Big Changes for NBC's "Up All Night," Sean Hayes to Guest Star

Last season on “Parks and Recreation” Sean Hayes returned to NBC in a highly anticipated guest role. Buddy Wood (Hayes) was a prominent Indianapolis journalist was meant to boost Leslie Knope’s (Amy Poehler) chance at winning a spot on the city council. However, more chaos ensued as a result of a drunken interview. Though it was a short appearance, fans of “Will & Grace” were ecstatic over his return. Good news for fans- Hayes is returning to NBC this fall on Thursday night’s “Up All Night.”

Hayes is confirmed for a multi-episode run that will air in midseason according to Reuters. He will play a “former accompanist” to self-centered talk show host Ava Alexander (played by Maya Rudolph). When people from Ava’s past return it always means one of two things- a bucket of laughs or a stressful competition. However, with major changes going on behind-the-scenes with the story, we can almost guarantee a competition will not be involved.

It’s likely that Hayes will play a character that helps Ava cope as she loses her talk show. Todd VanDerWerff of the A.V. Club reported that “Up All Night” is making major changes as it dives into its second season. Writers want to focus more on the “home stories” than the show-within-a-show. Ava’s talk show is her identity, so it’s going to be interesting watching the new format work out. 

Critics argue that the change will benefit the show as it is meant to focus on the changes new parents go through, while many feel it focuses too much on Ava and not Reagan‘s (Christina Applegate) venture as a new, working mom. Let's keep in mind that the loss of Ava's show also means that Reagan will also be out of work, so she will be staying at home with little Amy while Chris (Will Arnett) has to return to work.

Despite changes, everyone can agree on one thing- “Up All Night” is the show that most did not expect to make it to season two. Though the show is full of many big name stars and guest stars, it jumped time slots so much for its first season that it could have been difficult to create a regular following.

“Up All Night” will return on Thursday, September 20 in the 8:30/7:30 time slot in an attempt to reclaim the Thursday night comedy block on NBC.