Great News is a comedy series centered on Katie, portrayed by Briga Heelan, a young producer at a New York City news station, and her mother Carol, played by Andrea Martin, who unexpectedly lands an internship at the same station. The show explores the humorous and often complicated dynamic that ensues as mother and daughter navigate their professional and personal relationships while working side-by-side in the high-pressure newsroom environment.
The series deftly explores themes of family, ambition, and the challenges of intergenerational relationships. It highlights the evolving roles of women in the workplace, emphasizing collaboration and understanding between different age groups. The show also satirizes the hectic behind-the-scenes world of television news, offering a lighthearted commentary on modern media culture and workplace dynamics.
Upon its release, Great News received praise for its sharp writing, strong performances, especially from Andrea Martin and Briga Heelan, and its refreshing take on workplace comedy. While it enjoyed a devoted fan base, it became notable for its witty humor and heartfelt moments, contributing to a broader conversation about family and professional life balance in pop culture. Though it had a limited run, Great News left a memorable impact on viewers who appreciated its blend of clever comedy and relatable family storytelling.
Ran for 2 seasons.
Main Cast of Great News
Briga Heelan
Katie
Fans of Briga Heelan would likely enjoy her role in the TV show 'Great News' because it showcases her trademark comedic timing and physical humor, similar to her most iconic performance as Sam in '
Ground Floor.' In both roles, Heelan plays an upbeat, quirky character who brings a mixture of charm and awkwardness to the screen, providing a relatable and endearing presence. An interesting detail about her character in 'Great News' is that her character, Katie Wendelson, is the producer of a cable news show, and this role allowed Heelan to engage in witty newsroom dynamics, which was a fresh setting compared to her previous roles. Additionally, Briga Heelan was pregnant during the filming of the second season, and the show cleverly integrated this into her character's storyline.
Andrea Martin
Carol
Andrea Martin played the role of Carol Wendelson in the TV series 'Great News.' In this NBC comedy, she portrayed a quirky and meddlesome mother, bringing her characteristic warmth and comedic timing to the role. This part fits into her overall career as showcasing her versatility and strength in comedic roles, building on her extensive experience in both television and theater. What made this performance stand out is her ability to infuse the character with a relatable, heartfelt humor that differed from some of her more eccentric or character-driven earlier work, demonstrating a nuanced and grounded approach within a modern sitcom format.
Adam Campbell
Greg
Adam Campbell delivers a charming and relatable performance as Greg in the TV series 'Great News,' showcasing his knack for blending comedic timing with heartfelt moments. Compared to his other roles, such as his portrayal of the quirky Barney Stinson's rival in 'How I Met Your Mother' and the lead in 'Samantha Who?', Campbell brings a more grounded and nuanced energy to Greg, making the character both endearing and memorable. A trivia fact: Adam Campbell is married to actress Jayma Mays, known for her role in 'Glee,' and the two have occasionally collaborated on projects.
Nicole Richie
Portia
Nicole Richie guest-starred in the TV sitcom 'Great News,' where she portrayed a charismatic character that brought a fresh and humorous dynamic to the storyline. Her performance was praised for its sharp comedic timing and natural charm, which added a unique flair to the ensemble cast. What made her role standout was her ability to blend seamlessly into the quirky newsroom environment while still delivering memorable moments that resonated well with the audience. A lesser-known behind-the-scenes fact is that Nicole, primarily known for her fashion and reality TV background, was deeply involved in preparing for her guest role, spending time with actual newsroom professionals to capture authentic mannerisms and vocabulary, which contributed to the believability of her character.
John Michael Higgins
Chuck
Fans of John Michael Higgins will enjoy his role in the TV show "Great News" because he brings his signature quick wit and impeccable comedic timing to the character of Chuck Pierce, a charismatic and somewhat over-the-top news anchor. This role allows Higgins to showcase his talent for delivering sharp, humorous dialogue with an affable charm, much like his most iconic performance as Jerry in the "
Pitch Perfect" film series, where his quirky and enthusiastic personality won over audiences. An interesting detail about his role in "Great News" is that Higgins' character was originally envisioned to be more serious, but his natural comedic flair led the creators to shift the character into a more humorous and exaggerated persona, adding a delightful layer of levity to the show.
Horatio Sanz
Justin
Horatio Sanz appeared in the TV show 'Great News' where he brought his unique comedic timing and improv background to the series. His performance was well-received by audiences and critics alike, praised for adding a lively and authentic humor that complemented the show's newsroom setting. What made his involvement unique was his ability to seamlessly blend scripted lines with improvisational moments, enriching his character's appeal. A lesser-known fact about his time on 'Great News' is that Horatio would often help fellow cast members by improvising scenes during rehearsals, which helped create more natural interactions and contributed to the show's dynamic atmosphere.
Crew of Great News
Full backstage crew list →