Some series are drawn out for dozens of seasons. Other TV shows can run for just a season or two and create a lasting effect on their viewers. Party Down falls into the latter category, only running for two seasons but gaining a large following since its release.
Now, Party Down's likable characters are returning to the small screen for a third season after over a decade hiatus. The production of the series might seem straightforward, but there are several interesting behind-the-scenes facts about how the show came to be.
The Pilot Was Shot In The Co-Creator's House
Party Down may be getting buzz as its revival is on the way, but the show comes from humble beginnings. The series comes from four co-creators. One of which is Rob Thomas.
Texas Monthy revealed that before Party Down was picked up, a pilot was shot in Rob Thomas' house. It never aired on TV, but Thomas screened it to audiences at the Austin Film Festival in the early 2010s.
Paul Rudd Helped Make The Series
There are several beloved comedic actors in Party Down. Ken Marino, Adam Scott, and Lizzy Kaplan appear in starring roles, while many notable guest stars show up in Party Down.
However, fans might be surprised to learn that one of the most celebrated working comedic actors, Paul Rudd, is one of the co-creators of the show. He doesn't appear in the series, but he, Rob Thomas, Dan Etheridge, and John Enbom are responsible for its development.
Ken Marino Directed The Finale
Ken Marino has appeared in several highly-rated films. However, fans might say one of his most memorable roles comes with Party Down as Ronald Wayne "Ron" Donald. To many, Ron gives the show some of its funniest moments.
However, if audiences take a look at the production credits for the show, they might be surprised to learn that Marino's role in the series goes beyond Ron's influence. The actor directed the final episode of Season 2, "Constance Carmell Wedding." Viewers would think this was the final episode of the series until the revival was announced.
Megan Mullally Broke Her Wrist On Her Second Shoot Day
A switch in personalities came to Party Down during the second season of the series. Audiences saw some of the Party Down crew like Jennifer Coolidge leave, along with new appearances from guest stars like Thomas Lennon. Megan Mullally also joined the cast as Lydia Dunfree.
Details revealed that Megan Mullally broke her wrist on her second day of filming. She got into a car accident on the way to set. However, the crew didn't know if she was hurt badly, only hearing that she had been in a car crash.
Andrea Savage Originally played Casey Klein
It is hard to imagine Party Down without Lizzy Caplan. She plays Casey Klein, the romantic interest of Adam Scott's Henry Pollard and one of the crew's most memorable personalities.
However, the pilot presented a different vision for the series. Stereogum revealed that Andrea Savage originally played Casey in the pilot for the show. However, Savage would return to the show as a guest star in Season 2.
There Is A Veronica Mars Connection
Although many series share cast and crew, there is a notable connection between Party Down and Veronica Mars. Rob Thomas created Mars and co-created Party Down. Other Party Down co-creators John Enbom and Dan Etheridge were producers and writers on Veronica Mars, respectively.
Furthermore, there are several actor crossovers between Party Down and Veronica Mars. Main characters played by actors like Ken Marino and Kristen Bell appear on both shows, as well as guest stars like Steve Guttenberg and Joey Lauren Adams.
Less Than 15,000 People Watched The Finale
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It isn't uncommon for projects to be appreciated long after their creation, and the pattern is no different with TV series. Party Down is getting a revival over ten years since it was canceled, so it has taken some time for fans to catch up on a wide scale.
The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Adam Scott said the original series finale had "something like 13,000 viewers." He said that the revival comes from audiences who have discovered it since.
Adam Scott Prepared For His Bartending Role
Fans of Party Down perhaps remember Adam Scott's Henry having recurring duties as a bartender for the catering team. The actor told Details that he had his mixologist buddy show him pointers in the trade before filming.
Scott says the tips "did come in handy," although he wasn't really measuring out drinks. However, he says it helped make him at least look like he knew what he was doing.