In this episode of Pop Culture Weekly, I talk with Sebastian Maniscalco once again, along with Omar J. Dorsey and Chuck Lorii all about season two of Bookie, and I talk with producer Executive Producer extraordinaire Andrea Priez.
Let's go Welcome to pop Culture Weekly with Kyle McMahon from my Heart Radio your pop culture news, views, reviews and celebrity interviews on all the movies, TV, music and pop culture u Crabe Weekly. Here's Kyle McMahon net Net.
Hello, and welcome to pop Culture Weekly with Kyle McMahon. I of course am Kyle McMahon, and I thank you as always for hanging out with me for another episode. In this episode, we have all sorts of cool stuff coming and I speak once again with Sebastian Manuscalco, who you know. I spoke with him a couple of times for his film about My Father in Chicago. The film's called About My Father. I talked to him in Chicago and his co star Omar J. Dorsey, who he stars
in the series Bookie with on HBO and Max. Bookie is so funny, it's got hard, It's just a great show. So I talk with those two as well as Chuck Lurie, who you may know from like every giant sitcom ever, as well as Nick Pickay who created the show with Chuck. Loriiy and I talk with Andrea Puritez, who is well known and well respected executive producer of live events. She has done every major live event you could think of, from the Mech Gala to People's Choice Awards, MTV all
kinds of stuff. She is an awesome person and we are going to start with her. So Andrea is Andrea Pritus is an accomplished TV producer. Her career is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and creativity. Andrea has been at the helm of some of the most compelling television and live projects, working tirelessly to turn ambitious ideas into.
Must watch programming.
I mentioned at the top of the show that she has been an executive producer on the People's Choice Awards, People's Choice Country Awards, Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards, iHeartRadio Music Festival, MTV Movie and TV Awards, and.
So much more.
She's got incredible insight into you know, live entertainment that nobody else would be able to give the insight that she does because she's at the top of it.
She has a keep.
Understanding of storytelling and an unmatched ability to lead production teams. She's navigated the fast pass world of TV with expertise and flair, and from balancing the creative process to managing complex logistics in live entertainment. She has a wealth of insights to share with you about what it really takes to produce captivating TV and captivating live entertainment.
So sit back.
Relax, and get ready to hear from one of the brightest minds in television production. Andrea Puritas. First of all, thank you so much for joining me. Andrea Paritez, how are you.
I'm doing well. Thanks so much for having me. It's lovely to be chatting with you.
Yes, you as well.
So you have a very interesting career. You're an EP, you're producer, You've done all kinds of things. Tell me, tell me what you do well.
I would say my resume says that I'm a live producer first and foremost, so like big award shows, concerts, live sporting events. That kind of thing is like my specialty. But I love the development side of things and coming up with show ideas and hopefully seeing them into fruition when you could sell an idea. But yeah, you know, I was at MTV for fifteen years, so across like the VMAs and Movie Awards and Red Carpets and Hip
Hop honors and all that good stuff. So that's kind of where I grew up, as I like to say, I grew up on the extension of college at MTV.
I love that. And how did you get into this? How did you get into this field?
Well, so my sister is also a TV producer, but she's in the talk show space, which is very different.
But I always loved music.
I play the piano, and for me growing up, I also loved like WWF like professional wrestling WWE, and I thought that was like the coolest thing ever. And I was like, how can I take like all these things that I like and you know, get paid for them. So I majored in communications and then I interned at MTV and then I stayed there for fifteen years.
So that's kind of how I did it.
It was just like, what do I love and how can I make that into reality?
That's so awesome and you have done so well with it, you know, producing some of the biggest live shows around and you're Emmy nominated, right, yes, yes, which that was like crazy.
Yeah, it's you know, it's kind of it's really lovely when you could see it's like so much hard work go into something and it's not just like I'm one person, right, there's ten million people that add into everything, and it's really lovely when you could be recognized, but also when you're just putting out content that can make a difference
in the world as well. And I think some of the projects that as I've gotten later into my career, you know, it's luckily you can start to like pick and choose on what you want to work with and who you want to work with.
And what that looks like.
So it's nice to be able to you know, while I always said while every Jersey Shore hit I produced, there was a Trailblazer Honors that was really lovely to put on because you're.
