Party Down: The Catering Crew Returns for a Hilarious Revival
The Party Down revival on Starz brings back the beloved catering crew for more comedic misadventures. This cult classic comedy, originally airing from 2009-2010, follows a group of aspiring Hollywood hopefuls stuck working for a Los Angeles catering company. Each episode showcases a different event, highlighting the characters’ disillusionment and the absurd situations they encounter.
The original Party Down featured a then-unknown cast including Adam Scott, Lizzy Caplan, Ken Marino, Jane Lynch, Martin Starr, and Ryan Hansen, all of whom have since become stars. The show’s unique blend of cringe humor, witty dialogue, and relatable characters earned critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase.
The revival sees the return of most of the original cast, except for Lizzy Caplan. Adam Scott reprises his role as Henry Pollard, the struggling actor forced back into catering. Ken Marino returns as the eternally optimistic yet hapless team leader, Ron Donald. Jane Lynch and Megan Mullally reprise their roles as the eccentric Constance Carmell and Lydia Dunfree. Martin Starr returns as the cynical aspiring screenwriter, Roman DeBeers.
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New characters join the catering crew, including Tyrel Jackson Williams as Jackson and Zoë Chao as Lucy, representing the current generation of Hollywood hopefuls. Jennifer Garner joins as Evie, a successful movie producer who connects with Henry. While the new characters bring fresh energy, the original cast’s dynamic remains central.
The revival retains the episodic structure of the original, with each event providing a backdrop for comedic chaos. Guest stars like James Marsden and Nick Offerman amplify the humor. Episodes explore unfulfilled dreams, the struggle for success in Hollywood, and the absurdity of the catering industry, balancing cynical humor with genuine character connections.
Lizzy Caplan’s absence is noticeable, but cleverly acknowledged within the narrative. The revival tackles the characters’ aging and evolving perspectives, adding depth to the humor. While some storylines feel forced, the cast’s charm and comedic timing remain intact.
The Party Down revival successfully captures the original’s spirit while adapting to the current television landscape. Its enduring appeal lies in its relatable portrayal of struggling artists and their humorous situations. While it may not reach the original’s heights, it’s a welcome return to the world of Party Down and its flawed characters. The show remains a sharp satire of Hollywood and the pursuit of dreams.
