I may have not got the ending I deserve, because maybe it's not really, truly an ending for me. It’s just the beginning.
 
John Betancourt: Obviously, hindsight is always 20/20 and I've been very curious, if there's anything you could have done differently in your strategy, especially for you two, because what you both did, works so well.
 
Victoria Vesce: Well, I felt like for me, I mean, I can hate it on my Showmance all I want, but it really did help me in a longevity standpoint, but I feel like in a winning standpoint, it did not. So, I wish I could just go back and maybe minimize the Showmance a bit, or just, like, be just friendly to Christopher and not so, like, goo-goo, ga-ga, whatever I was doing, I have no idea. Like, what? I'm telling you, when you get your phone taken away from you for a month, I was like, what do you do? Like, you rely on that phone like, you're like, so that was very eye opening to me, but yeah, like, I wish I could go back and just not be so heavily connected to a person, because I feel like that ruined the potential to have, like, really strong alliances with the girls and with other people that could have helped my gameplay to potentially win.
 
Lilly Jenkins: I think for me, it would obviously be to not have stuck my neck out so far to where I dang near broke and I'm in paralysis at this point, because obviously Marcel sent me home, so I would not have stuck my neck out for him. And then also with my third handle, Rainbow, I think I should have done a much better job at concealing my identity and going a little bit harder in the paint on that one.
 
John Betancourt. Now, I want to talk about the great parts of this experience too, because everything I've heard from everybody I've talked to, is that this was a lot of fun. What are each of you going to miss the most about being in season one of this show?
 
Victoria Vesce: I mean, I feel like what I missed the most they didn't even show on TV. So yeah, I feel like there's a lot of parts like that weren't shown that I honestly, genuinely had such an amazing time with the cast. I feel like the best is yet to come with the cast. So, I just don't think this is, I mean, obviously I hope this is not my ending, Jesus. But like, I don't really think it's anyone's ending. I feel like everyone's got that opportunity to do more TV stuff. But, yeah, I think I'm just going to miss, like, having the anticipation of my stomach in knots on Monday nights and then trying to, like, drink five energy drinks to stay up for a midnight premiere. (Laughs) But you know, I think it's been fun while it's lasted, and I'll definitely rewatch it on Peacock.
 
Lilly Jenkins: I think for me, what I'll miss the most is honestly, having so many roommates, I wasn't sure how I was going to react. Coming from, you know, only living with my husband and my two dogs to all of a sudden, having 11 other people that I'm sharing a house and a bathroom with. But honestly, I really loved it, and you always felt like you had somebody, you know, so we are social beings. So, it was just so nice to have so many people on sleeping in a bunk bed. I mean, it just made you feel like you were at like a stowaway camp as a kid again. And so honestly, it was something I'll treasure.
 
John Betancourt: I think another cool thing to watch about this show is, is how you two grow as the season comes along, because there is that kind of initial confusion. But by the end, you two were gaming pretty hard and doing a great job with it. And I'm curious what this journey has meant to each of you.
 
Victoria Vesce: For me, I've, you know, maybe The Anonymous gave me nothing, but I feel like the one thing The Anonymous, quote, unquote, did give me, or I should say, like I gave myself was I was able to connect with so many people and make friendships, like, Lilly is definitely going to be a forever friend. Like, I hope she comes down to West Palm to see me like, there's so many forever friends in the cast. Dillian. We talk like almost every day. Andy, I love me some Andy, Nina is my queen. I talk to Marcel almost every day. So, like, those are friendships I'm going to, like cherish and really carry over for a lifetime, because we all shared this experience that's so unique just to us. We were Season One, the inaugural Anonymous. And, yeah, so and I'm just really blessed to have met Lilly. She's just such a great person and just a great human and, yeah, I hope me and her can do something together on TV, make a splash.
 
Lilly Jenkins: I would love that. I mean, honestly, I don't even know if I could top that. I mean, Victoria said it best of the experience. Obviously, we both, neither one of us won The Anonymous, but we walked away with, you know, meeting the most incredible people, having an insane, once in a lifetime experience that we'll be able to hopefully tell our grandkids about someday. I mean, it was just something we gotta think like we're all… all of us are here today, gone tomorrow. So do something. Do it.
 
John Betancourt: That is wonderful advice, to say the least. The last question that I have for each of you today, what are you most proud of when it comes to what you accomplished in this first season of the show?
 
Victoria Vesce: I feel like I mean getting this far as a new person, and you don't see a lot of like newbies on reality shows making it to the end. I feel like they always kind of get knocked off, like they're like they're a bombshell on Love Island or something. Like, you don't, you don't ever see like, anyone who enters a game later on really make it to the end. So, I'm kind of, you know, I'm proud of myself for almost making it to, like, the Final Four. I was right at the cusp, so top five. I mean, I can't help that, but, you know, I really stayed true to who I was. Again, a lot of parts weren't seen by you know, the viewership, but like, within the cast, like everyone knows who I am, they know my story, and I'm proud. Like, I didn't put on, like a persona, like, I thought maybe I should like, I didn't think of what I should do. I thought what, what do I want to do in this game? And I played the game like I wanted to. You know, looking back there were probably some choices I could have changed up, but at the end of the day, like, everything happens for a reason, and I'm a firm believer in that. So, you know, my journey on The Anonymous happened for a reason, and I'm really proud of how far I came and how baller I was. I mean, got two big threats out of the game. So, what can I say?
 
Lilly Jenkins: Okay, so for me, what I'm most proud of is, honestly, that I was even able to make it, you know, that I was on, you know, on The Anonymous in, in the domain. For me, coming from BFE, Michigan, small town girl, like I never thought that that would be something that would be feasible for me. So just getting out of my element and seeing the world and meeting insanely cool people that, like I literally have told all my friends and family about. So, I think I was just proud that I got there and then to make it to the end was honestly, it was incredible. I didn't think that that was going to be my story, especially soon as I got there, being up for elimination every night, I thought for sure I would be, you know, out, early on. So, making it to the end was a huge accomplishment.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

After twelve incredible episodes filled with twist and turns and epic strategy, season one of The Anonymous on USA Network came to a close last night, and to properly bid season one farewell, we sat down with the winner of the competition, Nina Twine, to talk all things Anonymous.
 
John Betancourt: Congratulations on winning season one. Amazing job there, and that's actually I'd like to start today. How does it feel to be the winner of the first season of The Anonymous?
 