Putting good out into the world.
So it's nice to be able to see a little bit of that get recognized.
Yeah, for sure.
And what's interesting, you know about you saying that is, you know I've thought about this with my show and the you know, the platform, the pop culture platform, and you know, I've thought, at the end of the day, like does it really matter what I do? And you know, I've gone back and forth. I don't focus on gossip and all that. I'm not looking to tear people down. I've had people come, you know, celebrities come and open their heart, and that's fine.
I'm always looking for a redemption story.
And for people to tell their story and their own words because other people can learn from that. And then at a more different level, but in the same sort of show. Sometimes we're just talking about projects. You know, here's Robert de Niro talking about his new film. Here's the thing, though, it is what I've kind of learned for myself is that it is a escape for people.
And it might be for a twenty minute conversation, it might be for a eight minute video, you know, whatever it is, and if that can bring them some joy in their day from all the chaos around us constantly, then like that is pretty freaking cool, you know what I mean.
Definitely, I think it's you know, we're not doctors, we're not scientists, we're not changing the world in that capacity. But I think we're providing relief to a lot of people from their everyday.
Lives and from the stress.
And I remember during the pandemic, like I was busier than ever because I was working for a startup like live stream company, and like everybody was live streaming, so.
It was NonStop and busy and hectic.
But then at the end of the day, it's like you see all these people in the comments being like this was the best forty five minutes of my day, or this was like the best couple hours of my day because I just got to like stop thinking about what was going on and really just focus on like taking a breath and you know, hanging out with my
virtual family. So it's you know, it's things like that where it's like, again, we're not not curing cancer, but we're also you know, maybe putting a smile on somebody's face.
If we can, Yeah, which is like to me, that's huge because you know there's been so many I mean it's probably similar to you and talking for you and please correct me.
But like, growing up, I was such a media hound.
You know, I would watch you know, all the shows and all the movies, and you know, buy the books and the graphic novels and all that stuff, and that was my escape growing up, and you know, I've grown into somebody that now is getting paid to do it cool, which is awesome, but it's like we, you know, my little show maybe an escape for somebody else, and that is really super powerful, you.
Know, absolutely, and like if anybody can understand it, we can because we were fans, right, and like we are fans, So there's this like relatability and understanding what we're putting out there because you know, we were those kids that were like I have to know all about it. I want to know all the stats, Like I want to know all the details, who's on that red carpet, what are they doing over here?
And like the coolest thing.
Ever is to be part of that for somebody else and to be like, oh, maybe, you know, maybe I can make a I don't want to say a dream come true, but maybe I can make somebody have a little bit more information on something they wanted, or a little bit show their artist in a different way and see, oh I got to see that song that they performed and I've never seen it before and we were able.
To do that.
So I totally get that. It feels like we're lucky enough to have been fans and to still be fans and to be able to put that energy out there for people.
For sure, and then you know, with you you also, it's cool because, as you were saying, you're at a point where you can kind of pick your projects and you can do something fun and live, I've like a live award show, but then you can do something inspirational that you know, maybe brings a tear to your eye with an honor show or whatever.
So it's like the range that.
You are able to do is pretty awesome, and I would assume it's very fulfilling for you as a.
Creative definitely, And I think, like, you know, being able
to focus on certain topics that really are impactful. You know, I have a project in development around mental health, and like more than ever, it's like we've seen so many different celebrities speak out on mental health and trying to make it like less taboo, and I think that's you know, that's so rewarding in the sense of like whoa, okay, Like we're shedding light to a topic that like maybe five years ago, ten years ago, it just you didn't want to talk about it.
And then in the same token.
I'm like, let's go People's Choice Awards, Let's have the most fun ever and get stand voted stuff on. So it's a really really nice balance to be able to have a little bit of.
Everything in the mix.
I love that.
And so you're doing a show, you know here, you're here for the People's Choice Awards or you know, whatever one it is that you want to use for this example. But do you feel like I would? I feel like the pressure. I would be like, oh my god, they don't even let me on live by the way, on the radio, they put a delay on me because I sometimes have a potty mouth on accident. So like I can imagine, well, right, I can't imagine doing live television.
You know.
It's like the biggest rush though. That's what I will say. I'll say some people really like thrive under that pressure, and I like to think that I'm one of them, because you know, one it's like when you're live, that's over. When you're when you're done, you're like, we're off air. We don't have to go into an edit. We don't have to like change anything up. I mean sure, if there could be tiny things you have to do for like a West Coast airing, but you know when you're live,
you're in that moment. I'm in our host's ear. I'm telling them what's coming up next, Like.
We're hoping that everything is going accordingly.
And it's really exciting because it's like you've worked so hard for so long to put all the right people in place to make this magic happen. And again, it's not one person, it's many people. It's many really talented people, and it's like putting all the puzzle pieces together and then you're just like, let's go with it, let's see what happens, and you know, stuff, sometimes you just have to throw everything up in the air.
Like red carpets.
It's like you can have a format and that's cool and everything, but like it's fake because the second that carpet opens and you see who you're talking to and you're not talking to. It's like you'll always have guideposts to get you to where you need to go, and there will always be business that needs to be done, but you never know what's going to happen.
And that's that's the wild part.
Red carpets are always like whoa, look, yeah, let's see what happens today.
Yeah, And then of course you're dealing with talent and you know talent reps and managers and agents and lawyers.
And assistants and you know MUA teams at all.
So you know, literally anything can happen at any time, and I guess in your position, you have to be ready for anything.
Yeah, I mean everybody has an opinion, that's for sure. Everybody has like what they're looking for for their whether it's their artists, their their talent, whatever it looks like. But what I like to always say in meetings is that, like we have one common goal, like I'm not against you, you shouldn't be against me. Like we want this to be a really successful overall show for everybody involved, not just for one person, not just for one act, not
just for you know, one big moment. It's like we want we're on the same team, like let's make some magic happen. Let's figure it out together. But yeah, it's a lot of the whole like how do I enagle this and say this the right way? So there's not a lot of hurt feelings if you will.
Yeah, yeah, And what is something you know you've done so much already and you're you're young, you have you know, a long time of I mean reality, you know, I mean, yeah, you have a law, you have decades of continuing to work so so far with all you have accomplished, what is your biggest thing that you're like.
Yeah, I did that.
You know, There's been a lot of moments where I've brought together different fandoms, which I think is really exciting and like knowing how much that Like, I grew up on WWE, and I love WW. I've always tried to
get their superstars into my programming. And you know, a few years back, it might be twenty nineteen, I was at MTV still and we were talking about like different categories for an award show, and one of them was brought up was like, what's let's think of like a best fight and you know, are uh whoever was in charge of the time, he wanted to make it a little different, and so my boss at the time, she was like, what are some good examples that you can think of for this moment that feel different?
And I was like, well, I.
Was like, you know, if we want to try to do something, why don't we do the first female main event of WrestleMania.
And we got all of the women to be able to be nominated.
They came to the show and it was exciting, and I think it's like, that's a small moment, right, but it feels like an impactful moment because probably not a lot of people would have.
Thought about that.
So there's little things like that throughout my career that have been really really special. And I think I don't think there's like one overall show or one overall artist or anything like that. I think it's more of like these smaller moments that count a little bit more for
me than like the bigger picture. I mean, I have like my favorite shows and things like that that I'm super proud of, But I think it's just like being able to work with people in different capacities and being able to like tie in these different points to pop culture into your project is really really rewarding.
Yeah, yeah, I can absolutely see that.
And has there ever been a time where you were like, wow, like that was by the seed of my pants, you know what I mean, like and not within even your control.
But as we said, I mean live literally broadcasts.
Totally without mentioning names. We've had artists that haven't shown up. We've had artists that have decided they don't want to get out of their dressing rooms and they're missing their live hit. We've had people get sick right before the show and we have to replace them.
So there's certainly like you.
Can have backup plan on backup plan on backup plan and feel the most prepared in the world.
And that's going to be the show where.
Something goes wrong and you don't have that exact plan, right. But I do like to say that if we don't have a plan together, then something's absolutely going to happen. And if we do have a plan together, something's absolutely going to happen.
It doesn't matter.
So it's you know, you have to feel protected as much as you can. But that's you know, the skill set of myself and like the production companies I work with that know this and know how to pivot and know how to you know, make sure that all of our talent that's on stage, that our hosts are on stage, that they understand that anything can happen and anything will happen, and you you roll with the punches, you know, you just go with it. It all it all airs right, it's there somehow.
Yeah, what are you you know, what's the next projects that you can tell us about that are coming up in your immediate you know.
ORMI the next year.
Yeah.
So outside of like the big award shows that I do, I do a ton of like talent consulting and I do a lot of show pitching because I think that I learned over the pandemic that I really like the development side of things. So that's been really exciting. And you know, in the immediate I'm working with the brand. I'm going to the Jake Paul and Mike Tyson fight in a couple of days, and that's going to be
gnarly and wild. So that's again it's a it's a little bit of like my background in the sense of it's entertainment, it's sports, and it's it's sponsorship, right, it's brand, so it's I've done all that for many years. So that's in the immediate. That's That's why I have some
wrinkles under my eyes because I'm tired. Yeah, being in a couple of days and then I'm preparing for an event that is not televised, but it's a live event on the ground right before the Super Bowl the day of at the super Bowl at the venue with a lot of NFL legends and music and like local things happening from the New Orleans side of things. So that's a big one that I'm looking into for our next quarter.
But I do have a.
Few interesting things up my sleeves that I can't announce quite yet, but exciting stuff Like it's you know, I always feel like, while there are certain shows that I feel like I can do and do well and that's great, after a while you're like, how many more of these am I going to do?
Right?
So I think it's always looking at things in the perspective of what's going to keep my brain working creatively and where am I going to get excited about, Like what's something that I can get excited about again, what is like just.
Bringing something new to my world?
So that's really like in between my larger shows, I probably do like two or three big shows a year, and then in between is when I like get to have a little bit more fun in the sense of let me play around, let me pilot in real time, let me partner with different people and see what makes sense. And again, like with the consulting I was mentioning, that's something that I love to do with different types of like artists and personalities and superstars and all that kind.
Of stuff because.
It's a completely different part of my brain that's working as opposed to when I'm just doing the live side of things.
Yeah, yeah, that is awesome, and it kind of sounds like, you know, you can do these bigger shows throughout the year and then you get to like experiments if you will use like different parts of your brain and create different parts of your creative energy ease and kind of you know, flex because you're a master at the big live shows, you know, and so now now you can be like all right, you know, like what's something I'm I'm super passionate about that's outside of the box of what I normally do.
So you know, literally it.
Like fills up my cup a little bit more like creatively, and like I'm allowed to like spend time in my passion projects and to really fulfill more of my my side of things as opposed to doing this for a network or a streamer or somebody else, you know.
And that's great, and I love doing all of that.
Don't get me wrong, But this is when it's like, oh, well, let's have a little fun for Andrea. Let's do a little this over here and see what happens.
And if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. That's okay. It's only myself, you know, to blame on that end.
But it's so far it's been a very like healthy balance of that and I feel very lucky to be able to do that.
That's so awesome.
And finally, what do you think where do you think the You know, in some ways the TV industry is drastically changing the broadcast industry. I think, you know, a big saving grace has been live events.
Whether sports or award shows or whatever.
Do you see that over the next whatever, ten, five, ten, twenty years changing as well?
And if so, like kind of where do you see that changing?
Yeah, you know, it's super interesting that you say that, because I think, you know, it's a couple fold there's a couple different things to think about. But you know, something that everybody is like super concerned about is AI, right, Like it's a gift and a curse honestly, Like it's incredible and amazing, and then it's also like frightening because you're like, how the heck is this happening?
You know?
But I think in live events and in sports it's it's such a safer place for AI, Like it's not something that they could truly take away jobs or anything like that. And I think if anything else like AI is only to that lane and listen, I'm not an expert on it, but it just feels like less of a risk with something that's happening in real time as opposed to something that is getting created along the way, and it's a long process and it's an edit process, and it just, you know, it feels like it's a
little bit of a safer space. That being said, I think streamers are coming in like fast and furious with the live side of things.
Like Netflix is making a.
