Obsessed: The Podcast

The Office, Parks and Recreation, The Good Place, and Saturday Night Live—Mike Schur and J.J. Philbin have helped shape some of television’s most beloved comedies. On this episode of Obsessed, host Matt Wilstein sits down with the married couple to discuss their new Peacock series Dig, starring Amy Poehler and Hugh Laurie, including its casting, characters, and unconventional opening. They reveal behind-the-scenes stories from SNL, explain how Schur got involved with The Office, reflect on working together and creative collaboration, and weigh in on the future of Parks and Recreation and the changing television industry. And Schur also shares his take on SNL star James Austin Johnson’s Trump impression, and weighs in on whether Trump will end up in the “Good Place” or the “Bad Place.” If you’re a fan of SNL, Amy Poehler, and Parks and Rec, this is a must-watch conversation about the people and ideas behind great TV comedy.

Follow Kevin Fallon on Instagram ⁠⁠@kpfallon⁠⁠

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Follow Obsessed on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@beastobsessed⁠
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Chris Colfer joins the podcast for a candid conversation about his time on Glee, the show’s lasting cultural impact, and if he’ll return for the reboot. He opens up about playing Kurt Hummel, reuniting with Darren Criss, working alongside Hollywood legends, and stepping back into acting with his new horror film, The Restoration at Grayson Manor. Chris also shares behind-the-scenes Glee memories, reflects on his bestselling The Land of Stories book series and writing career, discusses navigating fame and privacy, and reveals his fascination with Queen Elizabeth. From iconic television moments to life after Glee, this is a must-listen conversation with the actor, author, and fan favorite.

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Follow Kevin Fallon on Instagram ⁠⁠@kpfallon⁠⁠

Follow Matt Wilstein on Instagram ⁠⁠@mattjwilstein⁠⁠

Follow Obsessed on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@beastobsessed⁠
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Mackenzie Crook joins Matt Wilstein to discuss his new Apple TV series Small Prophets, the supernatural story 10 years in the making, and why he loves creating quirky, gentle British comedies. The actor and writer looks back on landing his breakout role as Gareth in the original British The Office, why he initially wasn’t thrilled about the American remake, and how the show’s unexpected success changed his career. He also shares behind-the-scenes stories from Pirates of the Caribbean and Game of Thrones, whether he’d return for another Pirates movie, and why The Office’s “cruel” humor now makes him cringe. Plus, Crook reveals what's next for Small Prophets and shares details about his first feature film.

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Follow Kevin Fallon on Instagram ⁠⁠@kpfallon⁠⁠

Follow Matt Wilstein on Instagram ⁠⁠@mattjwilstein⁠⁠

Follow Obsessed on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@beastobsessed⁠
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Andy Richter is spilling behind-the-scenes secrets about two very different hit movies: the horror sensation Obsession and the beloved Christmas classic Elf. On this episode of Obsessed, host Matt Wilstein talks with the longtime Conan O’Brien sidekick about how Elf became a holiday favorite, the surprising casting choices that almost changed the movie—including Chris Farley as Buddy—and why he doesn’t think a sequel should happen. Richter also reflects on his new book, Elf Unwrapped, his years working with Conan, the collapse of The Tonight Show, voicing Mort in Madagascar, and his unexpected journey on Dancing With the Stars.

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Follow Kevin Fallon on Instagram ⁠⁠@kpfallon⁠⁠

Follow Matt Wilstein on Instagram ⁠⁠@mattjwilstein⁠⁠

Follow Obsessed on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@beastobsessed⁠
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Timothy Simons is best known as Jonah Ryan, the walking insult magnet on HBO’s Veep—but his latest role in Netflix’s hit romantic comedy Nobody Wants This is giving audiences a whole new reason to love him. On this episode of Obsessed, host Kevin Fallon sits down with Simons to discuss his evolution into a romantic lead, the show’s surprisingly relatable take on relationships, and the brutal Veep insults that still follow him years later. Simons also weighs in on the unsettling ways real-world politics have started to resemble Veep, why the show’s satire feels more nightmarish than funny today, and what it’s like to have a character become a lasting pop-culture phenomenon.

Follow Kevin Fallon on Instagram ⁠⁠@kpfallon⁠⁠

Follow Matt Wilstein on Instagram ⁠⁠@mattjwilstein⁠⁠

Follow Obsessed on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@beastobsessed⁠
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices