Exclusive Interview: Ryan Hansen Talks ‘Night Court’ Season 2, His Character’s Return and Future, Dad Dinner, and More

Ryan Hansen is a household name, with a prolific career spanning over 90 projects. Renowned for his seamless blend of comedy and drama, this gifted storyteller has left an indelible mark with acclaimed performances in projects like Veronica Mars, Party Down, and 2 Broke Girls.

In March, he graces the screens once again in Night Court, portraying Jake, the irresistibly charming Human Resources representative who forms a romantic bond with Abby. This reboot of the beloved ’80s series follows the journey of Abby Stone, an unabashed optimist who steps into the shoes of her late father Harry Stone as she presides over the night shift of a Manhattan arraignment court. With a mission to bring order to a motley crew of eccentrics and skeptics, Abby navigates the antics of characters like the former night court prosecutor, Dan Fielding.

Pop Culturalist had the privilege of speaking with Ryan about his return to Night Court, the potential future developments for his character, his laugh-out-loud YouTube Series, Dad Dinner, and more.

PC: Throughout your career, your characters are often the ones that push the boundaries and would be considered HR nightmares, but this project finds you on the opposite side of the spectrum. How much did that play a role in your wanting to be a guest star in this series? What was it about this project that attracted you to it?
Ryan: I never really thought about it that way, but it’s so true. I’m usually the opposite, but now I’m the guy following the rules and making sure everyone else is too, which is very appealing to me because I’m not that guy. [laughs] It’s fun to act. It’s also enjoyable to jump onto a show that’s found its groove and work with Melissa [Rauch], John [Larroquette], and everybody on the show. Also, multi-cam has the best schedule.

PC: It’s been a while since you’ve done a multi-cam and performed in front of a live audience. How does that setting enable you to elevate your own performance from an actor’s perspective? How different is it from single-cam?
Ryan: We have a pre-tape day, which is really fun. It’s in front of the crew. Then, for this show, we tape on Friday night. The energy you get from the audience is incredible.

I didn’t do a lot of plays growing up. I did some musical theater, but the live audience has always been a little intimidating. However, once you get going, you feel the energy, and everyone is amped up and ready to go. The jokes land differently. It’s cool to see how sometimes when a joke doesn’t land, they’ll do a rewrite right there, and come up with something that does work. That’s so cool because you’re getting that instant feedback. So, I love a live tape night. It’s so fun. I was actually nervous to do it again because I haven’t done it in a while, but it was great.

PC: It’s interesting for you as an actor coming in for a guest spot with a cast that has two seasons under their belts. How are you able to integrate yourself with everyone, particularly Melissa, with whom you share a majority of your scenes?
Ryan: I’ve jumped on a couple of other shows as a guest. Sometimes when you’re jumping onto a show that has a few seasons under their belt, they’re used to doing their own thing. It’s not always as warm, but that’s fine; we all have a job to do. But jumping onto Night Court Season 2, Melissa made it so comfortable and fun. She made me feel a part of the cast. That makes my performance and everyone else’s better. I want to elevate everyone else. Everyone in the cast made it so comfortable. It felt like I’d been along for the ride the whole time, which is really cool of the cast.

PC: The end of Episode 209 leaves the door open for the Jake and Abby relationship to continue. When you’re doing guest spots, how much information are you getting about the future of your character? How did the creative team hint at the possibility of your return? What’s ahead for this duo?
Ryan: They kind of hinted at it. They were like, “Maybe we could have you back.” But it depended on whether they wanted to keep the Jake and Abby storyline going; apparently, they did. They’re hot and heavy but also trying to keep it cool. The characters set some ground rules where they don’t want to get too serious too fast. When I did the last one, there was talk that when they get another season, maybe I could come back, which I would love to do.

PC: Maybe they will have you back!
Ryan: Let’s go, baby!

PC: We’re living in such an exciting time where we’re getting these reboots of iconic series and films. What’s the project that you’d love to see get another life?
Ryan: That’s a good question. I just heard about this film called Silverado with Kevin Costner. That’s a Western; I’ve always wanted to do one. That or maybe The Facts of Life.

PC: You’ve done a lot of guest spots in your career, and you have your own series now called Dad Dinner on YouTube. Who is the guest that hasn’t come on yet to teach you a meal that you’re dying to have, and why?
Ryan: Dax Shepard is one of my best friends. He hasn’t come on yet, but he will. He’s just a busy boy. I’m dying to have him on. Another would be Brad Pitt. I love him. I think I could get Brad.

I’m having a blast with Dad Dinner. It’s so fun, and I’m really learning how to cook. It’s a shame that I’ve let myself go this long as an adult without being able to cook. So this has been very informative for me. I love it so much.

To keep up with Ryan, make sure to follow him on Instagram. The Night Court Season 2 finale airs on March 26th at 8/7c on NBC.

Photo Credit: Nicole Weingart/NBC