Really huge stamp and saying we're experimenting here, We're gonna do a lot of these different shows we're looking for live. Same thing with Amazon, same thing like with sports and live sports in general. Like it's interesting because linear always led like that was like the phrase for half of my career. Linear leads everybody else is the backup. That is so not the case at all anymore. And I
think it's interesting to watch things evolve. I think live events will always be around, but I do think they're going to get specific on the approach on how live events are produced, especially with the range of things. And I also think coming from like the network side of things, it's like if somebody says, oh, you need to cut your budget significantly, guess what You're gonna probably cut a temple because that's a lot of money and that's right out the door one, two, three, as opposed to like
deep diving into a lot of other things. But I think, you know, more people are tuning into the netflixes, more people are tuning into the Amazons of the world because these are now destinations for lives. So I think like the past couple of years have been interesting seeing it all, and I only think it's gonna I would say, like the next five years, it's only going to get busier and busier and busier in the live space, hopefully because that is good.
That is job security. But I think it's it's.
You know, it's definitely a lane to watch because that's where the money has been getting greenlit lately, which is also bananas, so we'll see. But's it's definitely an interesting time. I think it's safer than it once was.
Yeah, yeah, that's cool. Uh, where can we find you and follow you in all your adventures.
I mean, humbly, my Instagram name and across all socials is Andrea the Coolest again humbly, so it's my first name, and then d A and then I just it's you know, A D A C O O L E S T. I won't change it because it's who I am. At this point, it was like it was my screen name on my sidekick. If I'm dating myself one hundred million years, you could find me there across you know, Instagram, X, TikTok all those good places, and then of course on LinkedIn, it's just my professional self.
Andrea Paritas.
So awesome, Andrea, thank you so much. You got to come back and we'll talk. Come back, Yes, and thank you.
Thank you, Kyle. This is awesome. I really appreciate it.
Of course, Andreas besides being like a brilliant mind in entertainment and especially live entertainment and television.
She's just cool, like you just want to chill with her.
And on top of that, she's a great person, like a super nice, awesome person.
So we love you, Andrea Peritas.
All right, we're gonna take a quick break and when we get back, I'm going to speak with Sebastian Maniscalco, Chuck, Lorie, Nick backay Omar J Dorsey all about.
Season two of Bookies.
Let's pay the bills, support our sponsors that make this show happen, and I'll see you in sixty Welcome back to Pop Culture Weekly with Kyle McMahon.
Thank you as always for hanging out with me.
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Every single week we continue to.
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Leave multiple ones. I probably shouldn't open it up to that anyway.
In any event, let's get into the next segment. If you haven't watched Bookie yet, it is a sharp and darkly comedic series on HBO and it dives into the chaotic world of sports betting, but it brings humor and drama to the game. It was created by the powerhouse duo Chuck Laurie and Nick Backay. In it follows Danny, who was a small time bookie that's basically just trying to stay afloat in the rapidly changing world of online gambling.
So as he navigates a color forecast of clients, some of which you may know, as well as personal strugg struggle, olders, personal struggles, and the looming pressures of a really cutthroat industry. Bookie offers a raw, witty, and compelling look at the ups and downs of chasing, ultimately the American dream. It is really a great show. I look forward to it and season two is here now. As I mentioned with Chuck Laurie and Nick Backay, they are two influential figures
in the world of TV. They are known for their contributions to both comedy and storytelling. Chuck Laurie, who who is often dubbed the King of Sitcoms, is a prolific television producer, writer, and director behind some of the most iconic sitcoms of the past thirty years, including The Big Bang, Theory, Two and.
A Half Men, Mom.
His ability to craft relatable, character driven humor has really made him a household name and earn him numerous awards and accolades.
And how often can you say that about.
A TV writer, producer, director now? Nick Backay is a very gifted writer. He's also a producer and an actor. He is best known for his comedic sensibilities and his voice work, notably, I would say as one of my childhood favorites, the sarcastic Salem, the Cat in Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, and all of its spin offs. In addition to his on screen roles, though, Backay has an impressive resume as a writer and producer, having colaborated with Lourie
on projects like Two and a Half Men and Mom. Together, Laurie and Backay have combined their talents to create memorable television that resonates with audiences through their humor.
Heart and sharp wit.
Here they are Chuck Lourie and Nick Backay.
First of all.
Thank you so much, Chuck and Nick for joining me. I really appreciate it. Thank you, of course. So Bookie is awesome. And season two continues with that mix of funny and dramatic, and there's family and relationships and all kinds of stuff. What was it that made you want to do this project for both of you?
