How did you react when you were sent a script for a show that is narrated by a dog?
ALLISON TOLMAN:Well, Im so glad to hear that a non-dog person still likes the show.
But then I read the script, and it was clearly smart and funny.
Credit: Craig Sjodin/ABC
Tone is really important in this show maybe the most important element.
Samm is our head writer, but hes also the voice of Martin.
That was essential for me, too, that it wasnt this over-the-top dog like, I love bones!
and it wasnt one of those cartoon-y dog voices.
Its a very human character without doing human activities.
It seems like your character, Nan, is on a journey of self-discovery.
Shes trying to grow up a little bit and get her life together.
I have to just pay bills and feed myself and shower and have a dog forever?
Who arranged this terrible system?
Nans issues are very real the end of a relationship, feeling overlooked at work, etc.
Yeah, I thought they did such a good job of that, too.
What does it all mean?
These are all very human thoughts.
He really thinks about things on a much deeper level than we hear from Nan because hes the narrator.
How is being on set with a dog every day?
Is it true what they say: Never work with kids or animals?
It just makes for a much more technical day at work.
But hes such a good boy, and our trainers are amazing.
They really become scene partners in a lot of ways.
In all those scenes with just the dog, theyre like my acting partners.
Were working together, trying to figure out what we need to get out of the scene.
Hes got a pretty good life.
How would you characterize this show?
Or if you had to compare to another, which would it be?
It walks that line really well.
I hope this leads to you getting a dog someday that would be the ultimate goal of the show!
Downward Dogpremieres Wednesday at 9:30 p.m.
