Joel McHale's AMA repilot: AMA.

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)

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

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

Put the pipe down.

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

Thank you?

You're welcome.

Annie or Britta?

Both.

Why not both?

Yes!

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

A bit drowsy.

What would be a good question to ask Joel McHale?

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

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)?

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

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.

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

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

The guy with 3 dicks.

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?

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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

Yup! I'm coordinated.

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

What's your takeaway from the VGX awards show?

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

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

You bet.

You should see me sing it in my car.

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!

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.

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?

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.

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?

Someone's been reading my Wikipedia page!

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

Who's the best rapper on Community?

Leonard.

What is your relationship to the man who plays mankini?

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.

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?

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.

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

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

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

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

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?

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.

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?

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.

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

Yeah! Where's my bourbon?

Chicks, man?

So meaty!

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

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.

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?

This is too much responsibility.

[deleted]

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

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

Again, never heard this before.

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

Jim Rash's.

When will Alison Brie release her first rap album?

May 4th.

[deleted]

Roxanne, Waterloo...

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

He smells like a mojito.

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

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

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

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?

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.

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?

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.

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

Come on! That's a trick question.

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

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

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

I've cleared my entire October out for it.

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.

It would taste like a pun.

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

And for all of you to see it.

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

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

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

Omar.

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

Justin Bieber and Katy Perry.

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..."

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

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 ?

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

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

Both!

Joel have you seen Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants?

Have I seen it? I lived it.

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

Finding $20 in an old pair of slacks.

How was hosting NYE with Fergie and Jenny McCarthy?

Terrific. I felt 6 foot 4.

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 :-( )

Sabrina Rosen, head of wardrobe. In your face.

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?

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

What's your very best life advice?

Be nice to people.

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

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

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!

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.

What was your day like today?

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.

Hi Joel, thanks for coming to do an AMA.

What are some of the things you get nervous for?

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

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

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

What's the best smelling actor you know?

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

Nathan Fillion.

Depends on the season.

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.

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).

What's your favorite reality TV show?

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

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?

The live Sound of Music, part 2.

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

Getting to play football and the coffee.

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)

What the hell is wrong with you?

is this you or your publicist?

It's my food taster.

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.

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.

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

War by Sebastian Junger.

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

I'm about 98.6 on the inside.