I'm going to answering questions for the next hour or so. Oh and by the way Community returns tonight on NBC 8pm for TWO EPISODES.

https://twitter.com/joelmchale/status/418820860313468928

I have to go now, sadly. My shipment of bourbon has just arrived. It goes without saying that you are some of the finest people that have ever been produced, and I wish I could personally open-mouth kiss each and every one of you. Thank you, watch Community tonight at 8, and stay gold ponyboy. #sixseasonsandamovie

Comments: 2754 • Responses: 85  • Date: 

superhotbunnysex2079 karma

I think that Bill Murray should be brought in to play Pierce's character, with no explanation. Do you agree?

(Edit: I can't take credit for this idea. It came from this thread in Metafilter. It's just so right, though. http://www.metafilter.com/135269/It-was-like-a-13-week-family-reunion)

_JoelMcHale2285 karma

Yes, if you have a phone number for Bill Murray, let's give him a call.

shez331340 karma

The show should just start replacing every actor with Bill Murray this season, he plays a new character every episode. No explanations.

_JoelMcHale2247 karma

Put the pipe down.

SchroedingersSphere1774 karma

The only question I have is my sexuality whenever you're on TV.

_JoelMcHale2269 karma

Thank you?

_JoelMcHale2597 karma

You're welcome.

rizii1333 karma

Annie or Britta?

_JoelMcHale2826 karma

Both.

JacDG419 karma

Why not both?

_JoelMcHale878 karma

Yes!

CatfishJohnson1047 karma

What's it like to be more handsome than the guy who's famous for being handsome?

_JoelMcHale1284 karma

A bit drowsy.

Jakeisaprettycoolguy1018 karma

What would be a good question to ask Joel McHale?

_JoelMcHale2463 karma

Hey Joel, do you think you'll have to come up with your questions for this AMA chat?

dakralter987 karma

Realistically, what do you think the chances are of Community getting a 6th season and the movie (whether it's on NBC or if it gets picked up by Netflix or something like Arrested Development did)?

_JoelMcHale1335 karma

I really don't know. We'll know after we see the ratings and the DVR numbers after this season.

thehobgoblin600 karma

As a British fan, what would you recommend people in my situation to do to support the show?

Other than buy all the DVDs the instant they come out.

_JoelMcHale2415 karma

In traditional British fashion, assume the position of the Town Crier, and scream out about the show daily until it's #1.

gary_anderson812 karma

What could you possibly have to say that is going to be more entertaining than the guy talking about his two dicks?

_JoelMcHale1376 karma

The guy with 3 dicks.

shinja59723 karma

Hey Joel, two questions:

1.) Dan Harmon credits you as being the one who was directly responsible for his return to the show. Can you shed some more light on how you managed to pull off this seemingly-Herculean feat, considering how no other show in television history has ever had a showrunner be asked to return after being previously let go?

2.) After four seasons it felt like Jeff had essentially completed his character ‘arc’, having made peace with his father, become a better person, found true friends, and graduated from Greendale. Obviously a lot of this immediately falls apart come Season 5, but could you describe what kind of place Jeff is at mentally when Season 5 begins, and how he develops throughout the rest of the season?

_JoelMcHale1033 karma

A) This is going to be a long answer. Dan was the only way I believe we would get to a 6th season since the show is in his head. Like J.R.R. Tolkien had Middle Earth in his. And I have to thank NBC and Sony for being open and willing to bring him back. And I'm as excited as a little schoolgirl.

B) I would explain it now but just watch the 2 episodes that play tonight and that should cover some of it.

ajb1990691 karma

How did you wind up being in Spider-Man 2?

_JoelMcHale2283 karma

I auditioned for the casting director, and she cast me. After I slept with her 48 times.

TheDuskDragon558 karma

Which guest star were you most excited about working with this season?

_JoelMcHale1362 karma

There were so many. But to name a few: Brie Larson, Walton Goggins, Vince Gilligan, Chris Elliott, Robert Patrick, and the beautiful, dashing Nathan Fillion.

_JoelMcHale1421 karma

Of course, the supersexy John Oliver is back for 7 episodes. And for 11 episodes, we have Jonathan Banks who is a fucking tour de force.

Ad4mH546 karma

Hey Joel, wanted to say thanks for doing the AMA and ask a couple questions about Community. My questions are with Dan Harmon back on Community, what was different on the show during the time without him? Now that Donald Glover is departing, how do you think that will that affect season 5? Thanks!

_JoelMcHale1428 karma

A) you're welcome

B) Having Dan back is the same feeling you get from a Nestea plunge (absolute relief and delicious refreshment)

C) With Troy leaving (Donald), it gives a ton for the incredible, amazing Danny Pudi (Abed) to deal with. Danny should have been nominated for 10 Emmys already.

enlightenight512 karma

What's the story of the scar on your left eyebrow?

_JoelMcHale1234 karma

I fell when I was 6 during a power outage into the corner of a brick fireplace.

Yup! I'm coordinated.

_JoelMcHale2422 karma

No wait, that doesn't sound exciting. I fought a bear.

mauer83506 karma

What's your takeaway from the VGX awards show?

_JoelMcHale1156 karma

Despite what some people thought, I fucking love video games.

davesyourfave497 karma

Hey Joel! Are you a fan of Donald Glover's music?

_JoelMcHale867 karma

You bet.

_JoelMcHale1144 karma

You should see me sing it in my car.

DerpHerpSchlerp492 karma

Hey, I still love Community but I just wanted to know how it felt to first have Chevy Chase leave the show and now Donald Glover? Thanks!

_JoelMcHale1171 karma

A) Thanks for still loving Community. I still like you.

B) We will miss Donald dearly. And Chevy left midseason last year and I wish him the best.

Immunologist485 karma

I heard you describe on a podcast your relationship with your wife. You explained that you always try to move toward her, and not take her for granted. That was a very thoughtful and endearing view.

Do you find that this is more difficult to accomplish as the demands on your time have increased, or does your relationship serve as a shelter from all that peripheral distraction?

_JoelMcHale979 karma

Wow, that's a thoughtful question. Yes. Because of my schedule, it's hard to be around as much as I want. But believe me, there are way more other people with bigger time constraints than I have. My number 1 goal is to spend as much time with my wife and kids as possible. That, and playing Call of Duty.

cadenhead458 karma

When you moved to L.A. you promised your wife that if you didn't make it in five years, you'd move back to Seattle. Soup happened in year four. What was it like for you before that, when your master's in acting was being put to use on roles like Quicky the Clown and the dead body on Diagnosis Murder?

_JoelMcHale940 karma

Someone's been reading my Wikipedia page!

_JoelMcHale604 karma

And by the way, when I played Quicky, Annette O'Toole was absolutely lovely.

patrickfam450 karma

Who's the best rapper on Community?

_JoelMcHale1420 karma

Leonard.

jacustjack418 karma

What is your relationship to the man who plays mankini?

_JoelMcHale854 karma

I grew up with Dominic. I met him in 5th grade at Saint Monica's School in Mercer Island, Washington. He was the best man at my wedding. And we have a deal that if either of us falls ill, we may harvest each other's organs.

TheOtherW_W_399 karma

Hey Joel, I loved you in the movie Ted! Do you have any other major movies that you are working on that we can look forward to seeing?

_JoelMcHale927 karma

Adam Sandler's Blended, Deliver Us From Evil (out on July 2), A Friggin' Christmas Miracle with Robin Williams, and some low budget softcore stuff.

_JoelMcHale693 karma

Wait! Adam Sandler's Blended is now called The Familymoon.

certified-genius373 karma

Hey Joel! What is your favorite Community episode? Super excited for Repilot.

_JoelMcHale605 karma

I really couldn't say. That's like picking my favorite bourbon.

_JoelMcHale1480 karma

But I am very excited (and I forgot to mention him) David Cross gueststars on our next Dungeons & Dragons episode.

Stereohead101366 karma

Your interview on Howard Stern a while back was really interesting! I enjoyed hearing about how The Soup works and its usage of all of those TV clips. Have there been any shows that have consistently fought to not have clips from their show aired on The Soup?

_JoelMcHale570 karma

There was a time years ago when I don't think Tyra Banks was very happy about what we said about her show. But I've met her since and she was very cool.

ElStarPrince333 karma

Dear Mr. McHale,

I've been a huge fan of your work since I was ten years old (I'm almost fifteen). Community made me want to pursue comedy. You guys are my heroes.

The scene from "Football, Feminism, and You" where Jeff is trying to convince Troy to play football is one of my favorite scenes. The banter between you and Donald really struck a chord with me and made me realize that I wanted to act in and make comedy. So, I thank you and Donald and Dan for that.

I have some questions that I hope to get answered:

  1. Home Economics, Communication Studies, and Critical Film Studies are three of my favorite episodes. Jeff and Abed have a very interesting relationship that hasn't been fully explored. Does less Troy mean more Jeff + Abed?

  2. In the 90s, did you adopt your hairstyle from Eric from Boy Meets World?

  3. Who are your inspirations? What comedy were you into growing up?

_JoelMcHale541 karma

A) You're going to see Danny (Abed) have to deal with the loss of Troy and it's absolutely brilliant. But Jeff and Abed do have some terrific exchanges.

B) No, I got it from Flock of Seagulls.

C) I watched a lot of MST3K, Woody Allen, and Monty Python.

BirdistheWyrd308 karma

Do you have anything you'd like to ask me?

_JoelMcHale517 karma

Yeah! Where's my bourbon?

JesterOnCoke298 karma

Chicks, man?

_JoelMcHale584 karma

So meaty!

DerBleistift290 karma

Hola, jefe... A few questions for ya. Picking and choosing is understandable >.>

  1. Of all the guest stars who are in this new season of Community, which one was your favorite to work with on camera, and which one was your favorite to just hang out with when the cameras weren't rolling?

  2. What's the ratio of good genes to high quality styling product when it comes to your hair, or is it all just magic?

  3. Some of my most favorite episodes of Community are Communication Studies, Home Economics and Critical Film Studies, so I was wondering if there will be any episodes in season 5 that focus on just Jeff and Abed together?

  4. Does Britta finally get that used iPod Nano?

  5. I've seen where you've worked on an upcoming crime/horror film called Deliver Us from Evil. How was it taking on a serious rather than comedic role? Do you think you'll do any more serious roles any time soon?

  6. I keep trying to get my friend Meaghan to watch Community, but she just keeps coming up with excuses and putting it off. Think you could persuade her to finally get on with it?

Thanks for doing this AMA. Keep rockin'. #sixseasonsandamovie

_JoelMcHale847 karma

A) It's impossible for me to pick a favorite because all these people came in like designated hitters and hit grand slams. I will say this: it was hard for me to not break into laughter watching Mitch Hurwitz work.

B) It's a mixture of incredibly good lighting, precise messiness arranging, and diesel fuel.

C) There's not just a Jeff and Abed episode, but there's a lot of stuff between Jeff and Abed. And it's mostly romantic.

D) Ha ha you might be very happy over the next 2 weeks.

E) I had the time of my life working with Eric Bana, Edgar Ramirez and Sean Harris. It was a blast. As far as serious roles go, yes, I love doing them. In fact I'm crying right now.

F) End your relationship with Meaghan.

lilmags287 karma

First, thanks so much for being such a funny person. I've watched The Soup since the beginning and you have given me so many laughs along the way! What is the best advice you can give to an 18 year-old who is absolutely clueless on what she wants to do with the rest of her life?

_JoelMcHale1044 karma

This is too much responsibility.

whiteabed254 karma

[deleted]

_JoelMcHale502 karma

I've never been asked this. I'll have to think about it.

Mr_Hendrix138 karma

C'mon, go with a classic. Chicken noodle. It's a classic for a reason.

_JoelMcHale315 karma

Again, never heard this before.

General_Diddy251 karma

Besides the obvious choice of Jim Rash's episode, what was your favorite part of season 4?

_JoelMcHale649 karma

Jim Rash's.

laxor09233 karma

When will Alison Brie release her first rap album?

_JoelMcHale406 karma

May 4th.

Ten_Vs_Vitalogy219 karma

[deleted]

_JoelMcHale481 karma

Roxanne, Waterloo...

Frestoni217 karma

Hi, Joel! Love the show. Does Jim Rash smell really good? He looks like he smells really good.

_JoelMcHale565 karma

He smells like a mojito.

rhodrir216 karma

Was it weird to work with Richard Ayoade again on Critical Fim Studies after doing the IT Crowd pilot with him?

_JoelMcHale376 karma

It was not weird. I love that guy. And I love his hair.

_JoelMcHale465 karma

If you haven't seen his movie Submarine, you are missing out on cinematic genius.

nikolaiFTW200 karma

Joel, Thank you for doing this AMA! I saw you last year when you came to Cincinnati for your standup and you were hilarious. You said we were "the best folding chair audience" you've ever had.