I think for me up again with meeting Sebastian a couple of years ago, and the original discussion was is there a way to translate his stand up act into a into a series of some sort? And I didn't. I really didn't know how to do that. I did not know how to make that transition. Then I saw The Irishman, where he played a psychotic crazy Joe Gallo and a scene opposite Bob de Niro and Joe Peshi,
and he was terrific. And then the other problem then was I don't know how to write a series about a psychotic killer and make it funny.
I really don't.
And so I brought this problem to Nick, and Nick, without hesitation, said make him a Bookie. And we were often running. We presented the idea to Sebastian and he blessed it, and and and here we are just about to release season two.
And how about for you, Nick, Well, you know, it was the same thing Chuck reached out to me about working with Sebastian, which was the quickest, yest ever because they's you know, that was easy and obvious, and then it was this idea and then and then it became really exciting for me and Chuck also because it let us deviate from the norm of the multiicam and a and a living room set and the usual drill. And the more we explored that, the more fun we had.
And you know, and also I think we had a really really special time writing the relationship with Omar Dorsey's character Ray and Sebastian's character that these two guys not only the messes of their private lives, but I think one of the joys of the show is just these two guys when they're in the car together making their rounds and the things they get to talk about. I think we have more fun writing that than anything.
Yeah, that's that's actually the romantic heart of the series is those two guys.
Yeah, And that's what I find enjoyable is you know, first of all, I love that you went that you didn't go with the multi caam for this one because.
I feel like it it's where it needs to be.
You know, it's so perfect the way it is. And as you said, you know that that heart The two relationships that I, as if you were anyway, care about the most is those two and their interactions with each other. How did those characters develop as you saw you know, Sebastian and Omar together over the first and now second season.
Well, I mean, look these guys when we saw them read together when we were auditioning, it was immediate that these guys were meant to play these parts together. I mean, Sebastian was locked and loaded, Omar was immediately our guy, and like Chuck has said, they looked like an old married couple from Jump Street. And then it really was, you know, when we knew we had this nice thing of this like we have this you know, sort of hard scrabble bookie and this guy who who was an
NFL player, who who who blew it right? And I always loved exploring the idea of that guy who bought his grandmother of the house with the NFL money and then had to move her out of it, which is you know, with the story you never hear and you know has happened, you know, And but also his love for that grandmother is you know, one of the redeeming parts of the show as well. But it really, you know, a lot of it is listening to your actors, listening to what they do well and how they relate to
each other and rolling with it. And season two gave us a chance to really capitalize on that.
And and finally, how how long can you go? I mean, I would love to see their adventures forever?
Well, let's call David Zasla ask him, Let's go for it, Hi, Dave, We'll find out. We'll find out, you know, I mean, we have there's so many more stories to tell, and we love these characters, so we're hoping.
I love that. Thank you both so much.
I can't wait for everybody to see Bookie season two exclusively on Max. Thank you, Chuck and Nick, Thank you, Thank you have a great thank you too. Come Chuck LORII and Nick McKay two brilliant minds in the world of television comedy, and I am honored to be able to have them on the show.
So thank you, Chuck and Nick.
I really do appreciate it, all right, last, but not least, Sebastian Maniscalco and Omar J. Dorsey are two very dynamic talents who have made significant impacts in their fields. Sebastian, who of course, has been on the show before. Sebastian Maniscalco, is a renowned stand up comedian and actor, celebrated for his energetic performances, his sharp observational humor, and his vivid storytelling.
Drawing inspiration from his Italian American upbringing, he delivers hello various takes on family, culture and those awkward moments of every day life.
Omar J.
Dorsey is a powerhouse actor known for his commanding screen presence and nuanced portrayals. From his role as Hollywood and Ava DuVernay's Queen Sugar to his performances in films like Selma which You Know I Was In and the Halloween franchise, Dorsey has consistently brought authenticity and depth to all of his characters. Together, these two artists represent the best of the aircraft, each contributing to the world of comedy and
entertainment with charisma, talent, and dedication. Let's talk to them. Sebastian Menescalco and Omar Jay Dorsey congratulations on Bookie season two. I love it just as much as I love season one. I wondered what drew you both to the project SETI and start with you.