Nina Twine: It feels amazing. It feels like an honor. I knew it was going to happen, but still, you know, I had to go through the whole process. But no, it feels amazing, especially being the first season. I, you know, heard what The Anonymous was, and I was like, I feel like this is made for me. Every aspect of the game, when I was looking at it fit what I feel is my gameplay style. So, I knew I had it in the bag.
 
John Betancourt: You manifested it, I love that! And you also had to go through one intense Face Off. The most intense one of the season to get there, what was that final Face Off like?
 
Nina Twine: I'm going to be honest; I was not nervous until I actually looked in the box. I find when I'm under pressure, when I'm stressed, I actually thrive. That is something that I find success in. And I think my heart rate was the lowest at that moment, at the beginning of the Face Off, then any other time in the game. Because all I could think is, this is it. It is your decision. It is going to be you who wins or loses, do not get distracted. And so, I will say the heart rate went up, of course, when I saw a win, but I did not want my face to show that at all. I think I was successful at it. Obviously, didn't get it stolen away from me. So yeah, it was, it was the toughest, but I was honestly the most calm I'd been the entire game.
 
John Betancourt: Now for the viewers, everything just went to black, but for you… what was life, like, after being crowned the champion?
 
Nina Twine: Knowing I was the champ, was, at the beginning, surreal, right? Because you're like, “Oh my gosh, this is crazy.” You come back home and you gotta go straight back to work, but as all the promos started coming out, you kind of start reliving it. And I'm like, “That's me. Like, Nina is here. Nina is The Anonymous, I can't wait for everyone else to find out,” I knew it the second I got there, but I'm glad that everybody now knows, and they get to see it themselves, and they also get to see the journey and what it took. You always, you know, it's still edited, right? So, you don't get the full 24 hours like we do, but you get a really good understanding of the path that it took for me to get to the end.
 
John Betancourt: I think what I appreciated that the most was that, like, the last two episodes were not a sizzle reel and were very honest and very raw. And I'm curious to ask that question too, because I like, was that we got to see a little bit of nerves from all of you. How nervous were you then during those last two episodes?
 
Nina Twine: Oh my gosh. While I was very calm in the Face Off, because now we're here, we just needed to do it. Get it done those last two days. Now, don't go back and look. I was… everywhere, blemishes, stress, everything was coming out of me. And I'm like, “Oh my goodness. Stay cool, calm and composed. You've gone thus far under the radar. You have been very effective in all the things you wanted to do. Rely on your confidence and your intuition. You've made it this far. Don't question yourself now. Make sure you have those conversations that you really need to have. You talked to this person already. Who cares? Go talk to them again.” And if I hadn't done that, who knows what my story would have ended up being, but I did do that, and I'm so glad that I did. I didn't hold back. I wanted to make sure that I covered all my bases, and those last two days, I was constantly running from base to base.
 
John Betancourt: Now obviously, as the winner, you know you don't really have to think back on anything you could have done differently because you won. But it does beg the question. There were some ups and downs. There were some days that people were kind of really gunning for you, what was, the most challenging aspect of doing this first season for you,
 
Nina Twine: The most challenging aspect for me, was being very mindful of what you're saying, while also listening so hard to what everyone else is saying, that was very difficult, because I'm telling myself in my head, “Remember what they just said,” you know, file that away, but also remember what you're telling them too. And that's really, really difficult. I didn't think it'd be as difficult as it was, but it was also kind of fun. I'm a puzzle person through and through, so I'm always thinking, “What's the next thing that I can do to find that next piece that fits just right?”
 
John Betancourt: It's a well-known fact now that everybody in the cast just basically friends, That you all have had time to hang out together, had a great time together, now that the whole thing is done, what are you missing the most about the experience?
 
Nina Twine: What I'm missing the most is just that genuine human connection with no distractions, right? This is something in our society that we constantly talk about and see, you go to dinner, and you can be with a friend. Your phone's right in your hand or on the table. We don't have any of that, so you have no choice but to chit chat, or like some people go take a nap, but either way, it's restful, it's relaxing. I very much enjoy people, that's something that naturally comes to me and really helped me out in a game like The Anonymous. So that is what I miss the most, having that connection with no distractions. When you want to talk about a movie and you can't remember the actor's name, you better start thinking, because you can't google it.
 
John Betancourt: This was a pretty epic journey in general, lot of growth, a lot of opportunities to do amazing new things. What did this journey mean to you on a personal level?
 
Nina Twine: On a personal level, this allowed, not only for me, but for others, to see Nina is here. There is no more labeling me as anyone else's anything. I am just Nina. I am my own person. I go through this my own way. It also gave me the ability to say, “You know what you're doing, girl, don't question it. Go all in.” And I -- although on Survivor, that opportunity was there, the confidence wasn't. This time around, I said, “Screw it. You didn't come out here to be bashful and, oh, I don't know, just do it, do it, do it effectively, and do it with the confidence that you know you have.” And that's what The Anonymous gave me. That's what I gave myself. And I'm so happy that I did not hold back.
 
John Betancourt: That brings up a great point that I want to follow up on, what then does it mean to be building your own legacy in this industry?
 
Nina Twine: it means more like… than a lot of people would probably think it does. Um, you can't control who you're related to, right? And I would never change that. But just like a lot of people, whether it's a sibling, a family member, a parent, guardian, a best friend, if there's anybody that you're constantly tied to, you're kind of like, “Okay, like, but I can do it too. Like, I swear I can, and in my own way, by myself,” and that is amazing to actually have it come to fruition, see it, have everyone else see it, be able to answer all the questions from my own point of view. So, it means a lot, and also kind of… I'm not like a huge manifester, right? But just to be like Nina's starting her own legacy. It started in Survivor: Australia, went back a second time. Now we're finally here in The Anonymous and to see it, to feel it, to be there, to know I did it all me, feels really great.
 
John Betancourt: Obviously there's more that goes into that legacy too, because this is obviously the first season of the show. You are now the standard for everyone. What does it mean to you now to be part of a show and the winner for something this new and this dynamic.
 
Nina Twine: It feels really great. I mean, there are so many really cool things that we see come out every year, and I get to say that I'm a part of it, and I'm the first. That will never, ever, ever, ever change. And what an amazing experience, especially how turbulent the game was from start to finish. It was such a tough, tough game, but such an interesting and amazing concept that grasped me the second I heard what The Anonymous was, what the game, the competition, was going to be, or what I thought, you know, it was going to be. Because, of course, your expectations can always change when it's the first season. So, it just feels amazing. And in all honesty, I don't think I can put too many words to it. Besides, like, just… grateful. Like I'm so grateful to have been given the opportunity there, and to have given the opportunity to myself to let Nina just do her thing and trust in her.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

​Matt Shively is an accomplished actor that has appeared in many a film and many a show. Currently, he stars as Quinten in the hit NBC series, Lopez vs Lopez, and we had the opportunity to sit down with Matt to discuss the show before its season three premiere.
 
