Jennifer Oxley is a highly accomplished producer that has worked on a bevy of family programming, including Wonder Pets! Currently she helped bring for the next chapter in the saga, Wonder Pets: In the City on Apple TV+, and we had the honor of sitting down with Jennifer to discuss this magnificent new show.
John Betancourt: I would love to start by getting to know what inspired you to want to bring this iteration of Wonder Pets to life.
 
Jennifer Oxley: Well, you know, when we, when I got the call asking if I wanted to, you know, bring a new version of the Wonder Pet to a new audience. I was initially shocked, but also, like, because I didn't expect it, but I was also super excited. I loved the challenge of, like, regaining something that stays true to the love and, sort of, like, the nostalgia for the original and honors the spirit, but also takes it to another level, you know, the challenge of like, what could this new take on the Wonder Pets be? So, you know, I got to thinking, and I thought, well, what if our originals that lived in this little classroom in this quintessential rural environment in this red schoolhouse, what if they weren’t alone? What if there was actually this vast network of, you know, opera singing animals all over the world, and we get a chance to meet, you know, three new pets in a new location with new personalities and, you know, new ways of getting around, new ways of getting there. Also, it'd be like… sort of like same format, but, you know, sort of break it out and get a chance to meet some personalities.
 
John Betancourt: I was really impressed with the depth of the songs, of just the lessons overall. And I'm very curious, well into the decision for this iteration of the show to have such impactful and powerful lessons.
 
Jennifer Oxley: Yeah, that's a that's a great question, because, you know, on the original, you know, we definitely like, you know, spoke to the sort of message of kindness and the sort of like joy of helping others, collaboration, teamwork, that was at the heart of the original and I think it's still at the heart of this spin off, but we also wanted to challenge ourselves, because the question is sort of like, why now? Why bring this to the screen now, you know, what if we were to add an additional layer of storytelling, you know, speaking to messages, deeper messages, passion, empathy and inclusivity, you know? What if we were to challenge ourselves to, you know, have a layer like that in every one of our stories for this new spin off. So, I think that that's something that really will set it apart, I think, from the original, and it is definitely an expansion on the world. Even though we did do that, we touched on that on the original, I feel like we've really gone for it on this side, this new spin off.
 
John Betancourt: Now there are some incredible lessons present in this show. Especially when it comes to moral and racial issues people encounter in the real world, and I’m curious what kinds of challenges went into putting together those lessons.
 
Jennifer Oxley: Yeah. I mean, you know what? One thing that we do, pay extra close attention to is, you know, making sure that we get it right. So, we definitely work with a lot of consultants to, you know, sort of make sure that what we're doing is, you know, right, and get their advice on how we might, you know, tackle some of these, you know, subject matters, these deeper, you know, messages in a sort of kid appropriate way. But I will say that that Tate, Tate the snake, sort of like embodies, you know, sort of what we were trying to do with this series, in that, you know, he is this, this snake. And a lot of people, you know, think of snakes as slimy and sneaky and scary and like, already have this preconceived notion of what they are.
 
So, what if we had a character that sort of has that sort of almost like baked into, you know, into the character, and so, you know, we had that episode where they traveled to the farm to help this mom and chicken with this runaway egg. And when the pets get there, she's like, “Oh no, hold the bone. I don't want this snake helping me” because, you know, she's judging him by his appearance. Um, so the whole episode, you know, we still have our formal features of like, we're saving an animal while singing opera and working together. But then there's this added layer of like, you know, don't judge a book by its cover, you know. And we have this wonderful apology moment where she realizes that she was wrong.
 
John Betancourt: Speaking of other challenges too. I would be remiss to not ask, what kind of challenges went into assembling such incredible songs because they're so perfect and they work so well.
 
Jennifer Oxley: Oh, thank you. You know, I think that writing for the Wonder Pets is a challenge because you're basically writing a mini opera. You're weaving in and out of dialogue and song lines, and sometimes it's little, you know, some moments, and then sometimes it's full-on songs. So, it's like figuring out what the flow is going to be. We definitely have some amazing, you know, writers that have come back to work on this spin off. Billy Lopez came on board as our series lyricist. So, I think, like his genius is definitely singing through in all of the songs. And then we were also able to through Jeffrey Lesser, our music producer, who was on the original and is now back with us on the spin off, he was able to tap into his community of Broadway composers, sort of bringing back a lot of the original composers that made the series so great, way back when, to compose for us for this new series, and we also brought in some new voices that we hadn't worked with before. That has also been a wonderful treat. So, you know, if we're going to, let's say, into a Japanese painting. It was important to us to find a composer that could help us with that style of music that's authentic to that genre.
 
John Betancourt: Now this is, you know, I mean, Apple TV has just such a massive audience in general, and now this beautiful show is going to be in front of so many people. And I'm curious what it means to you now, as the shepherd of two iterations of the show, to have it out to so many people in this manner.
 
Jennifer Oxley: You know, I mean, I think that's really what it's all about, you know, for me is, you know, telling stories that are going to touch people and ultimately make a difference. And I do agree with you, the reach that Apple TV has, I think is going to be fantastic, and it's been such a wonderful partnership. You know, they really encouraged us. Michelle Hennessy, our exec over at Apple TV, you know, was a fan of the original, so she brought all that love and joy for the original, you know, to this new spin off, and really empowered us to see how we could elevate our storytelling and our animation.
 
John Betancourt: Ultimately, what do you hope Wonder Pets in the city accomplishes for audiences?
 
Jennifer Oxley: I mean, I guess I hope that they, they feel the love between these three friends who are so different, you know, and feel the sort of joy and the kindness that sort of like is exuding from their, you know, relationships with one another and how they work together, and how they're able to get along, and how, when they come together again as one, they can do great things. And I feel like that's sort of like a message that can be applied to, you know, things that go well beyond preschool and television, the idea of bringing, you know, different outlooks and personalities and views together to work as one.
 
John Betancourt:Oobviously this is a part of been near and dear to your heart for ages. And I'm curious, just from a personal standpoint, what it means to go on this journey.
 
Jennifer Oxley: Yeah, it's been great. I mean, I think that the best part about it for me was that, like, I said, like, it kind of, it started this way, you know, getting to stick with, you know, what I think made the show so special way back when. This sort of unique look and the idea of a mini operetta music forward format that records a live orchestra for every episode. I think that because we were given the freedom to stick with that, I think that that has been very special for me, but maybe even more so than that, was getting the chance to work with the folks that made the show so great way back when. So many of the original, talented, you know, animators and designers and composers and writers and lyricists came back to help us, you know, bring these new characters to life. And I feel like their experience and knowledge from the original and then bringing it forward all these years has enabled us to really take it to that next level. I don't think we could have done it without them.
 
John Betancorut: The last question I have for you today, what are you most proud of when it comes to this iteration of the show?
 
Jennifer Oxley: You know, I think I am very proud of the fact that we are able to tell these sort of deeper stories, you know, that we were able to touch on things that you know sometimes are shied away from on kids TV. You know what I mean, like, the episode that I was speaking about the mama chicken and the egg. You know, that was a complicated story to tell in the right way. And so, I think sometimes the inclination is to just not do it. But I love that, you know, we were given the freedom to challenge ourselves to try and tell some of these deeper stories.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Michael Angarano and Andre Hyland are a pair of talented actors that are quickly coming to dominate our screens large and small, and currently, they star as Richie and Zack in the new Peacock series, Laid, and we had the honor of sitting down with both of them to discuss this amazing new show.
 
John Betancour: Would love to start getting to know what inspired each of you as actors, to want to join this project?
 
Andre Hyland: Well, the creators have a good track record, so that, and then the script was really funny, and then also it was right on the heels of the strikes ending. So, it was just like, amazing and great to be back to work.
 
Michael Angarano: Yeah, it was a no brainer. It was a really great script that was genuinely funny. And Nahnatchka Khan is, is a genius slash beast, like she's just, you know, so incredibly smart and down to earth and funny and, like, just such a good person to work with. And also, like, Stephanie (Hsu) was somebody I had wanted to work with. And, yeah, it was just, it was also the character, like, it was such a fun character for me to play that there was pretty much, like, no reason to not want to be a part of this. And like, Andre said, it was like, hot off a yearlong strike in which nobody worked. And so, everybody who had read this script, and there were a lot of people who read this script, thought it was one of the, you know, better things they had read. And so, it was just exciting all around.
 
Andre Hyland: Yeah. So, I even read for different parts. I read for Richie, and then kind of came and went, “Okay,” and I got a call being like, “Can you do a chemistry read for a different character?” and I was like, “Oh, yeah.” And then I wound up playing, Zack, and I was, I think… we've talked about this earlier, just like, how they cast everybody really fit the writing and vice versa. I think it was, like, really well curated.
 
John Betancourt: That does actually bring me to my next question, because you're now a part of something that's very original and very refreshing for the airwaves, and I'm curious what it means to each of you to be a part of a project like this?
 
Andre Hyland: I feel like that's some that's an element you would always like to have in something. And it's, it's unfortunately kind of rare. So, it's great to get to do that, to feel like you're part of something that feels different than everything else.
 
Michael Angarano: Yeah, like, first you want to have a good experience. Then if something's creatively satisfying, that's just a plus. But people watching it is the ultimate, the ultimate plus. And so, the show just feels like, you know, it has the potential to, like, you know, be accessible to a lot of different people, just not like the industry or a certain group. So, it feels it's exciting in that sense, yeah,
 
Andre Hyland: Yeah, almost like it's got a big reach, but it's still a unique project.
 
Michael Angarano: Yeah, it was totally, it's a tough combo.
 
John Betancourt: I think there's a lot of layers and a lot of themes here, people can latch on to. And I'm curious if there's a particular theme or message that you hope the audience takes away from season one.
 
Andre Hyland: Treat people nice they sleep with. (Laughter from everyone.)
 
Michael Angarano: That's certainly one. I, just thematically, I really, like, I really appreciate how the show, like, talks about sex and death, doesn't take itself too seriously, obviously. But it's also like, you know, I just appreciate the sort of full -- the flawed characters, and how we're treating these people and how, you know, we're watching them actively make and retroactively make many mistakes. And you know, they're just kind of figuring their shit out. It's, it's messy. It's very messy in that sense. And that's, that's nice. That is a nice thing to see. It's a less watered-down version of that, you know?
 
John Betancourt: Obviously there's more than just, you know, the depth and what we kind of talked about and some of the magic of it. It's just purely a funny show in general. And I'm curious, from a more general standpoint, what are each of you most excited for audiences to experience when they tune in?
 
Andre Hyland: I, like, there's some… I mean… stuff I can't and don't want to say, but I just like, sort of the twists and turns of the show. Like, it's a fun one to watch, not knowing what's going to happen. There's a better way of putting it, yeah. I'm also like, I like to go to movies in as blind as I can, but I feel like this is a kind of show where you want that, you get the premise, and that's like, I don't know, to get further into it. It's like, I don't know there's stuff I'm excited about that I experienced. But just as a viewer, I think it's just fun to watch it unfold without knowing what's going to happen.
 
Michael Angarano: I think just nostalgically for me, especially like millennials in general, like the show, feels a little bit like a throwback to the kind of, you know, raunchy or romantic comedies that were being made in the 90s, like dark comedies, a little bit like Jawbreaker, Drop Dead Gorgeous, or… Forrest Gump, yeah. You know, old Zemeckis, prime Zemeckis? No, it just, it just feels like it has that reverential throwback vibe to me, a little bit that I think people will click into.
 
John Betancourt: Last question I have for you… if you had to use one word to describe this series, what would it be?
 
Andre Hyland: Oooh. One word. My first thought is like, regret, but that doesn’t say it all.
 
Michael Angarano: This is hard… what have other people said?
 
John Betancourt: Have to be honest I haven’t asked this question to anyone from Laid, today. I’ll take more than one word if it helps.
 
Andre Hyland: I’ll just go with kimono for me.
 
Michael Angarano: Yeah, I’ll just go with relationships.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Sally Bradford McKenna is a highly accomplished writer and producer that has worked on many iconic shows such as Will & Grace and Don’t Trust the B---- in Apartment 23. Currently serves as the co-showrunner/executive producer of Laid on Peacock, and we had the honor of sitting down with her to discuss this dynamic new series.
 
John Betancourt: Sally, thank you so much for your time today, what a great show you've helped assemble. And I want to start by getting to know what inspired you to help bring this project to life.
 
Sally Bradford McKenna: This was actually based on an Australian format from 2011 this was a show that John Davis, one of our EPS, got the rights to, and he brought it to Nahnatchka Khan, who's incredible writer and showrunner and director. She was instantly on board. She came to me wanting to partner up on this. I think she thought, my guess is, she thought this was something that would be very much up my alley. And she was right. So, she came to me early, early COVID days, going, “Do you want to work on a show?” And I was desperate to leave my son's room where I was teaching him math, so I was thrilled to work on anything, but this especially, not only just because it was not but also the idea of it was just so my sensibility.
 
John Betancourt: Let’s expand on that a little further, because I'm very curious what it is about this concept that has resonated with you since it's so different and so unique.
 
Sally Bradford McKenna: Yeah, it's really, I mean, we try and think of it as it's one cohesive show, but we really have such different tones going on. We have a rom com. The way we even started is it feels like you're watching one show, and then we take some hard turns, even in the pilot, to go, like, “Wait a minute. I thought this was a sweet Anne Hathaway rom com. Why are people dying?” So I was very intrigued by that, not just because it's tricky, but it's, it's two things I love, I feel like, in terms of doing the terms of telling love stories, we still wanted to be hopeful and optimistic, and still kind of, you know, tell those stories that we've grown up on, watching classic rom coms, but also have this dark, effed-up twist that, that I personally love.
 
John Betancourt: I too, love the twist. I thought it was so refreshing and speaking of it, you mentioned a lot of the twists and turns and a lot of the different directions that it takes. What I appreciate the most about it is that there's so many layers to it about romance and modern romance. And I'm very curious what you kind of hope audiences will take away from this season from a deeper perspective when it comes to those concepts like love and dating?
 
Sally Bradford McKenna: Yeah, I think the main thing we're hoping is that the audience is going to be surprised and kind of see how unexpected all the turns are of the show. I don't think we want to say, I don't think we want to, like, deliver any message on love, but I think if there was a takeaway, it is that it's messy, and it's messy in 2011 or 2024, and in Australia, or in America, or queer, straight, it's, it's all messy, and there is no one real answer by having a character like Ruby, who's so you know, focused on finding the one and finding the thing that she thinks is going to complete her, and then having to go on this journey where she realizes “I don't know what it is I'm looking for,” felt very relatable, very universal. And we also just love the metaphor of like, having to tell these stories of, why can't I find love? Is something wrong with me? And the answer is yes, there is this very specific, fucked up thing that's wrong with you.
 
John Betancourt: what are you most excited for audiences to experience when they get a chance to tune in without any spoilers?
 
Sally Bradford McKenna: Yeah, I think the mystery of it, and trying to figure out, trying to have guesses about what it is and always be wrong. I think the other thing is, because we have this kind of, this built in device of the sex timeline, and we have all these great characters that we hope we're gonna meet. We don't know how we're gonna meet them. We don't know who they're gonna be. But it was such an opportunity for such incredible guest cast that we – we got extremely lucky, of like, making a wish list on day one of the writers’ room, and then bringing a lot of those people in. We got very lucky. And it was really fun to have Stephanie also, Stephanie Hsu, who's very, you know, instrumental in all of this, obviously, but even in casting, she was able to kind of attract some, some people we're really thrilled to be working with.
 