It was something that you know, I gravitated towards because I've played myself in a lot of these TV or film things that I've done, whether it be about my father or a pilot that I did eight years ago playing myself, And I like the fact that this was a character he is based in Los Angeles. It was about a topic that I found interesting. I've never really seen TV show dive into the world of gambling like this.
We not only cover gambling, but we also covered these guys' personal lives, what we're dealing with at home, which I don't think. You know, sometimes you just have a connotation of a bookie as some guy breaking legs, collecting money. You don't really see that he's got a wife and he's going to a PTA meeting, or you know, he's got other responsibilities, whether it be in this season, my mother in law moving in with us, or you know, Ray dealing with you know, his grandmother, her and what's
going on living with her. So I like the fact that you see the gambling, and you also see the personal life.
Yeah, and how about for you are Omar.
What drove me to it is like I was doing so much trauma right then, so at least drama films and being on the show for seven seasons, it was so heavy drama.
So I just want to go somewhere and have fun every day.
And you know, when I saw that it was Sebastiator and I saw that it was Chuck Laurie, NICKOKAYI I've been watching Nick Makay since I'm ESPN right, and Chuck Lurie is the godfather of comedy on television. So I really tried my best to get into this project. I said, I really want to do it really badly. Uh So I put on my best book forward and my auditions
and you know I got in there. But you know, just being able to go to work every day and laugh and have fun and just being around that crew that we're around, I mean, it really drew me to it.
So that that was the main I don't sell a point for me.
Yeah, I was just speaking with Chuck and Nick and and we were discussing how the two of you are really you know, the romantic heart of the show if you will like and as a viewer, I you know, I love the whole thing, But it's the two of you and your relationship with each other that really is like you don't see that so often in TV today, And I think the way you play off of each other, your characters and their relationship, I think is such a huge key to it being so damn good, you.
Know, right, you know, it's like they're work spouses. You know, you have your work husband, your work wife. It is like these guys are in this car or in that office for ten to twelve hours a day and they have to learn how to live with each other. So whether it's he doesn't want to listen to my hip hop or I don't want listen to is yacht rock, we're gonna we have to figure a way out about that, you know, We've got to figure out a way to coexist.
But they're best friends.
There's a lot story between two dudes who really just love each other and they love spending time with each other, and they have a really cool job, you know. So that's I do believe that's the hard and soul of the show. So yeah, Danny and Ray are the ones that. I mean, don't get me wrong, everybody else around it are really good and we're really excited to see everybody.
But I do think that hard and soul of it is Danny and Ray.
Yeah.
Yeah, and Sebastian.
I the last time I spoke with you was out in Chicago for about my father. And you know, through your stand up, through other projects that you've done, so many have been personal. How much of you is in this character.
I think there's a sensitivity to Danny that I could definitely relate to. I mean, I'm not a guy like killing people for money here, and I'm not breaking legs or anything like that. There's a bit of compassion that this guy has for not only the people that he's in business with, but you know, I mean, yeah, he's got a he's got a girlfriend and a wife.
You know, there there is he's definitely flawed.
Uh not that I have a girlfriend, but he's he's a sensitive guy and uh and and I kind of relate to that sensitivity and that compassion that you typically might not see from a criminal who has done uh done time in prison.
So yeah, I love that. Thank you both so much.
I can't wait for everybody to see Bookie season two exclusively on Max. Thank you both, Sebastian Maniscalco and Omar J.
Dorsey.
Hilarious, guys, Bookie is amazing and you've got to watch it. Season two is out right now on HBO and you will not regret it if you haven't watched it yet. So hit me up and let me know what you think about Bookie and let me know what you think about this episode and and you know all the guests and what was your favorite anecdotes or stories or whatever. I want to hear from you using the free iHeartRadio app the talk button there or pop podcast dot popcultureweekly
dot com and click on the talkback button there. All right, that is our show for this episode. I can't wait to see you next time. We have some Christmas stuff holiday stuff planned, so be sure to check it out and let me know what you think too. What are your favorite Christmas movies?
What are your worst favorite? No, what are your.
Least favorite Christmas movies or most hated Christmas movies? Let me know we just might feature you on the next episode. All right, until next time, I love you, We thank you for listening to Pop Culture Weekly.
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