John Betancourt:  I'd like to start by getting to know what it means to you to be back for a third season.
 
Matt Shively: It means the world to me. I've never gotten to a third season, it's incredible. You know, it's weird to say that you've never gotten to a third season, but like every season, kind of things change a little bit. People, people change a little bit. And so, coming into a third season and never having experienced it, I'm realizing it's so much more fun, like everybody is very much in the groove of their character and of our work days, and everything like that. So, it feels like, you know, it's work, but it really isn't like we really are just having an absolute blast, and it's just been incredible.
 
John Betancourt: Another element I want to dive into today, because I think this is the show is pretty much a phenomenon at this point. I think it's safe to say. And I'm curious why you think this is a series that resonates so well with people.
 
Matt Shively: I think it resonates so well with people… because not only is it relatable in a bunch of different ways, but we're we really do lean on topics that otherwise would not be considered funny. And we find a way. My mother always said, “If you don't laugh, you cry.” And so, I've always had kind of the point of view of, like, you know, no matter how bad something is, if you can find some form of light in it, then it'll make it easier, and then it's easier to get through. And so, when it comes to sobriety, or, you know, being cheated on and losing the love of your life, things like that, like we really kind of tackle these things head on. And then it's also very personal to both mine and George, where they really, as the seasons have gone on, they are growing as a relationship as well. And so, seeing where we started and where we are now, it just is kind of a thing where audiences are not only along for the story, but they’re also along for the ride of these real people, and it showcases on the show. So, I think what stands out really, is that we tackle things that otherwise wouldn't be funny, and we find a way to make it funny so that people can feel like they're not alone in that.
 
John Betancourt: Speaking of relatability, too, I think one of the big reasons that happens is because of yourself as an actor, and the cast. You all play your roles with honesty. And I'm curious how you create the realistic nature of Quinten.
 
Matt Shively: Well, when I got the role, I didn't think I was Quinten. I was like, “Oh well, I'm just acting on this guy.” But the longer the show is gone, the more that I've done, the more I'm like, I think I am a lot like Quentin, and as a person, I'm progressing at the same speed that he is. And so, it really is kind of -- the writers are incredible. And there are times where I'll get to work and it's, you know, time to do the table read, and I'm reading the script, and I'm like, “Were they in my room last night?” Like, “Did they hear what was going on in my head last night? Because this was the problem that I'm having in real life.” And so, it makes it very easy to bring it to the stage, because I'm going through a lot of this stuff. I'm not getting married, but I'm growing up, and I'm having to face mortality and getting older, I tell you, I turned 30 and I was like, “Okay, I'm 30,” and now I'm 34 I'm like, I don't know what happened to those years in between. The older you get that it just flies by. So, it's like, I'm trying to, like, slow down and enjoy everything for what it is, but the character and myself have kind of molded into one, and so it makes it very, you know, easy to kind of just slip in and out of what I'm doing, because I'm basically carrying what I'm actually going through into the show.
 
John Betancourt: Well, that explains a lot. But now I have to ask a follow up to that. Is it ever tough then to have that, that merging of the two minds? When you go home from work?
 
Matt Shively: You know it's not, really, because it all happens at the same speed. So, like when Quinten finds a solution to something, it usually helps me find the solution to something, and work has always done that for me as well. So, it's kind of one of those things where, like, when I'm working, I'm able to prioritize and organize my own problems and situations that I'm going through in a better way than when I'm not working. It's, as they say, idle hands are the devil's workshop. So, when I'm working, it makes it a lot easier. So then top that on, with Quinten going through similar things that I'm going through, it's like, coming home is like a breath of fresh air, because I'm like, “Okay, I feel like I went to therapy this week and I got it all out, and I feel so much better now.”
 
John Betancourt: Now this is an important show in general. In my eyes, it really, as a Mexican American, I think it's a huge deal to have this show on the air. And I'm curious what it means to you to be a part of such an important show.
 
Matt Shively: You know, I was… I was thinking about it recently, but I've been very fortunate that every kind of show that I've been a regular on and I've been a part of, the theme of the show, usually is surrounding kind of underrepresented communities and people of that nature. You know, I did a show called The Real O'Neals, and that was very much about a Catholic family dealing with a son coming out of the closet, and how you go about that. And my character was always very like, he was the jock. And usually, the jock would be kind of like the bully and all this, but he was the most supportive character there was. He didn't care that his brother was gay. And so, with this show, it's like I get to be kind of that person standing behind these people and helping lift them up as much as possible. So, it's been… it's just like, it's really kind of a treasured thing to be able to be a part of different projects that bring to light things that have kind of been snuffed out for so long. And so, I know how much it means the community. The area I grew up in, most of my family are, are Latino or Mexican. And so, it's like, I'm getting all these calls being like, “it's so great to finally see myself on television.” And I'm like, that's… I love that I'm even a part of that in any way, shape or form, because it's not often that people get to feel like the spotlight is on them. And that's, I feel like what we're doing.
 
John Betancourt: Now, obviously we’ve got to talk about, you know, season three. Without any spoilers in the mix. What are you most excited for audiences to experience this year?
 
Matt Shively: I'm excited. It feels like this year, you know, the first season was dealing -- kind of leading up to George coming to terms with the fact that he needed to be sober. And the second season felt very much like it was focused on him going through that journey of sobriety, and because of the strike and everything, we had only done the 10 episodes. So, it was very much that was what season two was leading up to, us getting engaged. This season feels a little more kind of spread out every one of us is going through different things. Mayan and I are trying to plan a wedding. George is dealing with his sobriety, but also finding new life in his family, and Rosie's dealing with the split from who she thought she was going to marry, and Chance is growing up, and kind of his mind is being able to absorb more, so we're having to be more careful of what we're teaching him as a family.
 
And so, it feels like everybody's kind of going on their own journeys this season, while also keeping everybody together. So, it feels like there's a lot more episodes where it's like, “Oh, it's me and Rosie are doing one thing, while George and Mayan and out doing another thing and then the next week, it's me and George.” And whereas I feel like the other two seasons, it was a little more contained, it was more kind of focused on big family group scenes and things like that, this feels like we're kind of splitting off a little bit, which opens up the door for just so many different stories and crazy situations to get in.
 