John Betancourt: What does it mean you then, to be a part of something that is so refreshing and original?
 
Sally Bradford McKenna: So yeah, it's tricky. It's like two things. It's original, and no one's seen it before. At the same time, we have such, I have such imposter syndrome, like this is based on a different idea, but it's such an idea, I could not have come up with a better concept. It’s one of those concepts – so, I heard of it and it's like, you're jealous of it immediately, like I could have come up with that. So, we love having both of those things. Like, there's already a template here. There's something to work off of, but we can definitely make it our own, and especially from episodes two on. You know, we definitely opened up everything plot wise, character wise. We definitely did our own thing with it. But, yeah, it's really fun.
 
John Betancourt: What are you most proud of when it comes to what you've accomplished in this first season?
 
Sally Bradford McKenna: Oh, boy. I think for me, it was working with Nahnatchka. I love Nahnatchka, and I've worked for her before, and I could not… there's not a person you could learn more from. Or more quickly, from. She is the greatest teacher in terms of just staying level-headed and calm and cool and collected no matter what is thrown at her, and just being so knowledgeable about writing, about directing, about producing. She's an incredible person to watch. So, I had a had an incredible time working with her.
 
John Betancourt:  last question today, what then did you enjoy the most in writing this and assembling this first season?
 
Sally Bradford McKenna: I think the fucked-up tone. I think really, I feel like I love both those tones, but putting them together, it was really, it was ambitious. It's an ambitious show to kind of put together like these two tones that should not go together, but we make them go together. And there are times where it feels like they go together kind of naturally. And then we even have moments in the show where they don't like there's something very comedic happening in one part of the screen, and then something dark and tragic and heavy happening over here. And to be able to feel those two very different things at once. Um, hopefully we did our and it comes across.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

We’re not done yet with coverage regarding the epic season finale of You Would Do It Too (Tú También lo Harías) on Apple TV+. Simply because that twist was one for the ages, and who better to speak to regarding it, than the man who chose to become the Justice, than Pablo Molinero, the actor who plays Fran on the show.
 
John Betancourt: I would like to start by getting to know what it was that attracted you to the role of Fran in the first place.
 
Pablo Molinero:  So not to reveal too much about the character, but I really found his journey interesting, extremely interesting. It really gets you thinking how one person can really change their mindset and perspective about things, about truth and justice, when life gives you the adequate circumstances to do so.
 
John Betancourt: I'm also very curious, because every actor in this story has just such depth to the character that they play, and that's a testament to your work, because you created someone that's very real. And I'm curious how you made Fran feel so real as an actor.
 
Pablo Molinero: I think just David Victori’s way of working, his methodology really facilitated creating all this… new reality, what he wanted was to make the scenes really dynamic and to pick up momentum. So, we didn't shoot with a lot of cuts. We actually shot as if they were sequences, even if they were edited afterwards. For us, for the actors, we just didn't stop rolling. We acted as if we were in theater when it all really has this flow.
 
John Betancourt: So, I have to ask, if you were aware of the twist in advance.
 
Pablo Molinero: So, I knew, but the others didn't. For example, I knew that there were going to be eight episodes, and I knew what the finale was going to be, but my co-actors like Anna Polvorosa and Ana Wagener, who played the chief, they didn't know. They didn't know that what the last episode was going to be, and they were shooting without actually knowing what the end was going to be. They found out while they were watching something on television in one of the scenes, and they saw my character appear.
 
John Betancourt: Then as a follow up into my question about building the character. How did knowing the twist in advance help you build and flesh out Fran?
 
Pablo Molinero: So, what happened to Fran actually, is what happens to many of us as we go through life, and we come across a crisis. For a person who is very rational and very organized and has this very structured way of thinking, they experience a full loss of control, so they no longer really know what their life is. They don't know what being a cop is. They lose sight of the fact that they're working to serve others and in the benefit of truth and justice. And Fran experiences a full change in his personality. He becomes chaotic. So, it's not really that I thought what this was going to be like. I actually had to experience and live through this crisis. So that's not something that you think through, and you that you think out, but you actually live it.
 
John Betancourt: That is very insightful, and obviously this is a very, very intelligent show. It has a lot to say about choices we make. Great example is Fran’s journey. And I'm curious what you kind of hope from a message standpoint audiences take away from this season.
 
Pablo Molinero: With so many twists and turns, I don't think that… well... I don't have an intention myself, and I don't think that the writers had an intention of either in providing a message or an answer, but rather to really get us to question our role in what society is like now. What is truth? What are all these truths, especially in this time when we see fake news, how easy is it to manipulate truth? Do we each have our own truth as individuals? How does the media interfere in creating this truth? So, if anyone comes out with lots of questions, I'll be quite satisfied.
 
John Betancourt: The last question that I have for you today, what are you most proud of with what you accomplished here?
 
Pablo Molinero: Well, I could say that we had this one day when we were shooting, and it was called -- the whole day was called the opera. It was just shooting straight from the attack on the bus to the cops arriving, to the interrogations, to transferring to the police station, to the prison, and these were all sequences that were shot together. It was nonstop from when they yelled action to when they yelled cut. It was two hours, which included the transfers from like the scene of the crime to the police station, when we must have shot straight through about 200 pages of the script. So, it was almost theatrical, as I was saying, and just the show must go on. So, it was really nonstop. It was a full trip.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

It is definitely safe to say, that the season one finale of the incredible Apple TV+ series, You Would Do It Too (Tú También lo Harías), has left us with a lot to process. Courtesy of that epic twist involving Fran and well, to properly process such matters, we sat down with series co-creator, writer and executive producer, David Victory to discuss that ending and more.  
​
John Betancourt: I would love to start by getting to know what it means to you now, to have the first season of this incredible story out into the world.
 
David Victori: I'm super excited. I mean, as we talked the first time, I was really excited about, you know, it was taking forever for me. You know, one episode each week. It was, for me like, “Oh, my God, still. They are still in the third or the fourth episode. I can’t believe it.” I was really excited. I was shooting another project during this time, but I was keeping an eye of what, what was going on and you know, I have a group chat with the actors and some of the crew. And we was talking about, you know, the reactions, really excited about how people in many countries were enjoying the series. So, so, yeah, I'm happy.
 
John Betancourt: As you should be. What a finale that was, and a twist that I just did not see coming in the slightest and speaking of that, let's talk about a second. When did you and your co-writer decide upon taking Fran down that crazy path?
 
David Victori: It's a really good question, man, I remember really clear the day that we decided about this ending, and I was working not just with a writer that day, I remember that we had a meeting with a friend of mine who is an expert of a psychological tool that I use for my project that is called Enneagram, and we was kind of working so hard on the design of every and each character. And I remember that we was talking really deep on the character of Fran, and we was talking about all the arcs that these kind of people, the people that has this character, can go around and how, how people like this can change. And it was really interesting when he said, the people who normally don't take action and is more passive, sometimes, when they take action, they are really crazy about the decision that they make. Suddenly, going around these ideas, suddenly we were like, what about if he really goes crazy?
 
And, you know, and he just decided to go for his own sense of justice, and don't care about whatever this means as a human being. And we suddenly had the idea, and we go wild, we start to laugh, like, kind of nervous, laughing like, “Oh my God, no, no, no, no, we cannot do that. We cannot do that. That's wild, that's crazy.” And it's like, yeah, man, but you don't see that coming, you know? And the exciting thing is that make a lot of sense for the design of the character. So that's what we are proud of that because as crazy as it seems makes sense for the arc of the character. And, yeah, this is why we did it, and we're kind of brave about that, and we and we did it, and I think that is savage and crazy and wild.
 
John Betancourt: I'm very curious, how early did you guys decide upon the twist as well? Because clearly, as I was thinking about this and going through all the stories before our interview, You start seeing it build. You start seeing it build. So, hi, yeah. When did you guys really kind of hit that inspiration point to start work on the twist.
 
