Cast and Crew of Go On

Go On

"Go On" centers around Ryan King, portrayed by Matthew Perry, a sports talk radio host grappling with the profound grief following the recent death of his wife. Eager to return to his professional life, Ryan is unexpectedly mandated by his assertive boss, Stephen (played by John Cho), to attend a grief counseling group before resuming his radio show. Reluctantly, Ryan joins this eclectic support group, where he encounters a diverse array of individuals, each navigating their unique life-altering challenges and personal losses.

At its core, "Go On" explores themes of healing through community and the importance of confronting grief directly rather than suppressing it. The show deftly balances humor with heartfelt moments, shedding light on how shared vulnerability and genuine connection can pave the way for emotional recovery. Through Ryan's journey from skepticism to acceptance, the series highlights the complexities of loss, resilience, and the unexpected friendships that can emerge in difficult times.

Upon its release, "Go On" was praised for its blend of comedy and drama, offering a refreshing take on grief and mental health rarely seen in sitcoms. Matthew Perry's performance was particularly noted for its depth and sincerity, resonating with audiences dealing with similar experiences. Though the series had a brief run, it left an enduring impact by opening conversations around grief counseling and the significance of support networks, influencing subsequent television portrayals of emotional healing and group therapy.

Main Cast of Go On

Matthew Perry as Ryan King

Matthew Perry

Ryan King
In the TV series 'Go On,' Matthew Perry delivers a nuanced and sincere performance as Ryan King, a sports radio host grappling with grief and seeking connection through a support group. His portrayal balances comedy with heartfelt emotion, showcasing a more vulnerable and introspective side compared to his iconic role as Chandler Bing in 'Friends,' where his humor was more sarcastic and snappy. Unlike the more sarcastic characters he's known for, Ryan King is earnest and evolving, highlighting Perry's range as an actor. A trivia fact: Matthew Perry contributed to the writing of several episodes, adding a personal touch to his character's development on 'Go On.'
John Cho as Steven

John Cho

Steven
John Cho played the character Steven Ma in the TV series 'Go On,' a comedy that aired in 2012. His performance was well-received for its charm and subtle humor, bringing depth to a supporting role that balanced the show's ensemble cast. What made Cho's portrayal unique was his ability to blend dry wit with emotional sincerity, making Steven a relatable and memorable character amid the group's varied personalities. A lesser-known fact about Cho's involvement is that he improvised several lines during filming, which the writers appreciated and incorporated into the final scripts, showcasing his creative influence beyond acting.
Laura Benanti as Lauren Schneider

Laura Benanti

Lauren Schneider
Laura Benanti played the role of Lauren in the TV series 'Go On,' a character who added depth and warmth to the ensemble cast in this comedy-drama centered around a support group. This role was significant in her overall career as it showcased her versatility beyond her acclaimed stage performances and musical theater roots. While Benanti is widely recognized for her Broadway achievements and guest roles on various TV shows, her performance in 'Go On' stood out for revealing her comedic timing and ability to contribute to a heartfelt narrative on a mainstream network sitcom. This marked a successful transition into more sustained television work, highlighting her range as an actress and expanding her audience beyond theater aficionados.
Julie White as Anne

Julie White

Anne
Julie White delivers a compelling performance as Anne in the TV show 'Go On,' blending her trademark sharp wit and emotional depth to bring complexity to the character. Unlike some of her other roles, which often showcase her comedic timing, White strikes a fine balance between humor and heartfelt vulnerability in this series. This nuanced portrayal adds a distinct layer to the ensemble cast, highlighting her versatility as an actress. Trivia: Julie White won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her role in 'The Little Dog Laughed,' underscoring her acclaimed stage career alongside her television work.
Suzy Nakamura as Yolanda

Suzy Nakamura

Yolanda
Fans of Suzy Nakamura will appreciate her role in the TV show 'Go On' because she brings her signature blend of warmth and comedic timing to the character, much like in her most iconic performance on 'Superstore' where she portrayed the practical and relatable Amy. In 'Go On', she plays a character who is both supportive and subtly humorous, allowing Nakamura to showcase her ability to balance heartfelt moments with comedy. An interesting and unexpected detail is that Suzy Nakamura was initially reluctant to take on the role in 'Go On' due to its shift from her usual characters, but her performance became a standout thanks to her nuanced delivery and chemistry with the lead actor.
Tyler James Williams as Owen

Tyler James Williams

Owen
Tyler James Williams played the role of Ryan King in the TV show "Go On," where he portrayed a socially awkward and often humorous member of a grief support group. This role represented a shift from his earlier, more dramatic and coming-of-age work—most notably as the titular character in "Everybody Hates Chris." In "Go On," Williams showcased his ability to blend comedy with subtle emotional depth, standing out by balancing wit with vulnerability. This performance highlighted his versatility, contrasting with the primarily comedic, youthful roles he was previously known for, and demonstrated his growth in handling mature, ensemble-driven narratives.
Brett Gelman as Mr. K

Brett Gelman

Mr. K
Tonita Castro as Fausta

Tonita Castro

Fausta
Sarah Baker as Sonia

Sarah Baker

Sonia

Crew of Go On

Full backstage crew list →