Picture Credit: Sonya Katarina / Netflix
Are multi-cam sitcoms back at Netflix? That’s what many will be hoping with the release of 16 episodes of Leanne, a new series co-created by Chuck Lorre, Susan McMartin, and Leanne Morgan. Among the stars is Hannah Pilkes, an actress and comedian who has been in movies like Aunt Roxie and A Square is a Rectangle, plus a regular on chat shows and podcasts. We got to chat to the star upon the arrival of the show.
In this interview, Hannah reflects on her experience starring in Leanne, a unique Netflix multi-camera sitcom. She discusses what drew her to the project, mainly Leanne Morgan’s charm and comedic talent, and the excitement of portraying her daughter. Despite a background in live comedy and single-camera shows, Hannah found the multi-cam format both familiar and refreshing, especially enjoying the energy of Friday night tapings with a live audience.
She talks about her deep-rooted love for sitcoms and their lasting appeal due to strong relationships, musicality, and nostalgia. Working with sitcom heavyweight Chuck Lorre was a career highlight, with his detailed, hands-on involvement shaping the production. Hannah also expresses awe and gratitude for collaborating with comedy legends, calling the experience a “masterclass.”
Finally, she hopes viewers walk away from the series feeling joy, warmth, and laughter, and expresses a hopeful wish for a second season.
WoN: Leanne is quite a unique project, especially with Netflix, given the number of episodes and the style of storytelling, which feels very broadcast-oriented. What drew you to the project, and what attracted you to the character of Josie?
Well, when I got the audition, I immediately did a deep dive on Leanne and watched her Netflix special. I realized immediately, “Oh! I’ve already been binge-watching her standup clips on Instagram!” Leanne is one of the most dynamic, endearing performers I’ve ever come across. Her ability to invite you into her world so warmly, and make you laugh your guts out at the same time—expertly crafted silliness and sweetness all at the same time. It’s like we’re sitting in her living room with her. I couldn’t wait to audition. The prospect of getting to be her daughter! It was a no-brainer. Plus, my in-laws are obsessed with her and were so giddy when they found out I was auditioning. An added bonus, we’re both very tall. I think Leanne looks more like my mother than my own mother does! So I felt hopeful that I’d at least have something of a shot!
WoN: You’ve worked with live audiences and more traditional single-camera comedies before, but not in a multi-camera sitcom setup. How does this compare with other formats you’ve worked with? Did you have any expectations or misconceptions that were changed once you got going?
Well my favorite part of filming Leanne was the Friday night live tapings. Performing live is where I feel most at home. More at home than I do as myself in daily life, frankly! Last year I toured with Paul F Tompkins on his Varietopia tour and truly was the most alive and embodied I’ve ever felt! Historically, in my live comedy, I gravitate towards characters. Lots of wigs, lots of props (not ideal for traveling long distances…eventually I’m going to have to learn how to consolidate.) It’s the ultimate form of escapism. So largely the biggest difference was, in a sense, playing a character that’s much closer to myself than what I’m used to. A lot of my live comedy has portions that integrate clowning and involve the audience, which of course, is not the case in a sitcom. The show is tightly scripted and rehearsed. The rehearsal process is similar to that of a play. And when you’re on a show where the focus is the family, it’s a real gift to get to spend this extended time with your make-believe family. Inevitably, you start to feel like a family in real life too!
WoN: Multi-cam sitcoms have fallen out of fashion in recent years, but on the other hand, shows like Big Bang Theory and Friends continue to boom in popularity – what do you think makes them so special?
I grew up on sitcoms. Sitcoms have played such a formative part in shaping my love of comedy. The science of comedy. The musicality to it. As someone who loves and plays a lot with physical comedy, the heightened universe of the sitcom allows for a real sense of play. I think that is evergreen. How exciting that we exist in a time where comedy can take such different shapes (single cam, multi cam, sketch, etc), but I think regardless of the medium, we as an audience want to watch strong relationships and well-developed characters. And there’s a real familiarity and nostalgia to multicam that, in an ever-changing world, remains constant. We need levity more than ever right now. And Leanne is just that!
Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2024
WoN: Arguably, Chuck Lorre has shepherded the format more than anyone over the past decade. Will fans of his be able to tell that the show bears his fingerprint? How involved was he day-to-day in the production?
Oh absolutely! This is a Chuck production through and through. Chuck is absolutely brilliant and is somehow able to zoom out and see the many, MANY moving parts. It really takes a village. He and his team assembled such a prolific cast, crew, team of writers, directors.. Chuck, Susan McMartin, and Nick Bakay really shepherded this show, and it’s been truly extraordinary to see how a season of television takes shape. Such thoughtfulness and close attention to all of the details. They had a really hands-on approach. And clearly a real love of the material. The beauty’s in the details of this show, really.
WoN: You’re working with some comedy legends on this series. Had you worked with any of them before, and was there anyone in particular you were really looking forward to working with?
I’m still pinching myself! How lucky am I?! This has been an absolute masterclass, working with all of these legends. I grew up watching Third Rock From The Sun and Who’s Line. That material alone is a comedic masterclass. Celia Weston! The original sitcom queen! Leanne and Blake have been touring around the world with their comedy for years. Truly everyone..they make it all look so effortless. Watching them work. It’s my first time working with all of them, and if I have anything to say about it, certainly not my last!! Sweet Kristen has answered so many acting and sitcom questions for me, and offered so much wisdom. An absolute gift.
WoN: What’s your hope for what fans can take away from the series, and what are your hopes for season 2, if possible?
I hope the show makes you laugh, makes you feel warm and gooey and hopeful. Did I mention I hope it makes you laugh? Everybody is VERY funny.. you’ll have to ask Netflix about a season 2, but I’m crossing my fingers and my toes!!
With thanks to Hannah Pilkes for her time, season 1 of Leanne is streaming now on Netflix globally.