David Victori: I mean, so we wrote all the episodes from the beginning. So we, when we enter in production, we had the, you know, the last draft of every and each episode ready so we have super clear about every detail that we want to build up and in a way, you know, what happened with this character is, in a way, he… so, what is interesting about the project is that if every part of society stop doing or stop trying to do the correct thing, because it's complex… uh, I think that that will never have a good end, you know. I think that what we was talking a lot about this series, is that, in a way, is like society is like a teenager right now, you know, like, it's like a teenager who cannot hold complex subjects.
 
You know, everything that happens in society, we react in a really simple way, like, like, “Okay, who is the bad people? Who is the good people, who are the heroes, who are the villains?” And I think that this relationship with reality is really poor and really sad, because it is not how it is, because in our personal life, everything is complex. You know, it's not just -- things are not simple. So, coming back to the question, when we build that with this character, we try to, kind of like make him go through all the way feeling this kind of disappointment with everything that happened. So, at the end, he feel alone and he feel completely disconnected, in order to, in some moment, he can do anything, and it's okay, you know?
 
John Betancourt: That's great. That's brilliant, and what a good point on society being so immature at this point. Now obviously, I hear you're passionate about this. We talked about the passion before. What did you enjoy the most about putting together this wonderful first season?
 
David Victori: Look the other day, I just shoot another project with the same DOP and part of the same team and we were talking the other day, and he said something really interesting. He said, “in Tú También lo Harías, everything works in a really magical way.” He said, “suddenly we had the ingredients to make the perfect cocktail,” you know? And it's true that when I remember the shooting of this project, the editing and the writing, it was really magical. I think that we choose really well, the team, we choose really well, the actors, the synergy with all the actors, it was amazing. It was something magical and something really, really strange that happened that doesn’t always happen, John, that is, I had completely creative freedom, and that was amazing. That was a dream come true. So, I remember that expression of freedom, creative freedom. And when I was in that process, I remember being aware of that and understanding that that was something that I have to be really grateful about, because it's not always like this, yeah, so I earned that as much with as much responsibility as possible, you know? So, so, yeah, I remember, my memories, about this project is they're really special.
 
John Betancourt: Keeping in that line of thinking, what does it mean to you to have created something so refreshing and so original?
 
David Victori: It's, it's my goal from the beginning, you know, I try to make movies that I will enjoy as an audience, you know, and I don't know… I think that I'm not particularly smart. So, I need something when I watch movies or a series. I need something that really grabs my attention so really quick, but then I don't want, I don't want movies or stories that don't go deep, you know. So, if I put my time in some story, I want that person or that crew or that team, to bring me somewhere that I cannot reach for myself, right? So, if you choose my series, I want the journey to make sense. And you know, because I really value the time that people can put in my stories. I think that is the most precious gift that someone can give you is their time. So, when somebody give me that, I want to use that in a really entertaining way, but at the same time, you know, try to give that person a point of view of reality that sometimes maybe he cannot see, or she cannot see for themselves.
 
John Betancourt: The last question that I have for you today, what are you most proud of when with what you've assembled here?
 
David Victori: I think that the energy that the story has. Because I think that we shot the project in a way that we try to bring something really organic and authentic. And I feel that is in the result. And you can see that has this kind of like characters that you feel, you feel something real on what you are watching, it's really, in a way, that you feel that something was happening there, and really was happening. I mean, what I don't want is that I don't want to put the camera in something that is dead. I want the camera to put in something that is alive. And in order to shoot something that is alive, when we are living this, when we are shooting this, has to be alive, because, if not, you know, it's just too mental, you know, too intellectual. And I think that we did a lot of efforts to try to do that during the shooting. And I think that we catch that and it's what we offer to the people who want to enjoy the show.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.
It is definitely safe to say, that the season one finale of the incredible Apple TV+ series, You Would Do It Too (Tú También lo Harías), has left us with a lot to process. Courtesy of that epic twist involving Fran and well, to properly process such matters, we sat down with series co-creator, writer and executive producer, David Victory to discuss that ending and more.  
John Betancourt: I would love to start by getting to know what it means to you now, to have the first season of this incredible story out into the world.
 
David Victori: I'm super excited. I mean, as we talked the first time, I was really excited about, you know, it was taking forever for me. You know, one episode each week. It was, for me like, “Oh, my God, still. They are still in the third or the fourth episode. I can’t believe it.” I was really excited. I was shooting another project during this time, but I was keeping an eye of what, what was going on and you know, I have a group chat with the actors and some of the crew. And we was talking about, you know, the reactions, really excited about how people in many countries were enjoying the series. So, so, yeah, I'm happy.
 
John Betancourt: As you should be. What a finale that was, and a twist that I just did not see coming in the slightest and speaking of that, let's talk about a second. When did you and your co-writer decide upon taking Fran down that crazy path?
 
David Victori: It's a really good question, man, I remember really clear the day that we decided about this ending, and I was working not just with a writer that day, I remember that we had a meeting with a friend of mine who is an expert of a psychological tool that I use for my project that is called Enneagram, and we was kind of working so hard on the design of every and each character. And I remember that we was talking really deep on the character of Fran, and we was talking about all the arcs that these kind of people, the people that has this character, can go around and how, how people like this can change. And it was really interesting when he said, the people who normally don't take action and is more passive, sometimes, when they take action, they are really crazy about the decision that they make. Suddenly, going around these ideas, suddenly we were like, what about if he really goes crazy?
 
And, you know, and he just decided to go for his own sense of justice, and don't care about whatever this means as a human being. And we suddenly had the idea, and we go wild, we start to laugh, like, kind of nervous, laughing like, “Oh my God, no, no, no, no, we cannot do that. We cannot do that. That's wild, that's crazy.” And it's like, yeah, man, but you don't see that coming, you know? And the exciting thing is that make a lot of sense for the design of the character. So that's what we are proud of that because as crazy as it seems makes sense for the arc of the character. And, yeah, this is why we did it, and we're kind of brave about that, and we and we did it, and I think that is savage and crazy and wild.
 
John Betancourt: I'm very curious, how early did you guys decide upon the twist as well? Because clearly, as I was thinking about this and going through all the stories before our interview, You start seeing it build. You start seeing it build. So, hi, yeah. When did you guys really kind of hit that inspiration point to start work on the twist.
 
David Victori: I mean, so we wrote all the episodes from the beginning. So we, when we enter in production, we had the, you know, the last draft of every and each episode ready so we have super clear about every detail that we want to build up and in a way, you know, what happened with this character is, in a way, he… so, what is interesting about the project is that if every part of society stop doing or stop trying to do the correct thing, because it's complex… uh, I think that that will never have a good end, you know. I think that what we was talking a lot about this series, is that, in a way, is like society is like a teenager right now, you know, like, it's like a teenager who cannot hold complex subjects.
 
You know, everything that happens in society, we react in a really simple way, like, like, “Okay, who is the bad people? Who is the good people, who are the heroes, who are the villains?” And I think that this relationship with reality is really poor and really sad, because it is not how it is, because in our personal life, everything is complex. You know, it's not just -- things are not simple. So, coming back to the question, when we build that with this character, we try to, kind of like make him go through all the way feeling this kind of disappointment with everything that happened. So, at the end, he feel alone and he feel completely disconnected, in order to, in some moment, he can do anything, and it's okay, you know?
 
John Betancourt: That's great. That's brilliant, and what a good point on society being so immature at this point. Now obviously, I hear you're passionate about this. We talked about the passion before. What did you enjoy the most about putting together this wonderful first season?
 
David Victori: Look the other day, I just shoot another project with the same DOP and part of the same team and we were talking the other day, and he said something really interesting. He said, “in Tú También lo Harías, everything works in a really magical way.” He said, “suddenly we had the ingredients to make the perfect cocktail,” you know? And it's true that when I remember the shooting of this project, the editing and the writing, it was really magical. I think that we choose really well, the team, we choose really well, the actors, the synergy with all the actors, it was amazing. It was something magical and something really, really strange that happened that doesn’t always happen, John, that is, I had completely creative freedom, and that was amazing. That was a dream come true. So, I remember that expression of freedom, creative freedom. And when I was in that process, I remember being aware of that and understanding that that was something that I have to be really grateful about, because it's not always like this, yeah, so I earned that as much with as much responsibility as possible, you know? So, so, yeah, I remember, my memories, about this project is they're really special.
 
John Betancourt: Keeping in that line of thinking, what does it mean to you to have created something so refreshing and so original?
 
David Victori: It's, it's my goal from the beginning, you know, I try to make movies that I will enjoy as an audience, you know, and I don't know… I think that I'm not particularly smart. So, I need something when I watch movies or a series. I need something that really grabs my attention so really quick, but then I don't want, I don't want movies or stories that don't go deep, you know. So, if I put my time in some story, I want that person or that crew or that team, to bring me somewhere that I cannot reach for myself, right? So, if you choose my series, I want the journey to make sense. And you know, because I really value the time that people can put in my stories. I think that is the most precious gift that someone can give you is their time. So, when somebody give me that, I want to use that in a really entertaining way, but at the same time, you know, try to give that person a point of view of reality that sometimes maybe he cannot see, or she cannot see for themselves.
 
John Betancourt: The last question that I have for you today, what are you most proud of when with what you've assembled here?
 
David Victori: I think that the energy that the story has. Because I think that we shot the project in a way that we try to bring something really organic and authentic. And I feel that is in the result. And you can see that has this kind of like characters that you feel, you feel something real on what you are watching, it's really, in a way, that you feel that something was happening there, and really was happening. I mean, what I don't want is that I don't want to put the camera in something that is dead. I want the camera to put in something that is alive. And in order to shoot something that is alive, when we are living this, when we are shooting this, has to be alive, because, if not, you know, it's just too mental, you know, too intellectual. And I think that we did a lot of efforts to try to do that during the shooting. And I think that we catch that and it's what we offer to the people who want to enjoy the show.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

It is definitely safe to say that season two of Based on a True Story on Peacock is about as epic as it gets. Courtesy of some powerful storytelling decisions and some amazing twists and turns. One of which involved the character, Drew. Who we learned, wasn’t Drew, but Olivia and had her own sordid past with Matt. One that brought about quite the explosive confrontation, and well, now that we’ve all had time to process season two, we thought it best to sit down with cast member Melissa Fumero, who played Drew-Livia, to discuss all things Based on a True Story.
 
John Betancourt: I would love to start by getting to know what it was that attracted you to the role of Olivia/Drew.
 
Melissa Fumero: Well, I was already a fan of the show and a fan of Annie Weissman and also Kaley (Cuoco), so it was a really exciting call to get. And then also, when they told me about the character, it felt really different from anything I've done. The show itself feels really different from anything I've gotten to do. So, it was just like a very easy yes, and an exciting situation all around.
 
John Betancourt So you bring up a good point that we have to expand upon… the fact that you're a fan of the show. Because you’re one of many of us that love it so, and I’m curious why you think it resonates so well with audiences.
 
Melissa Fumero: Oh, man, I think. Well, I mean, it’s a stellar cast that is so fun and easy to watch. I think also the premise, the sort of comment, the satire about these, you know, intense fandoms that exist in these little niche genres, is a really interesting topic to explore and have fun with, and I think the show does it in a really clever and fun way. You know, they're making a lot of comments, but you never feel preached to. And you know, you never know where it's gonna go. You know, the violence and the gore comes out of left field. You never see it coming. So, it's just a fun thriller, exciting show to watch, and I think that's why it resonates with so many people.
 
John Betancourt: You are so right about the twists. I don't think I saw anything coming this year at all, and speaking of the twists, out of curiosity for your character, were you given advance knowledge of what was going to happen with Drew/Olivia?
 
Melissa Fumero: I was. Annie Weisman and Jaclyn Moore were really generous and told me all of the twists and turns before I started, which was so valuable and does not always happen as an actor. And it was just really fun to get to hold those secrets with me in every scene. And I think they really informed my approach and my choices. And so, I was just very grateful to know everything before I started.
 
John Betancourt: That does lead me to my next question, because there is a wonderful nuance to what you do this season in playing two characters really, and I'm curious how you, as an actor, built that incredible duality.
 
Melissa Fumero: Oh, thanks, yeah. I mean, again, I think it was, you know, having the knowledge of all the secrets, you know, and getting to play, to choose when to lean into those. I think there's a really specific way that she interacts with Ava because of those secrets, and the way she questions Ava, and the way she listens to certain things that she says. You know, it's all like, kind of there, and then when the big reveal happens, then that was just like, kind of fun to get to create, like, who is this person, really, without all the masks that she wears? So, it was like just a very fun, dreamy role to play as an actor.
 
John Betancourt: Speaking of that enjoyment in general, what was it that you enjoyed the most about playing Olivia and Drew?
 
Melissa Fumero: Yeah, I think, you know, I've been a fan of Kaley's from afar for a long time, and we fell into a really easy rapport and chemistry from day one, and so doing scenes with her, all those scenes in the restaurant were so fun to shoot, and we played a lot, and we ad libbed, and she's just a really fun person to act with. You kind of don't know what she's gonna like, toss at you, which is always fun and, and I think, you know, playing, getting to play with the whole cast in that, you know, in that final episode for my character, was also like, really fun. And all the little things that are revealed about her character and her history with Matt is, to me, was so interesting and fun. And, you know, letting all those kinds of nuggets out. So, it was a great way to spend my summer.
 
John Betancourt: I always find that we each kind of take something away from the experiences that we go through. And I'm curious with a show this intelligent and this deep, what did you take away from playing Olivia/Drew?
 
Melissa Fumero: So, I learned that there's a really specific way that you have to hold fake blood in your mouth in order to cough it up naturally, which I did not anticipate would be really tricky to do. It's like you gotta, like, hold it really, like in your throat. So, I left the show with some new tricks and techniques for playing death scenes, which it was my first time dying. And you know, I just love the different kind of the fun that this show has with tone and genre, it was really appealing to me, and I kind of hope to do more things like that.
 
John Betancourt: That’s interesting, I’ve talked to a lot of folks who’ve dealt with fake blood and horror elements, and you're the first one to bring up the art of throwing up blood.
 
Melissa Fumero: Yeah, it's, it's harder than it looks. Yeah. I was… after the first take. I was like, “Oh, I think I did it wrong.” It was really bad the first take. And I was just like, “Oh, wait, no. This is hard.” I was like, “Let me, give me a minute to figure this out.” There's some mechanics there. If you don't hold it in your cheek, it'll look real bad.
 
John Betancourt: Well, I just got my first acting lesson, and I very much appreciate it! I'd also love to know what you hope the audience takes away from this season of storytelling, from maybe a more messaging standpoint.
 
Melissa Fumero: Oh, hmm. I mean, there's so many comments that this show makes. I think… about fame, about fandom. I think about, you know, gosh, yeah, it's, you know, there is a sort of, like intense culture around fandom. I think that is happening right now. And I think this show is examining, like, one aspect of it, and in a fun, satirical way, kind of maybe warning people how out of control it can possibly get, and that, you know, maybe it's not so good to, like, hold anyone up on too high a pedestal.
 
John Betancourt: The last question that I have for you today, what are you most proud of when it comes to your work in season two here?
 
Melissa Fumero: Oh, um, you know, I think it's always really hard as an actor to kind of come into someone's house and just like, fold yourself in. And, you know, it's terrifying to do. And you know, when I was a younger actor, and I did guest stars, and you know, anything like that, it's a tricky dynamic. You want to honor the space that they've already created, and then you also, like, want to bring in your own thing. And I think this is the first time that, um, I think I did that from a really confident place. It also is because I was so, so welcomed by this show and this cast and this crew and everyone just made me feel really comfortable. So that made it easier. But yeah, I think that's probably the thing I'm most proud of, was just, um, yeah, not letting any nerves get the best of me, and just kind of having the confidence to just jump in with them and trust everyone around me and have fun. And I did.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Truly, the new-boot of Night Court on NBC does an amazing job of bringing in and bringing back amazing guest stars that entertain and impact the story, and last night… Bert, played by Betsy Sodaro returned to Judge Stone’s courtroom for more shenangians. And we here at NTG had the distinct honor of sitting down with Betsy to discuss ‘The Hole Truth’ regarding Bert. 
 
John Betancourt: I'm very curious to start off by getting to learn what as an actor, attracted you to the part of Bert.
 
Betsy Sodaro:  I mean, honestly, just the idea of like, kind of a no BS, like, custodian who works in like, a New York Night Courtroom. I was like, “Yeah, absolutely.” This seems so much fun, like all this stuff she must have seen and sees every day is like, “Oh, that's so much fun.” And I'm just a big fan of Night Court and sitcoms in general, I'm like, you know, this sounds so much fun. I want to do this. You know? 
 
John Betancourt: Something that I really enjoy is the fact that doesn't matter what week it is or what what's going on in that court, every character has such amazing depth to them and has such a realism to them, and Bert is no exception to that rule, and I'm very curious how you built that depth, because Bert felt like somebody that we've all known at some point.
 
Betsy Sodaro: I feel like, because, truly, when I first read the role, it felt very much like,” Oh, she has a lot of other stuff happening in her life that doesn't have has anything to do with what's going on here in the courtroom,” where it's just kind of like, “What is she doing on her time off?” You know, in like, kind of a weirdo in a great way, where, and they, like dropped, there are always, like, a couple of hints where it's like, “Wait, what's your deal, man?” you know, and I think that brings a lot, like, just a really fun game to that character, and just kind of like, yeah, some intrigue of what's happening, what's going on in your life, in the courtroom and outside of the courtroom, which is very fun. 
 
John Betancourt: Now you mentioned your adoration of the show, and I kind of want to go back to it as well, because Night Court is such an important show and so iconic. What is it about Night Court that you love, just from a personal perspective.
 
Betsy Sodaro: I really love how kind of cartoony it can get. Like, I've always been such a fan of comedy in general, and mostly like the cartoon heightening of stuff where it is, like, yeah, why not have a great big hole where stuff just disappears and there's no explanation. Like, I love, and I feel that happens on this show a lot, of like, these jokes and these ideas just heightened so much like a cartoon, that it's just like, “This is so funny and fun and feels like just that classic sitcom.” And for me, the classic like, “Oh, this is what comedy is to me, where it gets so heightened and silly.” And having those characters that like help ground the silly, even though they're just as silly. You know, I just, I love it so much. It really makes me happy. 
 
John Betancourt: To expand on that a little further, why do you think this show continues to resonate so well with audiences.
 
Betsy Sodaro: I think I really do think the kind the comedy of it all and how silly it gets; I think people really like that. You know, people really kind of want that. I feel special. I mean, this is so cliché, and I feel people have been saying it for the last, like, 40 years, but it is like people want an escape. People want to laugh. And this is a great show where it's like, it absolutely deals with relevant stuff, but not to where it's like, punching you in the face, to be like, “Yeah, we're living that right now. We're living that. And this is kind of rough.” It's more of like, “Yeah, this thing's happening. But also, here are the funny ways our very beloved characters are reacting to what's going on and stuff,” which I think, I do think it's like the fun kind of cartoony comedy of it all is what people are like, “Yes, I need this right now.”
 
John Betancourt: I agree. I mean, especially, I think probably this year, more than ever. Now, comedy is where you thrive, as are sitcoms and television, and I’m curious how you prepare for a show like this. What process do you go through to get Bert ready? 
 
Betsy Sodaro: Oh, my goodness. Well, I will say, fortunately, I have gotten to do a ton of stuff for live audiences, and I've also gotten to do quite a few multi cam sitcoms, which are so much fun, and having that live audience is just so incredible, and such a rush. And it's all just --especially coming into Night Court it… I was absolutely a little nervous, because I'm like, I'm just like, some of the biggest, like, sitcom legends ever, you know, like Melissa (Rauch) and John (Larroquette) and now Wendie (Malick), like… freaking out. But also, what's so wonderful about multi cam is that we rehearse. You get to rehearse a lot, and you get to, like, you kind of get to try, depending on the show or night, you can try things and, like, kind of make moves and see, like, does that work? And it's just… it's surprisingly, like, relaxing and just really fun. And I gotta say, the whole vibe on the set of Night Court, the writers, the crew, the cast, made it super fun and chill and easy to kind of walk on and be like, let's make people laugh. Let's just have fun and get silly. Which rules like, that's all you can hope for in a job.
 
John Betancourt: Now you bring up a good point about nerves. a really good point about nerves. We don't talk about that a lot, because everybody kind of assumes that actors are immediately, you know, ready to go, just like that. How then did you get over some of those nerves? 
 
Betsy Sodaro: Yeah, a big thing is, like, for me personally, when, because you always start with a table read of the episode, like the very first day, the first thing you do is a table read. And for me, once I get that, like first laugh, that's kind of like, “Oh, okay, here we go. Here we go.” But then, of course, right before shooting and stuff. I still get the nerves, and I'm glad I still get a little nervous and excited. Be like, “Okay, be on your toes. Get ready for this.” But it is like, and once again, while shooting, getting that first laugh is such a big like, “Oh, okay, the audience is on our side. Let's go,” you know, so that's a that's a big and once again, just rehearsing helps me so much. 
 
John Betancourt: I really appreciate that insight. The last question I have for you today, what you enjoy the most about getting a chance to be on Night Court and just play in this playground.
 
Betsy Sodaro: I mean, I do think being surrounded by such unbelievably great performers was a dream come true. You know where it is like -- I've been watching these people for years, and now I get to, like, make them laugh and laugh with them, and, like, make a really fun show. It's just such a dream. And also, like, it's just, it's so fun just being on set and once again, like rehearsing all week and then putting a show on it just… yeah, it's a dream come true. It feels wild. I'm constantly like, “Whoa, okay. Is this real? I'll take it!”
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. 

Truly, one of the staples of the Night Court franchise on NBC, are its guest stars. For they always deliver incredible moments and incredible plotlines and one that is of note, is Ryan Hansen. For he stole the show as Jake in season two and played a pivotal role in the show’s cliffhanger season two finale, and he continues to impress. Courtesy of his amazing performance during last night’s episode, and we had the honor of sitting down with Ryan to discuss Jake’s season three journey thus far.
 
John Betancourt: We talked a little bit last time about whether or not there's going to be more, Jake. And when did you find out then that we were going to get more Jake on Night Court.
 
Ryan Hansen: I don't know. Maybe it was when they got picked up for a season three. And then, you know, they call my agent, or whatever, and they're like, “Is he available?” And I'm like, “Yes. I'm available.” (Laughs) So, you know, I don't know, it was maybe a month or two before you start shooting or whatever. So yeah, and then, you know, you do a couple, and then they're like, “Well, we want you for some more.” And, you know, it’s great.
 
John Betancourt: How did that make you feel? Because, I mean, I know this has been, it's been an important role to you.
 
Ryan Hansen: Oh, it's so fun, dude. Because I think I did the first episode just kind of as a one off, and then, you know, Melissa (Rauch) and I hit it off so well, and the whole cast is so cool. And my character and her really, you know, kind of shined together and hit it off. So, I was happy that they were like, “come on back.” Because it's really, it's one of the most fun gigs you can have. It’s a multi cam in front of a live audience with a cool cast and working with Melissa (Rauch) and John (Larroquette) and everybody. So, yeah.
 
