NBC’s Night Court revival is already beloved for its ability to capture the comedic premise of the original show and fine-tune it to fit a modern audience. Given that the series has such a strong foundation, the will they/won’t they romance slowly building in the background is simply the icing on the cake. However, after Gurgs accidentally let the cat out of the bag at the end of the latest installment, Neil’s feelings for Abby will be at the forefront of the upcoming episode.
Melissa Villaseñor plays Gabby, Neil’s high school crush whose upbeat personality bares a striking resemblance to the recipient of his current affections. Villaseñor is a stand-up comedian who is mostly known for her voice-acting roles and her time on Saturday Night Live. Meanwhile, Melissa Rauch, India de Beaufort, Kapil Talwalkar, Lacretta, and John Larroquette make up the show’s main cast.
Guest star Melissa Villaseñor chats exclusively with Screen Rant about playing a character so similar to Melissa Rauch’s Abby in an all-new episode of Night Court.
Melissa Villaseñor Talks Night Court
Screen Rant: With this being a revival, I always love to know how many people on the show watched the original Night Court.
Melissa Villaseñor: I, unfortunately, did not. I just didn’t see it in my household. I don’t know if it was a different time, but I did not, unfortunately.
Did you receive a call to be on the series? What attracted you to the role?
Melissa Villaseñor: I received the call and hopped on it immediately. I really like Melissa, and I’m familiar with the live crowd, so it was really cool. I’ve never done a sitcom, so it was a really fun week and cool to experience.
You play Gabby, who is, essentially, a carbon copy of Abby. Did Melissa [Rauch] give you any tips for playing a character so similar to her own?
Melissa Villaseñor: I just watched her and I saw [something] very similar. She sees things in a positive light and really believes in people, and I was like, “Okay, I have that in me as well.” So it was really cool. That happened kind of naturally, I think.
Gabby is an old crush of Neil’s, so was it fun to play that dynamic with Kapil?
Melissa Villaseñor: Yeah, he was really funny. I remember he really made me laugh. There was a cool little chemistry too. It felt sweet to have little vulnerable moments. I like that. It was easy. It flowed naturally.
On the other hand, Gabby is coming in at a time when Abby has just found out about Neil’s crush on her. Sitcoms are known for having that will they/won’t they romance, so where do you stand? Could you see them being a good fit, despite the roadblocks, or do you think they should leave it as friends?
Melissa Villaseñor: I’m always a fan of love. If it can happen, you’re like, “Yes, yes, yes, kiss!” People want that. People want more love and I think it’s the best.
You’ve played so many different characters in skits and voice-acting roles. Is there one Gabby reminds you of most?
Melissa Villaseñor: I put as much me as possible in the character and kind of think of moments in my life when I have a crush, or I’m in a new place, and I’m trying to make friends. I think that was mostly Melissa Villaseñor.
You do a variety of things when it comes to performing. You do stand-up, skits on SNL, voice roles, and now sitcoms. Do you enjoy one of these over the other?
Melissa Villaseñor: At the moment, I think I enjoy playing characters like Gabby, that are close to me, and performing my stand-up. The closer I feel to myself, the more it can be cathartic or coming from my heart versus if it was an impression or something. I think the more vulnerable and real the better. That’s the place that I love.
Is there another live-action sitcom that you would like to be a part of now that you’ve stepped into this space?
Melissa Villaseñor: Maybe the George Lopez one. That would be cool. And I’m trying to make my own actually in the moment too.
That’s awesome! Is there anything you can say about that?
Melissa Villaseñor: It’s based around my life and the life after you have the dream job of, for me, SNL, and going back home and being like, “What the hell am I doing?” I’m trying to already practice the law of attraction and visualize it happening because that’s worked well for me in the past. I’m just going to keep putting it out there. Being on Night Court and seeing the environment that people could create with their own show—I think it’d be a lot of fun to bring in a wonderful crew and cast and people to feel like a family and create something joyful and silly. I think I have the power to do that, and I want to create my own now. I think I’m ready to do that.
Lastly, do you think there’s any chance we’ll get to see Gabby again in the future?
Melissa Villaseñor: I don’t know. I really hope so! I hope she’s back. I really do. I feel like she could come back.
About Night Court Season 1, Episode 14
Neil’s crush on Abby is making things uncomfortable for everyone, but Abby sees a way out when she meets a love from his past who just happens to be newly available (Melissa Villaseñor). Gurgs fails to protect Dan from an unruly member of the gallery.
Check out our previous Night Court interviews here:
Night Court airs Tuesdays at 8:00 pm ET on NBC.
