Apple TV is ready for some humor with a heart of gold in Loot, which premiered its first three episodes today. Executive produced by Parks and Recreation's Matt Hubbard and Alan Yang (who was also consulting producer on The Good Place), the new series stars Maya Rudolph as the recent divorcee and newly-minted billionaire Molly. After receiving her settlement and going on a bit of a spiral, she learns she's owner of a charitable foundation and decides to give her soul a makeover.
While Molly gets into the swing of these at her foundation, the audience also gets to know some of the men who work there - whether it's of their own volition or not. Molly's assistant Nicholas (Joel Kim Booster, Big Mouth) wishes he could be anywhere else at first, but he is soon won over by the earnestness of IT guy Howard (Ron Funches, Harley Quinn), who also happens to be Molly's cousin. And neither of them can resist the kind practicality of accountant Arthur, (Nat Faxon, Gaslit) whose own dynamic with Molly could become more than friendly.
Screen Rant spoke to the three actors about the relationship Arthur, Howard, and Nicholas build with each other and with Molly over the course of Loot season 1. They also shared some important causes near and dear to their hearts.
Screen Rant: Joel, clearly giving back to the community is not Nicholas' greatest passion. How does he handle Molly's new work goals?
Joel Kim Booster: Yeah, I think at the start of the show, Nicholas serves as sort of devil on Molly's shoulder a little bit. He would much rather be doing drugs with her in Belize and buying castles online than trying to save the world.
But I think as he gets pulled into this world, he goes on a parallel journey [to] Molly, in a kicking and screaming sort of way. He falls into this friendship with Arthur and Howard, and that really changes the way he views the world, because he's not used to having friends that actually care about him. I think he's used to very surface, quid pro quo friendships that are very competitive, and to finally be around people that actually care about him and want him to do well in this world really changes his outlook on life.
Speaking of friendships, Howard just seems to be living his best life and loving everyone. But he has a special affinity for Nicolas throughout the season. Can you talk about that growing bond and how he reacts to him?
Ron Funches: Yeah, I think when we come and meet Howard, he's pretty bored. He's living his life with not many challenges; not many people that he relates to. And I think when he sees Nicholas, he sees someone that he can possibly bond with; someone who's cool as him; someone who's as handsome as him. They can go into the gym together.
He just sees that as a future, and he doesn't understand why Nicolas is apprehensive at first. Because I think the character of Howard is similar to myself. He's very heart open, and just has that bond for everyone. He's kind of like that grounded person that grounds Molly, bringing her back from material world and into the world of her family and the world of charity. Letting you know that no matter how far you stray, your family will still be there for you.
I love that. Arthur and Molly have a lot more in common than one would expect, Nat. Can you talk about that growing bond, and where you see it going?
Nat Faxon: Yes. I think there are a lot of similarities [in] where Molly and Arthur are in their lives. Obviously, they're both recently divorced and trying to figure out what this second half of their life is going to be - or this next chapter, I should say. And I think there's this connection that gradually is percolating throughout the season.
Obviously, it's challenging, because it's a work relationship. There are obvious feelings for each other, but how much can you move forward with that? And how much do you have restraint with it? Hopefully, I would love for that to continue to develop and see where it goes.
But, like the root of all good drama, there's going to be obstacles and tension along the way. So, we shall see.
Not all of us have $87 billion to give back to the community, but I am sure we all have causes near and dear to our hearts. Can you each say one that you are particularly fond of?
Joel Kim Booster: I think right now in LA, I've been really involved in the unhoused community and their struggle here. I think it's an epidemic across our country, and I think it's especially bad here in LA right now. That's definitely a cause that I think we address in the show - and that was really a big draw for me, honestly, coming to the show and seeing these real-life issues be depicted in a comedy was really remarkable to me.
Ron Funches: I have a couple. My son was diagnosed with autism at an early age, and that's been a big part of my life being an advocate for autism awareness.
And then, locally, I'm a big fan and enjoy working with this program called School on Wheels, which provides after school programs and a safe place for unhoused children or children who are at the risk of being unhoused. They find them a safe place to go after school, to learn and to do their homework, and provide a way out of their current circumstances through education. That's something I've been part of for years and enjoy bringing up, so thank you for asking.
Loot Synopsis
In “Loot,” billionaire Molly Novak (Maya Rudolph) has a dream life, complete with private jets, a sprawling mansion and a gigayacht — anything her heart desires. But when her husband of 20 years betrays her, she spirals publicly, becoming fuel for tabloid fodder. She’s reaching rock bottom when she learns, to her surprise, that she has a charity foundation run by the no-nonsense Sofia Salinas (Michaela Jaé Rodriguez), who pleads with Molly to stop generating bad press.
With her devoted assistant Nicholas (Joel Kim Booster) by her side, and with the help of Sofia and team — including mild-mannered accountant Arthur (Nat Faxon) and her optimistic, pop-culture-loving cousin Howard (Ron Funches) — Molly embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Giving back to others might be what she needs to get back to herself.
Check out our other interview with Loot stars Maya Rudolph & Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, and check out our previous interviews with Maya Rudolph for Baking It and Hubie Halloween.
The first 3 episodes of Loot season 1 are streaming on Apple TV+, followed by new episodes every Friday.