With season five premiering tonight and early reviews being really positive how likely do you think it is that you guys will make it to six seasons and a movie?

_JoelMcHale761 karma

A) Cincinnati is a terrific city and has some of the best stadiums built on a river I've ever seen. And with the return of Dan Harmon, I think we will get to 12 seasons and a theme park.

wakk0178 karma

Joel, Thanks for helping get Dan and Chris back for season 5. My wife and I are huge fans and we even got the chance to see you in Austin. That being said, we would like to know what is the best way for us to make season 6 happen for a full seasons worth of episodes. We already have all of our friends watching Community. What else can we do?

_JoelMcHale589 karma

A) God bless you.

B) Keep doing what you're doing. Community's fans are the most vocal, best looking, strongest, fastest, smartest, and sexually virile out of any fans in the history of television. Use your powers to keep the word out there and I feel we will get to a 6th season. I sure as hell want one.

sincewedidthedo178 karma

What was the more underrated film: Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, or Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol?

_JoelMcHale266 karma

Come on! That's a trick question.

chegs81168 karma

What is the strangest interaction you've had with a fan?

_JoelMcHale464 karma

The ones that want me to sign their genitals always get a bit awkward.

nwahs086166 karma

Do you think you'll be able to attend the fan convention CommuniCon in LA that's happening annually around October?

_JoelMcHale373 karma

I've cleared my entire October out for it.

mouse_mafia165 karma

If Danny Pudi created a confection called Danny Pudding, what would it taste like?

And congrats on the new Community season, super pumped for it.

_JoelMcHale328 karma

It would taste like a pun.

So am I! I'm very excited to see what you think. You, specifically.

_JoelMcHale93 karma

And for all of you to see it.

red_sundress148 karma

If you had to watch only Community or The Soup on repeat for the rest of your life, which would you pick?

_JoelMcHale628 karma

I don't think I could do that. Because I would die from shame at the size of my ego.

molly-ringworm143 karma

If Community is The Wire of comedy, who would Jeff be?

_JoelMcHale304 karma

Omar.

jmk1991142 karma

If you could bring in anyone to guest star on Community, who would you choose?

_JoelMcHale437 karma

Justin Bieber and Katy Perry.

SaturatedPhats135 karma

Hey Joel! Huge, huge fan of Community and The Soup.

What did you and Jim Rash say to NBC executives to get Dan Harmon back?

I like to think it began "maybe, just maybe..."

_JoelMcHale307 karma

We said "please." And that's it.

Folk-you129 karma

Hey Joel, first of all thanks for doing this AMA ! I have one question and one request for you : First do you improvise a lot on stage or is it all written, and what is your favorite line that you or an other actor improvised on stage ?

Also my request is that there's a girl i like called Lea who is also a fan of the show, and, since you're more handsome than the guy who is famous for being handsome, would you please write her a message that i could transmit ?

_JoelMcHale358 karma

I can't think of anything to say right now.

Dear Lea, Community premieres tonight at 8 PM on NBC. Watch it and you will be forever fulfilled. Love, Joel

ArthurTrollington117 karma

Who's a better kisser: Alison Brie or Gillian Jacobs?

_JoelMcHale284 karma

Both!

Toungey115 karma

Joel have you seen Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants?

_JoelMcHale561 karma

Have I seen it? I lived it.

kaylac123109 karma

What is the craziest thing that has ever happened to you?

_JoelMcHale411 karma

Finding $20 in an old pair of slacks.

stevieblack107 karma

How was hosting NYE with Fergie and Jenny McCarthy?

_JoelMcHale287 karma

Terrific. I felt 6 foot 4.

Lazers_pew_pew101 karma

Hi Joel,

Just one quick question: where does Jeff get all of his clothes from? Every outfit is magnificent. (If you say wardrobe or anything I'll never forgive you :-( )

_JoelMcHale376 karma

Sabrina Rosen, head of wardrobe. In your face.

BeautifulVictory87 karma

Hello Joel, I've been a fan of yours since you started on the soup. You are amazing! I really enjoyed watching your career shoot off. I was wondering what was your favorite segment from the Soup?

_JoelMcHale360 karma

It's hard to pick a single segment, let alone remember them all. But years ago, when I handed Tila Tequila the statue for Entertainer of the Year with tongs while wearing a hazmat suit comes to mind.

bradhatestheinternet77 karma

Joel, what was your favorite Community episode to film, and which one was your favorite to watch?