John Betancourt: The last question that I have for you today, what are you most proud of when it comes to your work on this show? So far,
 
Matt Shively: I'm proud of the belief and confidence that I've been able to keep going. I think I spent most of my career not thinking it was possible to be where I wanted to be and be happy and get what I want, and I feel like this show opened that door for me, and I as a person have just become so much stronger and so much more independent and so, I'm proud of the person that this show has made me.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Al Madrigal is an accomplished actor and comedian, who has appeared in a bevy of shows and movies over the years. Currently he stars as Oscar on the hit NBC series, Lopez vs Lopez, and in anticipation of tonight’s season three premiere, we sat down with Al to discuss all things Lopez vs Lopez.
John Betancourt: I'd love to start by getting to know what does it mean for you, to be back for a third season.
 
Al Madrigal: I mean, it's huge. It's… getting season three of a TV show these days is very tricky. Network sitcom season three, it's like next to impossible to get that done. So, it's a huge accomplishment for the show, and I think it says a lot about the show and what they've been able to do in terms of like, producing a product that has real heart and tons of jokes. like it really is delivering on so many different levels. I tell my friends, watch season two on Netflix and the entire thing, and just you could jump in there. It's a great show. And they're really learning how to use us. And these, a lot of the stories are mined from George and Mayan’s life. So, there's a lot of truth that goes along with all this stuff. And a lot of you know, again, real life hurt. You know, this father, daughter, relationship.
 
John Betancourt: I want to expand on that a little further, if we can, because I think that's one of the big reasons that people tune in. I know that I do -- there's a real personal connection that goes with this for me. But also, I'm curious why you think, just as a whole, audiences resonate with the show and can't get enough of it.
 
Al Madrigal: I mean, yeah, like, there's a little something for everybody in it. You know, there's, there's a lot of jokes. Obviously, you know, there's the people that are huge fans of George, there's, you know, Salinas (Leyva) and Brice (Gonzalez) come with their own fans/ I might be responsible for, like, one or two (Laughter), and then they, they're very well put together. And, like I said, in terms of the emotional connection that you feel with these characters, like you really do care about these characters. You care about this relationship. Is there a George, Rosie, “Will they, won’t they?” going on, and what's going to happen with Mayan, and you know, Quinten’s relationship as they move forward. So, it's you really do care about the characters. You're invested in their future.
 
John Betancourt: You bring up a really good point, actually, about the characters being one of the big focal points of this. There's a real sense of realism with every single character on this show, which is a testament to your work and a testament to everybody's work on the show as well. But I'm very curious how you as an actor, ground Oscar, the way that you do, because he feels like someone that we either know or have known or will know.
 
Al Madrigal: Yeah, um, I just, you know, it's putting this together… I think I haven't given a lot of thought to like… this all-encompassing. You know, Oscar? What does it mean to be Oscar? It's like you gotta think about that kind of stuff. I always get myself to an Oscar place right before I start every scene, which is a little bit dopey eyed, but very aware, like letting a ferret into your house, like, remember, Rizzo from the Muppets? That little rat? Like it’s like letting that guy into your house and he's looking, and he might take something, and I'm always looking for an angle, “you gonna eat that?” it's always like Oscar’s needs. Is Oscar hungry? So, you know, I start there, and I play around with it. But what's great about this character is I can do anything, you know, I can be mischievous. I can be, you know, a little bit, you know, indulged in “the vitamins,” a little bit, you know. And then I could also be very sensible and deliver some heartfelt advice at the same time. So, I love the flexibility of this character, and I'm just figuring it out as I go along, they surprise me with new stuff all the time.
 
John Betancourt: That’s incredible, and now I have to follow up on that, because I love learning how actors do what they do. So, I have to ask, how then do you just get into the moment. Get into Oscar’s head so quickly.
 
Al Madrigal: So, the writers crack up when they're behind the camera because they're in video village. Because they see me get into Oscar, and I don't even know what it means, but once I put on that beanie, really settle into it, you can… I don't know what it is, I'm really not even sure what's going through my head, but they immediately all crack up because I'm physically changed. I become him, and they can all tell that I've made the transition. And then they see me offstage with these glasses on and talking like this, and, you know, or doing one of these things, and they all crack up because it's such a different person. But yet, you know, Oscar lives inside me, for sure. So, to let him out, and the beanie helps a lot, and I just sort of transform once that thing goes on. I'm immediately that guy.
 
John Betancourt: There it is. The beanie is the key.
 
Al Madrigal: And the beanie, to let you know, a little secret, is a product of me doing a tremendous amount of TV and not wanting to go to hair. I’m in and out of the makeup trailer in about 10 minutes.
 
John Betancourt: On a broader level. This is… this is a show that I think is very important in a lot of ways, representation, speaking, just in having a Latinx family on television. And I want to know what it means to you on personal level, be part of what is such an important and pioneering show.
 
Al Madrigal: Oh, it's, it's, it's huge. And I love to be on it… but I don't love that it's, you know, alone. I don't love that there are so few shows that we have to draw attention to it. I'd love there to be... I remember doing this diversity award show with a big ad agency. Right after I left The Daily Show, it was IPG, and I'm sitting with the CEO of IPG, and he looks at me and he goes, “Can I ask you a question, just if, if everything was equal, shouldn't this just be an award show?” So, why? Why are there separate award shows? Why are there so, you know, like, why is there the Latin Grammys or the ALMA awards? Like, why don't we? Can't we just all be there? There’s enough of us to be involved in the Emmys, you know? Like, we shouldn't have to break out our own award show because, you know, so eventually, I'd love to see it in a place where we're just like, Lopez vs Lopez is just a comedy, and we're not even asking this question. So that's where we want to be ideally. Is just a really popular, common family comedy on TV.
 
John Betancourt: You know, that's a really, really good point.
 
Al Madrigal:  You know, like, sometimes when you develop television, they we, as a creator, you hear, because I do a lot of that, and you hear, “Oh, there's another Latino show.” So, it's between us and them. And I remember writing a letter to a network. I'm like, “Why not both? Why not both? If they're both good, why don't we just pick up both of those?” And so, yeah, that's where you want to be.
 
John Betancourt: I so agree with you. Now season three is on the horizon. Without giving away any spoilers, what are you most excited for fans to experience now in season three.
 
