Pop Culturalist Chats with A.P. Bio’s Sari Arambulo

Sari Arambulo is no stranger to the small screen. She’s had guest roles on popular television programs including Girl Meets World, The Middle, Sweet/Vicious, and Modern Family. Currently, she’s starring in her biggest role yet as the lovable but naïve Grace on NBC’s hilarious new comedy, A.P. Bio. The show follows a failed philosophy professor who takes a job as an A.P. Bio teacher and uses his class to get back at those who have wronged him. Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with this up-and-comer about A.P. Bio, her character, and what drew her to this project.

PC: Tell us about A.P. Bio, your character, and how you got involved with the show.
Sari: A philosophy professor named Jack Griffin doesn’t get his dream job and ends up moving back to Toledo, Ohio to live in his dead mom’s apartment while teaching advanced placement biology at Whitlock High School. Realizing his students are smart A.P. kids, he uses them as his minions and takes them on wild adventures to avenge those of his past.

Grace is a sweet, kind, go-with-the-flow kind of girl who loves to help her friends. She gets caught up with all the antics of her classmates. She’s very book smart, but her street smarts could definitely use some work.

I auditioned for the role! It was such a quick turnaround; I went in once and then found out the next day I booked it.

PC: What drew you to this project?
Sari: First of all, it’s a comedy and I love comedy! The writing was hilarious, and the tone of the humor really spoke to me. I thought the premise of the show was original and wasn’t the cookie-cutter storyline of a wholesome teacher imparting his knowledge on his students. Instead, I find in a lot of ways his students help Jack grow as a person. Lastly, there are so many amazing people attached to this project!

PC: How would you describe Grace’s story arc throughout the season?
Sari: Grace starts out as a sweet, kind girl, and throughout the show you learn just how naïve she is. Her street smarts could use some work, but you just can’t help but like her! She gets involved in all of Jack Griffin’s adventures.

PC: Do you and Grace share a lot of similarities?
Sari: Yeah! I would say we’re both really sweet and always willing to lend a helping hand.

PC: How closely does the show mimic your high school experience?
Sari: Not particularly close. I went to an all-girls high school and although I took a lot of A.P.’s, I never took A.P. Bio! Science was not my forte.

PC: Did you ever have a teacher like Jack?
Sari: I definitely have had teachers who were just as blunt as Jack, but maybe not to the extent of leaving us unattended all the time and using his students to seek revenge.

PC: What are you most excited for fans to see?
Sari: I’m most excited for fans to see what trouble Jack Griffin gets himself and his students into. Each episode gets better and better!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Sari: Fixer Upper on HGTV. It’s so addicting.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Sari: I am obsessed with Moana!

PC: Favorite book?
Sari: The Harry Potter series

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Sari: Peter and the Starcatcher

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Sari: A band called Rainbow Kitten Surprise. Their name is unique and catchy—just like their music!

PC: Favorite social media platform?
Sari: It’s a tie between Instagram and Snapchat

PC: Last person you texted?
Sari: My mom

PC: Hidden talent?
Sari: I played basketball for eight years since third grade. I have a mean three-point shot and great dribbling skills!

Make sure to follow Sari on Twitter and Instagram, and check out new episodes of A.P. Bio every Thursday at 8:30/7:30c on NBC.

Photo Credit: Dom Ellis // Stylist: Yahaira Familia // Hair: Hairstyling by Paige Davenport for Exclusive Artists // Makeup: Makeup by Muamera Pulic at Opus Beauty