For a connection sitcom,Perfect Harmonyexecutive producer and starBradley Whitfordsurprisingly found himself asking Is this guy too dark?
early on in making the show.
Its got kind of a huge heart.
Justin Lubin/NBC
I just think shes absolutely dead-on perfect for this.
That was a moment where I got really excited and realized Oh this could really work.
What was it like coming back to NBC?
Was it a bit of a homecoming?Yeah it was.
you’re able to feel the heritage ofParks and RecreationandThe Office.
We definitely share that DNA.
In building your character, what was the thought process going into it, and working with Lesley?
Is it comfortable enough now to where it’s possible for you to improvise a bit?
When youre insulting something, is that written?Its a very loose, goofy shooting process.
Lesley is very open to pitches.
It was painful, being a part of the audition process is just heartbreaking.
Jason and I were saying we were shooting the pilot a year after I first met him.
I think you need a supportive, loving, joyousits got to feel like recess and not like school.
Thats my goal, is to encourage that atmosphere as much as possible.
Im compiling the list.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