Al Madrigal: I think we're going to continue to see the relationship between George and Rosie evolve. Will they get back together? I'm not sure, maybe not, probably not, but it's always going to be a lot of intrigue, which is interesting in a multi cam. Because they've really embraced the sort of telenovela of it all, and that's fun. And so, it's lightly serialized for the people that are watching every single episode. And I think again, you're going to watch this show just continue to evolve and get better and better and better. And that's a testament to the Universal people and NBC for keeping it on air.
 
John Betancourt: And that's saying something, because it's already very impressive as it is. So that's a huge point there.
 
Al Madrigal: But again, you know when you watch -- there's great episodes in season one, but season two, there's 10 great episodes back-to-back, and those are on Netflix right now. Season one and two are Netflix if you want to catch up, and then you're going to watch those before October 18, feeding into this season. It's all going to make sense. You can start with this season, October 18, Fridays, 8:30pm right after Happy’s Place, which is the new Rebe McEntyre show. So yeah, we're, we're excited to be back on Fridays. No WWE to contend with, which is huge. And hopefully we come in there and own Friday comedy on NBC.
 
John Betancourt: The last question that I have for you today, what are you most proud of so far when it comes to your work on this show?
 
Al Madrigal: I am most proud of again, this is like… it really is a dream fulfilled for me, and I dreamt big. As a little kid, my dad would always make fun of me… are you Mexican?
 
John Betancourt: I am.
 
Al Madrigal: So, I had a little Mexican, dad, he used to say, and it wasn't a compliment, “Here comes the dreamer.” And this has always been a big dream of mine, to become this done, not shish, you know, comic relief on a comedy. So, I am definitely living a dream, and I'm really proud of myself for not working in an office and doing something I hated all my life and following my bliss. So, I am patting my back, and I've just gotten started because I got other dreams too. “The Dreamer” has more dreams, but this is a major one.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Emjay Anthony, Chiara Aurelia, and Kezii Curtis are a trio of rising stars in Hollywood, and currently they star as Dylan, Jordy and Spud in the new Peacock series, Hysteria! And we recently sat down with all of them to dicuss their magnificent new show!
 
John Betancourt:  I'd love to start by getting to know what it was that attracted you as actors to this particular project.
 
Emjay Anthony: Well, John, one of the things that really, you know, drew me to this role was just the 80s, you know, it’s such an iconic time period. You look a little too young to have been there, but it was, I hear it was really cool, you know, the music and the clothes and everything about it's just so iconic. So, we're very blessed to be able to experience that.
 
Chiara Aurelia: I think there were such multi-dimensional characters, and the show was really exciting, and it covered a lot of different genres. Also, it totally kept me on the edge of my seat when I was reading it. So, I hope that it will do the same for the audience that's watching it.
 
Kezii Curtis: I hope the audience is like properly restrained for the you know, internal dialogue roller coaster that every character goes on throughout the season. I think it's one of the most exciting parts about the script that drew me to it. But I really think after seeing it, and we all like doing our job it, the proof is in the pudding. I think is a really good show.
 
John Betancourt: Fun fact. I am indeed old enough, because I grew up in the 80s, and that's what I appreciated most about all your performances. They feel like people that I knew back then, when I was a young lad. And I'm curious how each of you as actors sold that authenticity, because you really tapped into the, just the zeitgeist of the era.
 
Emjay Anthony: Thank you. I love the 80s, you know, like the music and stuff, and it's just, like I said, so iconic. So, it was definitely, I feel like, I don't want to say easy for me, but like I said, I did know a lot about the 80s, so it wasn't too hard of a transition to kind of go into that. One of the main things was just not saying, like, some slang words, you know, or, like, we weren't allowed to give fist bumps, you know, because apparently, there's no fist bumps in the 80s. Just like a couple of little things like that were a little, uh, tricky, yeah, definitely.
 
Chiara Aurelia: I think that there was a -- we wanted to, you know, keep the 80s core alive. And I think there's so much nostalgia about the 80s, and watching movies from the 80s, and listening to music, it kind of transports you to a different time. We were hoping that our show could do the same. So, I think we all made sure to do our research as much as we possibly could to make sure that we were authentically representing 1989.
 
Kezii Curtis: Yeah, they pretty much nailed it on the head there. It was all just it was an excuse for me, because given I also love the 80s, just like if I saw a movie reference, I thought was funny, I'd be like, “Did that make sense for the time that the show takes place in?” So, it was just really cool to build a database and actually like… use it.
 
John Betancourt: I'm actually kind of curious too, because, I mean, you've all spoken about how nostalgic time it is, and how much, how much you admire in that respect. Why do you each think that this the 80s and, like, the style of 80s horror movies resonate so well with audiences now?
 
Emjay Anthony: I think probably because it was, they were the first people to do it, you know, like at that time, it hadn't really been done before, you know. So, it kind of set the precedent for, you know, nowadays, and we're still kind of copying a lot of, you know, greatness from that era.
 
Chiara Aurelia: I think that there's a lot of nostalgia that lives in all of us in terms of our memories. And I think that it's nice to be able to give people a bit of a teleportation device to remind them of a feeling that they experienced at a different time in their life. And I think that film and movies hopefully are capturing an experience or a feeling, and you can go back, and you can rewatch them and relisten to certain music, and it kind of helps you close your eyes and remember what it felt like to be 16 years old. So, I think that we're hopefully remaking things and making new content today that's providing that same like, nostalgic je ne sais quoi, and hopefully it's just, you know, pulling audiences in and getting them really excited and also making people feel something.
 
Kezii Curtis: I think, hopefully, that's the goal of movie magic to piggyback off what Chiara said. You know, our job as actors is to make the show or the movie real, and that was all we planned to do. And bringing this authenticity of a time that is so beloved in so many people's hearts, it would be a disservice to do it wrong.
 
John Betancourt: The last question that I have for each of you today, if you had to describe this series in a single word, what would that word be?
 
Emjay Anthony: It's two words, must watch.
 
Chiara Aurelia: Wait, I have to think of a good one. Hold on.
 
Emjay Anthony: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious?
 
Chiara Aurelia: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
 
Kezii Curtis: Great word. I’m gonna go with… insanity.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Matthew Scott Kane and David A. Goodman are a pair of highly accomplished writers and producers. Currently they serve as the co-showrunners of the new Peacock series, Hysteria!, and we sat down with both of them to discuss this delightful new show.
 
John Betancourt: I'd love to start by learning how each of you were inspired to bring this beautiful homage to the 80s to life.
 
