is a classic sitcom format, in that you want people to come back to the same safe space. You don’t change the bar in, and you don’t change the order in which they sit at the produce stand. It’s supposed to be familiar. It was really exciting and fun withto introduce new characters and get to play with new people and new personalities — and to tell a different story.
What was it like to introduce all of these new characters and really have to advance their stories pretty quickly, compared to the ones you’ve had 10 seasons to build onWhen you add a storyline that is as strong as this one — when you give people wants and goals — you learn more about them more quickly, because you see them reacting to different situations. They’re not just sitting around and talking about masturbating in space for 15 minutes, which doesn’t lend itself to character development.
And Kaniehtiio, what was it like for you to step more into a producer’s role rather than being in front of the camera, like you are forI was asked last May by Jared if I would come on and help him with the show that he was developing. There’s no one way to get into producing, so I saw this as my opening. I couldn’t say now, because it’s also with some of my best friends and, like Harlan was saying, it’s like a family. I was brought into this role that just felt like a very safe space.