‘Satisfaction's' Luke Macfarlane says his new comedic role is a dream job

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‘Satisfaction's' Luke Macfarlane says his new comedic role is a dream job

By Sheri Block
Date: 7/8/2013 10:11:00 AM

Luke Macfarlane has studied at Juilliard, starred in countless theatre productions and won acclaim for his dramatic acting in film and television, but the London, ON-native says he couldn’t imagine a better next step than playing a comedic role on “Satisfaction.”

“I really wanted to do a comedy. It was a goal of mine. I want to have a long career and I think the thing you need for that is to have diversity,” says Macfarlane, who previously played a leading role on “Brothers and Sisters” and guest roles on “Person of Interest” and “Smash.”

“It’s been a dream job in so many ways.”

In “Satisfaction” Macfarlane plays Jason, a PhD student in a long-term relationship with Maggie (Leah Renee). Together the couple navigates the challenges of being in a couple and being in their 20s, alongside their single friend and roommate, Mark (Ryan Belleville).

Macfarlane says the show – and the hilarious situations the characters find themselves in – offers a fresh perspective to this often tumultuous time.

“It’s a comedy that feels relevant – it’s a single camera, it’s not a multi-camera, and it doesn’t feel like a throwback to anything. I’m just grateful to try this thing on that I’ve always wanted to try and hopefully be moderately successful at it.”

Though his degree at Juilliard, theatre experience and dramatic roles didn’t train him for acting on a sitcom per se, Macfarlane says there are plenty of transferable skills.

“There’s a lot of comedy in theatre and ‘Brothers and Sisters’ certainly had comedic moments,” says Macfarlane.

Even though there has been comedic elements in everything he has done, “Satisfaction”  is the first time Macfarlane’s sole focus has been on making things funny and he says it’s all about not over-thinking things.

“That’s part of comedy. You kind of have to access the softer part of your brain and just look for the joke.

“I don’t do standup like Ryan (Belleville), but I am willing to embrace it.”

In addition to the challenge of working on a comedy series, Macfarlane also enjoys being back in his home country to film the show.

“It’s amazing. This is the first time I’ve lived back in Canada for more than a week in 15 years. I see all my high school buddies, which is helpful for this, too. I went to a bachelor party (recently) and I felt like I was in an episode of this show,” he says with a laugh.

He also likes that the show is not hiding the fact it films in Toronto.

“It’s not some generic ‘anywhere.’ It’s Toronto. We’re not making Don Valley Parkway jokes but we’re not hiding the fact we’re from Canada, which I think is important.”

“Satisfaction” airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV. Full episodes are also available online at CTV.ca.