Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne don’t remember the exact date or location of their first introduction more than a decade ago — it was either via a chance backstage encounter at a talk show, according to Byrne, or through one of their many mutual friends, according to Rogen — but a real-life friendship and a successful working relationship were forged when they played a married couple in 2014’s hit comedy “Neighbors.” “I remember the ‘Neighbors’ audition very clearly,” Byrne says. “I don’t remember anything that clearly, if I’m being honest, but I do remember that,” Rogen quips.
“We did an extensive round of looking for people to co-star. [Director] Nick Stoller had worked with Rose on ‘Get Him to the Greek’ and was always saying how funny she was. She came in and read and it was no contest.
There was no one else [we wanted].” Ten years and a “Neighbors” sequel later, they’ve brought their comedic chemistry to the small screen via AppleTV+’s half-hour “ Platonic .” The series, co-created by Stoller, revolves around estranged college friends who reconnect at pivotal points in midlife.
It premiered last May and received a Season 2 renewal in December. “I never dreamed I’d have this great kind of partnership in comedy with someone,” Byrne says. “We definitely understand each other’s rhythms better,” Rogen adds.
“I’d say the comfort [between us] has only grown, which made it easier and hopefully funnier for audiences.” Ov.