Matthew Scott Kane: Well, it started in the present day. I think when I was writing this back in 2019, I had a general kind of anxiety that I think a lot of people shared, that maybe we were moving into something of like a post factual age where anyone could say anything, and it could make the rounds and completely reshape everyone else's reality. That didn't sit well with me that made me very stressed out and anxious, and so I looked back through history, and lo and behold, this is this exact same thing is happening in the 80s with Satanic Panic. It's a lot more fun to write a TV show about heavy metal horror movies and John Hughes sort of stuff than it is to talk about the present day. So that's what brought us back to this world. And of course, paying homage to the kind of the films that were clearly so inspirational towards the series.
 
David A. Goodman: Well, Matt created the show. I came to the show after he had written this pilot, and I read the pilot, and he found me after seeing a movie I'd done called Honor Society, which was high school movie, and I read the script, and I thought it was one of the best pilot scripts I've ever read, because it had all these things in it. And it really got to a truth about relationships between teenagers and their parents. Here you have this teenager making some really bad decisions, and, and, and then you also have grown-ups making really bad decisions, and it really talks about the fear in that relationship. And I really connected to it, and it's been a great fun partnership for me to do the show with Matt.
 
John Betancourt: I do love that there is a lot of depth to this particular show, and yes, a lot of those parallels. And I'm curious, because there's, there's so many wonderful messages and so many different layers to it, what you hope audiences’ kind of take away as a lesson when they've had a chance to sit through this series.
 
Matthew Scott Kane: You know, I think it's for me as it's as simple as, kids, try to imagine what it feels like to be a parent. Parents, try to remember what it feels like to be a kid. I think so much of the fear on either sides of this story could be alleviated by one or the other doing just that.
 
John Betancourt: There's also so much fun here, because this was just a walk down memory lane of what I have on my shelf. And I'm curious what you enjoyed the most about going into to the 80s and kind of recreating and paying homage to all this wonderful 80s horror.
 
Matthew Scott Kane: Well, I mean, I to be honest, I was born in the 90s. I was born in 1990, so I never actually lived through any of this stuff. I just happened to have a father who didn't sell off his VHS collection, and, you know, passed them on to me. So, I was able to pick up a lot of that kind of stuff when some other kid is watching Bluey these days, back then, I would have been watching and rewatching taped episodes of Tales from the Crypt, or Tim Burton's Batman or something like that. So, I'm a 90s kid, but I still have so much of that 80s spirit, and especially when I was coming up in high school and really getting into filmmaking. You know, I think two of the most important films of my lifetime, when I was young, were The Evil Dead and Re-Animator, one taught me that I really want to make films, and the other taught me I really want to write screenplays. You know, with Sam Raimi… he is just the craziest director of all time. And then I felt like the script for Re-Animator was really something else and got me into horror writing in general. Honestly.
 
David A. Goodman: I am a huge fan of Sam Raimi as well. I mean, I think to me that was such a gift when, when Bruce (Campbell) agreed to do the show, and I got to briefly work with Sam many years ago, and it was a gift to get to do something with him. But I also, I also got to work with Jeffrey Combs, who's on our show. And Jeff had been on the Star Trek that I was on, like a myriad of characters. And so, to me, it's always like getting to work with sort of your idols, people whose work you admire, Julie Bowen and Anna Camp and Barbara Crampton and all these icons are in our show that's so exciting.
 
John Betancourt: In general, what are each of you most excited for audiences to be able to settle in and enjoy when this when the show airs?
 
Matthew Scott Kane: You know, I I'm excited to for everyone to see the different sides of these performers that you've come to know and come to understand. And I don't think people are going to be expecting what they get from any of them, from Bruce, from Anna, from Julie, I think this is not Claire Dunphy. This is not a kind of, you know, bubbly, funny character that Anna's typically played in her career. This is someone that goes to really dark places, and she does it beautifully. And I also don't think anyone would picture Bruce Campbell as being the voice of reason in a small town trying to tie it together. You know, we didn't want Ash Williams to be out there trying to be the Sheriff of the town, because that's not someone that I think the locals are going to follow. But Chief Dandridge, we think would lock Ash Williams up for a good long time. So, I'm just excited to see everyone see different sides of these incredible actors I love.
 
David A. Goodman: I think for me, again, having along the lines of what Matt's saying, even further, it's always an exciting moment, if, when the audience connects with your show and see the things that you intended, and then a million things you didn't. And that conversation that happens through social media, about how people feel about your show is always exciting, even --- it can be frustrating, but it also is usually very exciting, especially if it’s a show, they like seeing. And I hope people are excited by this show, or as excited as I am, I think it's a great show, and I'm really looking forward to seeing the audience's reaction and seeing what they bring to it.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

This week’s episode of The Anonymous on USA Network saw fan favorite Dillian Frelow exit the show after Christopher landed the prestigious title of The Anonymous. But not before wowing the group with his incredible strategy and not before giving us one last one runway walk, and to properly bid Dillian farewell, we sat down with him to discuss his time on the show.
 
John Betancourt:  I'd love to start by getting to know, how did you get involved with the show? Because you guys have such a cool, diverse group of competitors.
 
Dillian Frelow: Well, you know, if you ever go to my Instagram page, you'll see me in all different types of fashion and craziness. So, I think that attracted a couple of people, and they wanted me on the show. So, I said, “Oooh. I’ll go ahead and give this a shot.” You know, at first, I thought it was, I thought it was the recruitment call for America's Next Top Model. But it wasn't. It was The Anonymous.
 
John Betancourt: Well, that actually takes me right to my next question. We gotta talk about the outfits. Because you were pretty much, no, there's no, pretty much, you are the most fashionable contestant on this show. No two ways about it, and I have to know what went into the decision to not only express your exuberant personality, but those amazing outfits, because they're on point.
 
Dillian Frelow: Let me tell you, I love fashion, it’s my passion. And so, I think I always say, if you look good, you feel good, you do good. And what that means is that if you really like put it on and you feel yourself, it's like your armor, that like you're going out for the day. So, you know, every day in the house, baby, I thought that baby, they was threatening to come and try to take me out, so I put on my armor and be prepared for them. And my fashion was that for me.
 
John Betancourt: Now you made it super far, which is great, and you're obviously your strategy has worked. And I'm curious what inspired the interesting strategy of being so exuberant in the house but so stealthy in the chat.
 
