Up All Night Boss Promises a Musical, Emotional Finale, Looks Ahead to a Big Baby Dilemma
After 23 heart-warming, increasingly funny episodes, Up All Night has reached the end of its freshman run. But the cutesy NBC comedy has one more installment left in its arsenal — the Season 1 finale airing tonight at 9:30/8:30c — and showrunner Emily Spivey tells us the season-ender is nearly as precious as Chris and Reagan’s baby, Amy.
The EP also details plans for Season 2 (fingers crossed), dream guest stars (paging Martin Short!), Emmys for babies (let’s do it!) and more.
TVLINE | As a fan of the show, I feel the need to congratulate you on a successful season. How do you feel about your freshman run?
I feel really good! In the beginning [of the season] there were some change-ups and some reframing and recasting, but in the end we came out OK. I’m super-proud of the show and the actors and my staff. It didn’t go off without a hitch — there’s always one of those — but we all had a lot of fun.
TVLINE | Are you confident about a Season 2 pickup?
I hope! My thing is always that I try not to be too positive, because I feel like that’s a jinx — I’ll assume the worst and then everything is a pleasant surprise. [Laughs] But NBC’s been super-supportive and lovely to work with. They seem to like the show, so fingers crossed.
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TVLINE | What are you willing and able to tease about the finale?
I can tell you that it entails a proposal, and there is some singing, laughter and tears.
TVLINE | C’mon, spill — who’s singing?
Well, Chris (played by Will Arnett) sings a solo, but everyone ends up singing. The episode sort of speaks to Chris and Reagan’s relationship; there’s some backstory about their marriage. It’s a really, really fun episode and, from pilot to finale, I hope it rounds out the entire series.
TVLINE | We’ll also see Jason Lee back as Ava’s ex, Kevin. He was so well-liked… and then just sort of vanished. Was it always the plan to have him return?
It was always the plan to bring him back — honestly, the reason he disappeared wasn’t because we wanted to drop him out of sight; it was just logistics. So, when he became available, we made it work and it was such a treat to have him back. He’s so cute, that Jason Lee. [Laughs]
TVLINE | As we practice the power of positive thinking, are there any new guest stars you hope to pursue for Season 2? Or anyone from this year that you’re hoping to bring back?
We loved Blythe [Danner, as Reagan's mom] and would love to have her back. Of course, Will Forte created a wonderful little weirdo character…. Martin Short is… well, I’m obsessed with him, so it’d be fun to get him on as Chris’ dad or something. Fred Armisen was such a treat to have around, as well. I like to have those SNL people on the show because they can do anything. Plus it just feels like family when they’re here.
TVLINE | And the big question: Would the same little girls play Amy? Or are you guys thinking of a time jump?
We’re still talking about all of that now, but we love those babies so much — Carly and Delany. They are such a delight and so sweet.
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TVLINE | They are hands down the cutest babies on TV.
It’s unbelievable, right? I don’t understand how they can be so chill, but they are wonderful. The thing we’re torn about is that we know if we jump ahead and let them age a little bit, it would open up some stories. But we love the babies so much. So, we’re still discussing “the babies of it all.” [Laughs]
TVLINE | I have to ask, are they as actually as good and natural as they seem onscreen? Or does Up All Night just have the best editor in town?
It’s a little of both, actually. I swear to you that for the most part the babies are doing that. It is crazy! It’s like they know what they’re doing. Of course, there are some times we’ll cheat it a little bit. But we jokingly talk about launching an Emmy campaign for them because they are so good. If there was a Baby Emmy, they should both get one!
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