John Betancourt: Now in talking about the episode itself, there is some incredibly mimicking that you and John Larroquette pull off. How did you pull that off? Because that was huge.
 
Ryan Hansen: I mean, working with John anyway, I'm already looking at him and kind of like studying what he does. He's, you know, a legend in this world. I think it's like three or four... I think four Emmys, you know, with this show. So, I look up to him so much already that it's like, you know, I'm already studying him, you know. And you're trying not to be like him as an actor. And then for this, you're like, “Oh no, it's okay to kind of act like him, you know, because he might be your dad.” So that was a blast for me, because he's, I look up to him anyway, and his acting style and in his presence, like he would just sit there and even off camera, just tell these cool old Hollywood stories. they're just endless too. It's so fun. They're so fun. So, I look up to him anyway. So, it was really easy in that, in that sense. And we kind of like talked about, “Okay, we're gonna do this, I'm gonna do this, I'm gonna do it like this.” And I'm like, “Yes, I'll do it like that.” You know, you'll he kind of tells me what to do, which is great.
 
John Betancourt: That makes total sense. And another testament to your work here, is that there's some really beautiful moments in this episode, especially when Jake brings in the crate of memories. There's an authenticity to it and such a beauty to it, like the longing is there. And I'm curious how you tapped into that, because that felt just shockingly real on screen.
 
Ryan Hansen: Yeah, well, that's cool for you to say. Man, I think it's just like thinking about if I didn't have my dad, you know, and then finding him later in life, what would that be like, you know? And I would want him to know all these things about me. And like, have that connection. So that was kind of easy. And, you know, because I have kids, and thinking about my kids not having me around, and, you know, for a lot of people that's the case, and it's, it's heartbreaking, and it's, it's beautiful when they do find each other. So, I just kind of thought about that kind of stuff. And you know, it's in the script anyway, so there's all that.
 
John Betancourt: I think what's interesting too, is the surprise ending. It felt like… I mean, with the mimicking, with that beautiful longing, it felt like it was going to come to the two of them being related, but it's kind of a shocker of an ending. And I'm curious what you think fans are going to feel about kind of a surprise, that they are not father and son.
 
John Betancourt: Yeah, I think, you know, because I didn't know until we shot it, or got the script, either, that it didn't work out. And so, I was actually kind of bummed too. I thought I was going to be John Larroquette’s son; you know? So, I think people will be bummed. But also, you know, I think they had that moment. I think that was special for them. And I think they'll always have that kind of connection, the kind of like, “what if,” you know, we were, and I think, I think they still have that bond of, you know, trying to work together and figuring it out, like if they were anyway. So, I think people will be… I don't know. I don't know what people will think. I was bummed. I was bummed.
 
John Betancourt: Well, let's talk about that for a second then, and kind of expand on why, why exactly you were bummed?
 
Ryan Hansen: Yeah, I just… kind of felt bad for Jake, like, you know, like, I don't think he even realized how much he would like a father figure, even at this age in life, you know, and what that would mean to him. So, for him to have his hopes up like that, and to really connect with John – or -- Dan, you know, like, I could see how that would be heartbreaking, and also, then you move on, and he wasn't really my dad anyway, so it's all good. So, you know, I think there's just that moment of, like, real disappointment that that could have been a really cool thing and fulfilling thing for both of them.
 
John Betancourt: Obviously you know, you get to do a lot more this season, which is great. You know, we get more of that fun with Jake. And there's a real kind of, um, looseness to it. Was there some kind of freedom you had this year as an actor, to really kind of do more with Jake and really flesh him out and just have a lot more fun on set with him.
 
John Betancourt: Oh, that's interesting. Um, I don't know if there was necessarily, like a like a moment where, like, you're more free. I think maybe I was just more comfortable, like getting to know the cast and, you know, and kind of getting to know the character a little more, you know, as a guest star, it's hard to come in and to a show that's already a well-oiled machine. And like, you're, you're popping, and you're supposed to be all natural and stuff. Well, that's, you know, it's kind of tough. So, I think the more I was there, the more comfortable I felt with the character and everything.
 
John Betancourt: Obviously you enjoy working on the show, you enjoy being on set. You enjoy playing Jake. What has been the most fulfilling part of this experience for you so far?
 
Ryan Hansen: Yeah, I think like just getting to work with Melissa and John and Wendy (Malick) and Lacretta and Nyambi (Nyambi), like aeveryone's so great and so cool and Dan (Rubin), you know, the showrunner and creator, it just feels like a family there. I mean, it's, I think people say that, but like, it really, everyone's pretty tight and coming in as a guest again, and them being so cool about it, like, “come on in.” You know, it's very comforting, and it's just fun. You just play. It's, it's like doing a play. So, it's like playing make believe in front of a live audience, it's, it's a blast. That's my favorite part. And it's down the street, which we love.
 
John Betancourt: That's always the best part. Anytime you can have a short walk to work. Man, what a day. Last question that I have for you today, from a more global perspective in general, what are you most excited for fans to experience in season three of the show?
 
Ryan Hansen: I think just the journey with Jake and Abby, the ups and downs, the really fun episodes they get to have together. There's some really wacky stuff and really silly, fun stuff they get to do. And it gets a little, you know, dramatic. There's highs and lows, you know. So, I think that's really fun and really exciting to watch for them.
 
This interview has been lightly and condensed for clarity.

Michael Costigan is an accomplished producer that has helped to give life to some incredible shows and movies over the years. Currently, he serves as an Executive Producer on the Peacock series, Based on a True Story, and we had the honor of sitting down with Michael to discuss season two of the show.
 
John Betancourt: I'd love to start by getting to know what it means to be to be back for a second season.
 
Michael Costigan: Well, it's so fun, because if anyone saw season one and saw what it's like to watch on screen, Kaley Cuoco and Chris Messina, that's what it's like to actually work with them as well. So, it was a giant pleasure, and I'm really excited for people to see it, because, by the way, we didn't know what was going to happen at the beginning of season two. We were like, “Well, how do they get out of it?” and then, you're about to see or do they get out of it?
 
John Betancourt: Speaking of the fact that you're back for a second season, obviously, audiences love the show. I love this show. And I'm very curious why you think as an EP, it resonates well with audiences.
 
Michael Costigan: Well, I you know, as a producer, you gotta think like, if I think this is really funny and entertaining. I hope the audience will too. And what I thought from the very beginning, and what it feels like the audience really loved, what we did in the beginning was... true crime, we're obsessed with true crime is also insane. Why are we following these stories and obsessed with killers and murder and the most terrible things? And we can't get enough of it. And so, to watch these characters who kind of feel like us, but let's be honest, funnier, you know, and maybe not for you, for me, but you know. But basically, watching them go down this rabbit hole, and you're rooting for them to, like, do crazy stuff and do a podcast and get away with it. And it goes further and further. The idea that a second season, and we got so lucky, Annie Weissman, who did the show, Physical, one of my absolute favorites, loved the show.
 
She was a fan, and came on board for season two, and she and her team of writers decided, how do we even go further? They have a baby now, of course, and how do we take this to a place that no one is going to even expect? And I really hope the audience has fun with that and thinks that we achieve that goal, because I certainly did. I literally, Annie was so funny about it. She would -- she was pitching the season, and then said, “All right, I'm not gonna tell you what happens after six.” I said, “Well, don't I have to know, as the producer?” She’s like, “You need to read it.” And I remember literally shouting at the end of six, like, “No!” I had no idea. So, if she can surprise us, I think the audience is gonna have a really good time.
 
John Betancourt: Their lives are indeed way funnier than mine, so you're absolutely 110% correct there. Also, what does it mean you to be telling such an original story, because this has just been so refreshing to watch.
 