Dillian Frelow: Well, I wanted to make sure that those two worlds that we were playing in were vastly different from one another. That's the way that you can become the most Anonymous. So, I knew that in the chat I had to kind of take it down a bit. But I also knew that in real life, I have to throw out so many different things out there, so they never know. They can tie my name to so many different things in the chat. So, if someone is being super extra, people will be like, “Oh my God, that's Dillian in the chat.” They will automatically go with the first thing, because they'll probably think that I felt the way I act is the way I'm playing the game. So, I knew that, but I also wanted to make sure that, you know, in just the way I approach life is just being a real human being that have emotions, that cry, that laugh, that dance. You know, there's a lot of things in this world, in life that can sometimes be short. So, I just like, I have to live it. I have to live it fully. And so that's what my approach was in the house. And I was like, also saying, like, it's a social aspect of it too. So, I know I have to be socially acceptable and fun and crazy and a person that someone can turn to whenever things are getting down and negative. I work in employee engagement, and I'm literally, like, a professional best friend. So going into the house. I was like, I have to make sure that all these people in the house are my best friend, and that's what I tried to do.
 
John Betancourt: Now you bring up another good point that I did want to talk about today, so that's perfect timing. But it was obvious, as the season has come along, that such pressure just started to wear a little bit on you. You started to have to change your strategies, do some things differently, you took some heat for “not doing enough.” How tough was it then to have the wear and tear of people coming at you?
 
Dillian Frelow: I mean, hearing negative things said about or are seeing things that wasn't always in your favor, hurt. Like, you know, I'm human at the end of the day, like, you know, we're not robots. We actually have emotions. We have feelings. And so, some days, like, you know, I wear my emotions on my sleeve. So, if the day that I feel like it was being fake, I might just go off on you, like, you know, like I really am just that person that I'm going to say what's on my mind, I'm going to tell you how I feel, because I'm not going to smother my emotions to benefit you and your game. I have to make sure that I am sanely okay throughout the whole time, and I have to make sure that I live with no regrets. And so, by doing so, is by saying what I want, doing what I want, twerking, shouting, screaming, walking down the runway, giving my look to someone in the pool, baby. (Laughter)
 
John Betancourt: It’s also amazing we didn’t see this until the last couple of episodes.
 
Dillian Frelow: It really got to me because I felt like, you know, sometimes people try to put a narrative on you, and I think that, like they were trying to tell me the emotion that they thought that I was feeling, and I wasn't feeling that. For example, whenever we had the challenge and you know, like, I got put off to the side. I was happy that we actually still won the challenge, but to have Christopher come up to me and be like, “Oh, I bet you're sad, huh? You're so sad.” I'm like, “I'm not really sad. I'm kind of happy that we won the challenge. I'm sad a little bit that I didn't get safety,” but overall, I'm okay because we added money to the pot. So, it's just like. Like those narratives and those false narratives, to try to make a storyline, was trying to, like, really irk my nerves, and then I've just seen a lot of fake energy, and I just don't do well in those situations. I'm huge about being real, being authentic. And this is a game of deceit, and I get it, but sometimes people just went a little bit too far. And I'm just like, don't make me have to go off on you again.
 
John Betancourt: Now, obviously, um, there were tears at the end and obviously you gave us the gift of that final runway walk, which was epic, but how tough was it to say goodbye?
 
Dillian Frelow: I mean, those people in that house became my best friend. We spent every single day with one another, so it’s just like a big old family. You know, sometimes you fight, you bicker, you argue with your family, but at the end of the day, we're all working towards to better ourselves. And I was just, I got emotional a little bit because I realized that it wasn't the end of like the game that really got to me, but it was the end of us living together with no phones and no electronics, no outside, like, news from the world, but just us living and I think that was just so beautiful. And I just I miss that, you know, but I'm so grateful that they have now become our family. We've taken trips and are seeing each other. I've seen almost everyone on – the exception is Xavier and Robbi. I think those are the last – and Sydney. Those last three I need to see. But we're a big family, and… it's cutthroat at times, because you have all of these amazing personalities.
 
John Betancourt: Now I have to ask this question too. Is there anything you would have done differently from a strategy standpoint?
 
Dillian Frelow: Like I said, I live life with no regrets. I would not change one thing. I had a blast. I had the best time of my life, and I played it my hardest. So, I wouldn't change one thing. I'm excited for the future.
 
John Betancourt: Now I am firm believer that new experiences teach us so much about ourselves. I’m curious what you learned about yourself in doing this, you didn’t know before.
 
Dillian Frelow: I have learned that, you know, they say this is the ultimate game of trust and deceit, but it's, I mean, I've learned how to really trust myself, like I put myself on the chopping block. Me. Why would I do that!? But I did it because I wanted to become The Anonymous. So, this game puts your trust of yourself at the front of it, and so it’s not about trusting your castmates or trusting what they're going to do. It's about trusting yourself to know what's right and to follow that gut instinct.
 
John Betancourt: What does it mean to you, then to be essentially a pioneer, because you're now one of the first cast members of a brand-new show that's so dynamic and so unique.
 
Dillian Frelow: I mean, it carried a lot of impact. I'm so happy that I was able to go up there and show the world who Dillian is. I like to call myself like a “human confetti.” If you think about a confetti can and when you pop up, sometimes you're willing to pop up, but you sprinkle that joy everywhere you go. And that's my ultimate goal, is just to sprinkle little bits and joy and happiness everywhere I walk. And I did it. I did that. I felt that, and I know that I had one of the most amazing experiences. But most importantly, I was able to do it as me. I was able to show up and be in a domain and live as Dillian.
 
John Betancourt: Last question that I have for you today, what are you most proud of when it comes to your time on the show?
 
Dillian Frelow: The most proud thing I am is being quiet for that long. Y’all know me! I'm loud as hell, but that is me being able to stay quiet for that long. I surprised myself. (Laughter from Dillian and John)
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.
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Emilie Bierre and Caleb Dolden are a pair of rising stars in the business, and currently they star as Meryl and Arlo Chenowith in the new Peacock series, Teacup, and we recently sat down with them to discuss their roles in this amazing new show!
 
John Betancourt:  I'm curious to learn what attracted both of you as actors to be a part of this incredible show.
 
Emilie Bierre: Yeah, it was. It was pretty instantly, honestly, as soon as I heard about the project, and I got the first script for the audition process. I was just amazed by the world that Ian McCulloch had created and the depth of each and every character that he had wrote. Um, especially for, you know, for my character. Personally, I love it when people write kids the right way and when they have their own storyline and they're complex, and not just the kids. So, I really, really just fell in love with that. And I loved how, you know, how, yeah, how multifaceted she was as a young girl who is, you know, still growing, still learning, but suddenly has to grow up really, really quickly to handle the situation. So that really drew me to the project really, really quickly.
 
