The NBC sitcom Happy’s Place has earned praise for its ability to weave genuinely complex character struggles into a lighthearted comedy format. Pablo Castelblanco’s Steve anchors the show’s emotional depth, tackling issues from identity and career uncertainty to mental health challenges like OCD, all within the framework of a multi-camera comedy.
In an interview with Temple of Geek, Actor Pablo Castelblanco details his approach to playing Steve.
Steve: Addressing Trauma and OCD in Comedy
Pablo Castelblanco’s portrayal of Steve, the germaphobic accountant, has been particularly resonant for its sensitive handling of mental health issues. Specifically, germaphobia and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Castelblanco was mindful of approaching the character sensitively, especially since the role was based on a family member of one of the show’s producers. This offered a layer of authenticity he hoped would be filtered through the writers’ room. Noting that the challenge in a multi-camera, presentational comedy is finding the light while always ensuring the portrayal is fair.
One powerful insight Castelblanco gained while researching the role was the realization that for someone dealing with OCD, the journey isn’t about expecting a final moment where they are “fixed.” Instead, the wisdom lies in understanding that being “fixed” is synonymous with “always being in that journey.”
Furthermore, Castelblanco connected Steve’s struggles to his own cultural background, suggesting the character represents many Latinos who are trying to “understand how to deal with their trauma” and confront issues their parents’ generation may not have addressed. For Season Two, Steve continues his journey of “getting out of his comfort zone” and expanding beyond his rigid ways.
The Balance of Comedy and Reality
Castelblanco acknowledged the delicate line they walk in balancing heavy, real things that happen in life with the demands of a light, half-hour sitcom. Sitcom legends Reba McEntire and Melissa Peterman reminded them they are on a sitcom, and demonstrated how to successfully pivot from an intense moment to a goofy one.
Castelblanco emphasized the importance of trusting the writers’ roadmap. Noting that writers often have a hint of comedy woven into the serious moments in the script. He concluded that incorporating humor helps the audience learn more, stating, “When people laugh together, they learn more.”
Season 2 of Happy’s Place Coming Soon
Happy’s Place Season 2 premieres Friday, Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and will be available the next day on Peacock.
Latinos in Comedy: Belissa Escobedo and Pablo Castelblanco Discuss “Happy’s Place”
