“We’re talking about deep life questions on our show but all we’re really doing is hanging out in a basement”: Chris O’Dowd, Josh Segarra, Gabrielle Dennis, Ally Maki and David West Read on The Big Door Prize season two

The brilliantly clever sitcom with a sci-fi twist is back: The Big Door Prize returns to our screens this week, continuing on the premise as taken from MO Walsh’s novel of the same name but with the narrative finding new avenues to explore. Hailing from the creative mind of Emmy Award-winning David West Read of Schitt’s Creek fame, that same knack for drawing us into the ordinary lives and small-town worlds of flawed but incredibly relatable and ultimately endearing characters, is very much evident.

Set in the quaint town of Deerfield, the drama revolves around the enigmatic Morpho machine, a device that tells you what your true life potential is, setting off existential crises in everyone all at once. The ensemble cast, led by the consistently hilarious Chris O’Dowd, featuring Gabrielle Dennis and Ally Maki, brings to life the contrasting characters whose lives upended by the revelations of the machine, with season two delving further into the aftermath and the ominous, “next stage”. Exploring life’s big questions with a lightness of touch, you can’t help but ask yourself what the Morpho machine might tell you, or even if you would want to know.

The Upcominh had the chance to speak with Josh Segarra and Chris O’Dowd about returning to their roles season two, exploring characters confronting their destinies via a magical machine. They delved into themes of self-discovery, relationship dynamics and the appeal of the show’s blend of everyday life with sci-fi elements. Working with David West Read and the cast’s camaraderie were highlights.

Gabrielle Dennis and Ally Maki dived into their characters’ developments and the existential themes amplified by the mysterious machine in Deerfield. They shared insights into working with the cast, especially O’Dowd, and praised showrunner  Read for his character development and collaborative approach. The series, blending comedy with deep existential questions, invites both characters and viewers to explore personal growth and change.

Read discussed the evolution of his series into its second season, focusing on the residents of Deerfield experiencing life-altering visions from a machine. He highlighted the shift from potential-revealing cards to personal visions, encouraging characters to explore and fulfil their potential. The storyline, inspired by but diverging from the original book, showcases a blend of existential questions and light-hearted comedy. Read praised O’Dowd’s performance and conveyed his aim to create relatable, layered characters, drawing on his experience from Schitt’s Creek to enrich the show’s small-town dynamic.

Sarah Bradbury

The Big Door Prize season two is released on Apple TV+ on 24^th April 2024.

Watch the trailer for The Big Door Prize season two here: