I work on a show with an awesome ensemble cast. As a writer, it’s so fun to dream up combinations of interactions when you have such a big cast. I love when certain characters interact with each other who don’t very often, like, say, Ryan and Oscar, Dwight and Phyllis, or Creed and a ghost or whatever. John Krasinski and I do about three scenes a season together, and they’re always terrible because we both break a lot and there’s only one usable take.
Some other favorite TV ensembles are: The West Wing (Josh and Sam? Come on.), Modern Family (Eric Stonetreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson slay me), Cheers (Woody! Cliff! Frasier!), and most recently, Shameless on Showtime.
There’s a specific tiny hell of working on the American remake of a popular British sitcom. First of all, usually if it’s being remade for the US, the original was awesome, and you as a writer love that show and don’t want to fuck it up. Secondly, there’s legions of smug Anglophilic acquaintances and reviewers who couldn’t possiby stand to live in a world where anyone might deign to remake their beloved British show. (“You can simply watch it on BBC3!” They say. I’ll fill you in on a small embarrassing secret about me: I had to watch of the British Office with subtitles on, I simply didn’t understand 30% of what they were saying at first.)
So I love Showtime’s Shameless so, so much. It was just my absolute favorite show of the year. William H. Macy is the star, but the secret star is the frighteningly good ensemble cast. Emmy Rossum– whom I’d only known as the pretty-voiced, Phantom-hassled girl in Phantom of The Opera– is unreal as the oldest sister and matriarch (at 19!) for her brood of siblings.
And what a brood of siblings! These kids can aaaaaact. And not in that way where they’re cute kids phonetically reciting lines that have been foisted on them. Like, acting the shit out of these hilariously written scenes (many penned by the little-known newcomer, John Wells.)
Watch for Jeremy Allen White and Cameron Monaghan, who play oldest brothers, Lip and Ian.
These two guys are just so awesome. Vulnerable and appealing and, teenage boys. You feel like you’re watching their Jodie Foster-Taxi-Driver vehicle and you’re so stoked they’re not even grown-ups yet.
$50 gets you season one. I’d have paid much, much more.
I’m only annoyed it wasn’t available in time for Christmas and Hanukkah presents. Showtime, what’s your deal, man?
you can preorder it on amazon for only $27!!
danielle | December 14, 2011 |
I was obsessed with this show when it was one and so can’t wait for it to come back (just started seeing promos on the subway – yay!). I started watching original because it’s on Netflix Instant and stars James McAvoy, but it’s just not the same. Also, I have a weird crush on Lip.
Alli | December 14, 2011 |
I love Shameless too! I totally watched the entire first season in 3 days.
Btw: Have you checked out your BEAUTIFUL mug on Audrey’s Winter cover?
http://audreymagazine.com/keep-up-with-our-winter-11-cover-girl-mindy-kaling/
We loved having you as our cover girl! Hope you’re doing well over the holidays.
-JJ from Audrey Magazine
Janice | December 16, 2011 |
Thank you for this posting.
Pink Salt | December 16, 2011 |
i would think creed and a ghost would interact with each other very often!
and i’d love to see more scenes with you and jim
Whitney Soup | December 17, 2011 |
My husband and I are obsessed with this show. If William H. Macy doesn’t win every single award available, including at least 7 little league baseball trophies I will be shocked.
Jessica | December 20, 2011 |
I love the English Shameless and begrudgingly embraced the US one they really did a great job. I am still very concerned about what will happen to the Misfits if they are brought to America.
Claire | December 20, 2011 |
Been wanting to see this for awhile. I’m going to Netflix the shit out of it.
Nick | December 21, 2011 |
Ditto the subtitles. I was completely lost!
Tammy | December 28, 2011 |
Mindy! Fear not! You are far from ruining The office for me, an english bird, you are making it better. SOOOO much better! I can’t watch the british one. I find it far too painful and embarrassing but the American one I love watch and howl with laughter over. It’s big business in our flat and nobody is allowed to speak when it’s on.
Another odd couple I love to see together are Stanley and Pam…Write more for them please! As for Shameless, I haven’t seen the american version but it sounds like you feel about it the same way I did when it first came out in the UK. Damn those young people for being amazing actors! It’s so not fair! Lip and Ian’s characters in the UK were my favourite too….Definately worth a watch.
Ms. D | January 3, 2012 |
Have you checked out the original British version of Shameless? Having not seen the US version some seem to say they prefer the original.
Shameless UK based in Manchester on a poor estate where the locals get up to all sorts of hijinks often with hilarious results. However it also has some serious drama too – treating delicate topics such as mental health / domestic abuse. The main character Vernon Frank Gallagher is an alcoholic and a drug abuser with about 7 or 8 kids.
TIM byron | January 10, 2012 |
Mindy, are you watching Downton Abbey? Dying to hear your thoughts if you are! (And if you’re not, you seriously should be).
Dawn | January 11, 2012 |
Dear Miss Mindy,
You have not had any concerns since this post (almost one month ago!), and that concerns me.
Sincerely,
A devoted reader
Gretta | January 12, 2012 |