Michael Costigan: Oh, that's great to hear. I mean, that's how we felt when we first heard the idea of the show. So, I was lucky enough to hear -- our partner in our company is Jason Bateman, who also like, I feel like, if we can, like, tell Jason something that he feels like he hasn't heard before, so, when the creator of the show came in and said, “I want to do a show about this, and it's loosely based on this crazy experience, etc, etc,” Jason and I, our jaws hit the ground. “What? How do they do this? How do they keep getting away with it, etc, etc.” So, I think if we could be that surprised, we thought, all right, well, I think we have a shot here to do something for the audience that really feels original and unique and can be both a thriller and Hitchcockian and funny at the same time.
 
John Betancourt: it's also very intelligent too. I love the many layers and themes that are present in the show. And I'm curious for season two, if there's a particular theme or message, you'd like the audience to take away from it, what would it be this season
 
Michael Costigan: That is such a good question. Well, season one, I think, really got into that duality of true crime. And I think season two, when you have a child, it asks you, who are you, who do you want to be? What are you telling your child? Who are you? And these are both people who you know, as we meet Chris and Kaley in season two, who are going to give up what they were doing, but who are they at this stage of life? And I really think this is a season of, who are you? Who do you want to be? What does your life look like when the mask comes off and then, and then, what are the choices you're going to make? I just made it sound like a big drama. It's funny as hell. So, I think within the comedy, hopefully that's what it gets to be. But who do you want to be, and what are you willing to do to be that person?
 
John Betancourt: What are you most proud of when it comes to what you've accomplished so far with the two seasons of this show?
 
Michael Costigan: Well, what I'm honestly most proud of is it's such a pleasure. I mean, the thing about this show that people might not know is as funny as especially Kaley and Chris are on screen after you yell “cut,” they're still making jokes, they're still goofing around, they're still like -- it is such a pleasure and to literally be making a show that is as much fun to watch on screen and then in between takes and offset and working with such a great group of artists, and to do something that hopefully feels original and entertaining. And as you said, like that thematically is, you know, maybe also even about something, I feel really proud of that. And it's such a great gang, and I hope that comes through as people watch it. I mean, we had such a great time making Season Two. It's really become such a family, and I think that's why it's so funny. I think Chris and Kaley are like, have become their characters, or the characters have become them, or, who knows, but we could watch them for hours.
 
John Betancourt: Now we’ve talked about some deep concepts today. But obviously this is entertainment at its core, and you guys want to put on an entertaining show. So, from a more general standpoint, what are you excited for audiences to experience when this airs?
 
Michael Costigan: Well, I think you know, all of us have seen so many different shows that are trying to take us on a journey and surprise us, etc. And I don't know about you, but I always feel, “Ah, I know what’s gonna happen here, whatever.” And I love making a show where it can be surprising and true to character, and not surprising, because we're going to jump the shark, but who are they, and that we get to be with these characters, and they're going to take us somewhere new. And that's the part where it's not, “Oh, season two, well, of course, in season one, they set up where it's going to go.” We've all seen so much television and so many movies that you telegraph, and this is going to happen. I love making a show that trusts the audience. It says they want to be surprised, just like us. We don't need to spoon feed them anything. And with this group of actors who needs to? You get to really go on that journey with them, and to see something that feels original, funny, bold, like little bit of that raised eyebrow, I want to watch that, and I really hope the audience does too.
 
John Betancourt: Last question that I have for you today, if you had to describe this season in a singular word, what would that word be?
 
Michael Costigan: That's a good question. If I had to describe this season, I would just say, unexpected.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Liana Liberato is a talented actor that has appeared on the silver and small screen often. Currently she stars as Tori in the hit Peacock series, Based on a True Story, and we had the honor of sitting down with Liana to discuss season two of the show.
 
John Betancourt: I want to know what it means to you as an actor to be back for a second season.
 
Liana Liberato: Oh, it's so exciting. I mean, I think obviously every, every actor sign that signs on to a TV show is hoping to, you know, get another season. So, I feel it's a privilege, and I'm so excited for it to be yours now, and everyone can watch it and enjoy it. We had so much fun making the show, and hopefully people feel the enthusiasm when they watch it.
 
John Betancourt: I was so excited to hear you guys got a second season as well, mainly because the show just seems to call to everyone. Everyone is constantly buzzing about it. And I'm curious why you think this show resonates so well with audiences.
 
Liana Liberato: Ooh. I mean, we're all obsessed with True Crime right now. We all love it. And also, you know, I think that Kaley (Cuoco) has such a little star over her head, and she is so she's so enticing, like she's so fun to watch and I think that people follow her, people want to see what she's doing next. I think when you when you find out Kaley's attached to something, you know it's gonna be interesting and good and funny. And I think that this show is a little off the rails, and we, we make some crazy choices. And I, honestly, I don't really know anything else that's out that's like this. So, I feel like people are interested in to tune in, and it's never really what you expect. So, it's an exciting watch.
 
John Betancourt: That brings me right to my next question. As you said, you really are a part of a refreshing and original story. There really isn't anything like it on TV. What does it mean to you as both an actor and just as a person in general, be part of a story that's so unique and so original.
 
Liana Liberato: It's cool, it's exciting. I mean, I never know what they're gonna throw at me until I receive a script, and so I sort of, I get to kind of react the same way an audience would, you know, but I'm just in my bed reading a script, and I'm like, “Well, that's crazy.” And then when I feel like, when I react that way, I'm like, “Oh, that's awesome. People will probably react that way too,” but it's cool. I think that, you know, that's sort of the difference between doing movies and television, is, you know, when you do movies, you know how it ends, and with TV, you don't. So, it's exciting. It's challenging as an actor.
 
John Betancourt: I'm also curious too, because, as you mentioned a moment ago, it gets into obsession. It gets into so many amazing things about this -- kind of where we're at in a pop culture standpoint. And I'm very curious with season two, kind of upping the ante and taking us on some new journeys, what do you kind of hope, from a commentary standpoint, audiences take away from season two?
 
Liana Liberato: Oh, that's a good point. I What do I hope people will take from it? I mean, you know, there's something really special about the show because it's a dark comedy, and it's, and it's obviously, you know, it's for entertainment. You're supposed to watch this and enjoy it and binge it and have a great time. But honestly, there's so many layers to these characters, and I think that, I think it's an interesting outlook, and like, commentary on, like, just the human experience and how people can be very layered and very nuanced, and sometimes they are very wise, and then other times they can make very, very dumb decisions. And I hope that people can kind of take away a bit of, you know, there is some humanness to these people, and sometimes, and I think the show holds a mirror up, and maybe some people just aren't willing to look at their own reflection sometimes, like that.
 
John Betancourt: Obviously, from a more global standpoint, I mean, there's so many big moments in this, the first few episodes alone, I don't want to spoil anything, but in general, what are you excited for audiences to experience when they when they settle in this year?
 
Liana Liberato; Ooh. I mean, it's fun. There's, there's a bit of a mystery, there's a new killer. And you, you know, you kind of get to unravel that with Ava and sort of play detective. And, you know, all of the best parts about season one are back. And then there's also some very new, refreshing, refreshing things coming your way.
 
 
John Betancourt: What are you most proud of when it comes to what you've accomplished on the show so far as an actor?
 
Liana Liberato: Oh, um, I would say, I think I feel like I've just learned so much. I mean, I knew I knew what I was getting into because I was such a fan of specifically Chris (Messina) and Kaley when I signed on to the show and I just feel really honored to get to work with them and learn from them. It honestly just feels like one big acting lesson all the time. And I feel very grateful to be in a field where I don't think I'll never stop learning.
 
John Betancourt: The last question that I have for you today, if you had to describe Season Two of the show in a single word, what would that word be?
 
Liana Liberato: Wild.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.