Caleb Dolden: Well, something that drew me to the project was how the world Ian created and who Arlo was. He was just a regular nine-year-old boy, and I can see myself in Arlo. And so that drew me to the character. And then another thing that drew me to this, the want to be in this, is like how much depth was in every character.
 
John Betancourt: I do want to talk a little bit about that depth too, because it's always a treat to talk to actors and learn about their process. And I'm very curious, because every scare in this story, or every bit of fear that your characters show, and obviously Caleb, the wild stuff that happens to Arlo in this show, you guys sell it with a crazy realism. And I'm curious how each of you made that work so well.
 
Emilie Bierre: I think it's all about trusting the people that you're working with, you know, trusting the writing of it all, and because all of it was really on the page, and then it's our job is just to make those people feel real and authentic. So, you know, when you when you get to know your character, when you've prepped for it, for it, you just have to let go and just be in the moment. And we had just an incredible team of people that made that really, really easy. And it, you know, feel organic too, like we were, in the woods together. I just truly felt like you were my little brother, and we were just living those crazy moments. So, yeah, it's just about like prepping, letting go and letting the magic happen.
 
Caleb Dolden: I guess for me, my preparation was, yeah, pretty much like Emilie's, like doing what you have to do to get to that place, for me, and then just letting go and giving it everything you have and trusting your scene partners. For me, that's true.
 
John Betancourt: Obviously, this is a very ambitious show, very big show, a lot of amazing moments. I don't want to spoil anything, but what are each of you most excited for audiences to experience when they get a chance to watch this very scary show.
 
Emilie Bierre: I think, well, the whole thing… we go really far, you know, with it, it starts off just presenting the characters, establishing things, but then as soon as you get past the first few episodes, you know, it just becomes bigger and bigger and more and more intense. So, yeah, I'm so excited for people to kind of join us on this Teacup ride and hopefully enjoy it as much as we enjoyed creating it. We had so many great challenges throughout all of it. And, yeah, it was, it was intense, but it was… we had a blast. We really did.
 
Caleb Dolden: Yeah, pretty much it was intense. We had a blast. And what I'm excited for people to see is, like the depth the show, and like the whole show, like how deep the show goes.
 
Emilie Bierre: Yeah, I think there's something for everyone too, you know. And there's… as much as you'll get those genre elements, you will have that family drama, and it keeps it all very grounded and very relatable.
 
John Betancourt: I absolutely agree. The last question that I have for you, if you had one word to describe this show, what would that word be?
 
Caleb Dolden: I'll go first, suspenseful. Probably.
 
Emilie Bierre: I really like disorienting.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Chaske Spencer and Rob Morgan are a pair of accomplished actors that have appeared in some massive franchises, such as The Twilight Saga and Stranger Things. Currently they play Ruben Shanley and McNab in the new Peacock series, Teacup, and we sat down with both of them to discuss their work in this epic new series.
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John Betancourt: I would love to start by getting to know what attracted you to this project, as actors.
 
Rob Morgan: Oh man. Ian McCulloch, great personality, great energy, great vibe. James Wan’s name at the top of it, Peacock investing, as they do, in quality material, and the journey of my character, McNab, I thought it would be something fun and refreshing for me to play.
 
Chaseke Spencer: Same thing as Rob said, Ian pitched the idea and the character, and I was just hooked right then and there. But like he said, It's the writing, it's all that stuff, then you want to be a part of something special like this.
 
John Betancourt: I think what I one of the things that I appreciate most is actually all of your work, because it sells a lot of the raw terror in this series. And I'm curious, as actors, how you manage to sell it honestly so well. Because you tapped into something very special.
 
Chaske Spencer: It's the directors, it's Ian. It's also working with actors, working with Rob, Scott (Speedman) everybody, everybody, the kids, everybody. And you know, when you have material like this, you want to bring your A game, and when you're surrounded by actors who bring that to your level, you know you want to rise to the challenge, and also just to play along.
 
Rob Morgan: You know, one of the things you do is you erase your ego about you and your ideas and thoughts, and then really focus on giving truth to your character's voice. And as long as you do that honestly, everything else falls in line. You don't go there thinking, “Oh, I'm playing horror, I'm playing comedy,” I'm just playing real life shit. And that's what comes across when you see the project.
 
John Betancourt: I love how it is a very ambitious project. I love the fact that it goes so hard with the horror. And I'm just curious, since there's so many amazing moments and so many amazing ideas in here, what are you most excited for audiences to experience or take away from this when they watch it?
 
Chaske Spencer: I hope, they look at the humanity of it, yeah. I hope they walk away with these characters, the human aspect of it.
 
Rob Morgan: Yeah. I'm fortunate that those brilliant ideas and things you just alluded to are what's given to me. Like they say, “Hey, Rob, we got this brilliant script written. All you gotta do is come and play it. Come up with all these creatives.” All you just gotta do is fall in line and play. Thankfully, that's all I had to do. They came up with the brilliant ideas and the creativity. And then, you know, trusted us with the scripts. And then the directors. You know, we had various directors for various episodes. They had their own unique spins and ways of coaching or directing us.
 
John Betancourt: I’m also curious what you each enjoyed the most, working on this project.
 
Chaske Spencer: Working with the cast, yeah, working with all the cast and the crew, everyone, but I'd say the cast.
 
Rob Morgan: Working with the cast and catering. (Laughter from everyone.) Catering was tasty. Yeah, I said, damn, put more money in the food than me. Like all this good food? Yeah, the food was, I know that's something, that was good food on that set, man. (More laughter)
 
John Betancourt: Let’s dig a little deeper into it as well. Because I always find that horror tends to have a little bit of depth to it, and I’m curious if there is there a particular message that you kind of hope the audience takes away from this piece.
 
Rob Morgan: I hope, if anything they take away is that we're stronger together than apart.
 
Chaske Spencer: Exactly what Rob said.
 
John Betancourt: What are you each most proud of when it comes to your work in this season.
 
Rob Morgan: I haven't even seen it yet, just hearing, I think I'm most proud of Episode Five, because I haven't seen anything, but people literally stopped me and telling me how good episode five is.
 
Chaske Spencer: I'm just, I just love hearing yours and everyone’s reaction, that you all think it's a good show. And I just, I love that, so thank you.
 
John Betancourt: You’re welcome. It’s such a blast. The last question that I have you gentlemen today, if you had one word to describe this series, what would that word be?
 
Rob Morgan: Mind-bending.
 
Chaske Spencer: Psychological.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.