_JoelMcHale209 karma

Again, hard to say. I really enjoyed making Modern Warfare because I got to play out the childhood fantasy of being an action star. And as far as watching, that really is hard for me to say.

AceSpades1566 karma

What are your go-to exercises? You seem like a fit dude and I'm looking for ways to keep my New Year's Resolution this year.

_JoelMcHale318 karma

I try to go to the gym 3 times a day. And I don't eat anything.

cagedbird9366 karma

This is probably a better Troy or Abed question, but I'm making a blanket fort for my premiere party tonight. Which tape would be better: duct or masking or none of the above?

Thank you so much for bringing Dan back. This is truly the best timeline.

_JoelMcHale116 karma

You're right, this is a Troy or Abed question. I'm emailing them now.

uberlad60 karma

What's your very best life advice?

_JoelMcHale223 karma

Be nice to people.

Crows__Before__Hoes48 karma

Hey Joel. Have you heard Donald Glover's new album? What did you think about it?

_JoelMcHale173 karma

I have heard it. I think it's terrific. And I want my shirt back from the album cover.

recoveryindiscovery45 karma

Hey Joel! I'm such a big fan of your work; I followed you from The Soup to Community and I am in love. Request: describe your relationship with Dan Harmon as creatively as possible. I'm getting my fillings right now. Wish me luck!

_JoelMcHale105 karma

Dan changed my life 5 years ago by casting me in Community and for that I am ever thankful. And he is also leading the pack on scruffy writers' beards. And I love working with him.

CN_0M41 karma

What was your day like today?

_JoelMcHale190 karma

I got up at 5:30 and started doing radio interviews. This is by far the best part of my day. Screw it, best part of my year doing this reddit chat.

marcellnation36 karma

Hi Joel, thanks for coming to do an AMA.

What are some of the things you get nervous for?

_JoelMcHale148 karma

Not ruining a steak. And WWIII. And miscellaneous volcanos.

timlowell32 karma

Do you ever hang out with Bill Nye, your colleague on "Almost Live"? If so, does he perform experiments on you?

_JoelMcHale47 karma

I see him once in a while. The last time, I broke his knee.

bbiggyz22 karma

What's the best smelling actor you know?

Edit: Also, do you have two dicks? If no, would you like to have two?

_JoelMcHale52 karma

Nathan Fillion.

Depends on the season.

Porkymon22 karma

Hey Joel! My wife informed me that you are a bourbon drinker. I myself like to partake in the drink and was wondering what your favorite is! Thanks for doing the AMA! Can't wait to watch the new new episode tonight! I'm going to finish the rest of my Angels Envy in honor whist watching it.

_JoelMcHale37 karma

Right now, I'm drinking Black Maple Hill (which is incredible, but Rick Dees gave me a bottle of Pappy van Winkle, which I'm excited about drinking).

noobyak16 karma

What's your favorite reality TV show?

_JoelMcHale74 karma

Right now, my favorite reality TV show is MSNBC's Lockup.

AmandaAfternoon13 karma

If you could be cast in any TV show (currently airing or not), which one would you choose? Also, would you choose to be an existing character or make your own?

_JoelMcHale41 karma

The live Sound of Music, part 2.

OkieExpat10 karma

Hey Joel. What is your favorite memory from University of Washington?

_JoelMcHale17 karma

Getting to play football and the coffee.

GrimRoach8 karma

If you were able to predict a mass tragedy in which all the Kardashians died, how would they all pass? And how would you report it on the soup? (Other than with a smile on your face)

_JoelMcHale33 karma

What the hell is wrong with you?

zoombuctoo247 karma

is this you or your publicist?

_JoelMcHale9 karma

It's my food taster.

jarrettbraun6 karma

According to Yahoo Answers, you're better than Brad Pitt.

Now that I made your day, may I PA for you? Here's some of my work directing.

_JoelMcHale15 karma

Ma'am or Sir, this person posted that thing about Brad Pitt 6 years ago. I think people have come to their senses. If that one person has not come to their senses, then they must be deranged.

jenniferworthen6 karma

What's the best book you've read recently?

_JoelMcHale10 karma

War by Sebastian Junger.

so_boring5 karma

Are you hot to the touch ... or cool like ice?

_JoelMcHale7 karma

I'm about 98.6 on the inside.