Talking Season 3 Of ‘Somebody Somewhere’ With Murray Hill

Goodbyes are always hard, but they’re especially difficult when a show is still firing on all cylinders like Somebody Somwhere on HBO. Currently in its third and final season, season two ended with a wedding. Fred (Murray Hill) and Susan (Jennifer Mudge) are newlyweds, making it a fine time to check in with Hill about season three:

Rachel Bellwoar: What has been the best part about getting to play the same character for three seasons?

Murray Hill: It’s been incredible to do the character for three seasons and grow with him. In the first season, I couldn’t believe I was on an HBO show with more than a few lines! By season three, the cast and crew all clicked simultaneously and hit the sweet spot. You can really see it this season. The best part for me is all the incredible people I got to work with and the fantastic fans I meet every week. People call me Fred on the street in Brooklyn. It’s an honor to connect with so many people.

Bellwoar: Season two ended with Fred’s wedding. How is married life treating him in season three?

Hill: Like most relationships, this season shows a comedown from the wedding high. As a couple, they are dealing with some reality and must be more attentive to Fred’s health. Susie gets on him, but it’s because she loves him and wants him to live a long life with her.

Bellwoar: If Susan’s existence came as a surprise to Fred’s friends in season two, season three sees them getting to know her better and not necessarily getting along. What was it like navigating those new dynamics and figuring out where Fred stands?

Hill: Fred is in the middle of his new and cherished chosen family. In this season, new dynamics and new people are introduced to Sam with my character and Joel, and as you’ll see…it creates new challenges. The writers have always tried to showcase a snapshot of everyday life. As we get older and have partners and more life responsibilities, the dynamic with pre-existing friend relationships changes. There isn’t enough time in the day to give anyone full attention. This inevitably causes feelings and resentment. That’s why Sam says, “No new people.”

Bellwoar: A lot of Fred’s scenes tend to be group scenes, which speak to his larger gift for bringing people together. Are they a hassle to film or does the fun outweigh the technical difficulties?

Hill: My favorite scenes to shoot are the ensemble ones because we really do have so much fun with each other. We all knew each other before the show was picked up, so it was very comfortable on set. When folks say the show seems so real, I attribute some of that to our comfort and chemistry.

Bellwoar: We also see Fred trying to adopt some healthier habits this season, like suggesting they meet and play softball. Do you enjoy the game or do you miss Fred’s indoor hosting gigs?

Hill: I missed filming the poker scenes and driving around in the Growler, but going outside, moving the body, and getting my pals to throw the ball around is pure bliss.  Shooting that scene was the most fun I had all season!

Bellwoar: One thing you can always count on with Fred is he knows how to rock a track suit. Do you have a favorite costume from this season?

Hill: Fred is loosely based on me, and I always wear Adidas tracksuits in my day-to-day life in Brooklyn. I have about 15 different colored tracksuits. They all match, of course. One thing I have never worn in my real life is purple! And since they are in Kansas and Fred is a diehard K-State fan, he wears different shades of purple sweatshirts and sweatpants. I didn’t have a favorite, but I may have accidentally taken one home after filming wrapped. If you see me in Brooklyn wearing purple…well, now you know why!

Bellwoar: Thanks for agreeing to this interview, Murray!

Season 3 of Somebody Somewhere airs Sundays on HBO and is available for streaming on Max.