For beloved actressMelissa McCarthy, the secret to a good morning lies in a strong cup of coffee and a dose of classic ’70s and ’80s television. In a recent interview, the comedic genius behindGilmore Girls’Sookierevealed her surprisingly relatable ritual: waking up at 4:30 a.m. to indulge in episodes of two particular TV shows.
Far from a strict regimen,this early-morning viewing is McCarthy’s unique way of “treating herself right” to set her up for her personal and professional lifealongside Ben Falcone. It’s a cozy glimpse into the personal comfort rituals of a star of numerousMcCarthy hit comedies. She will certainly have needed these grounding and nostalgic shows while filming for her decidedly serious and challenging upcoming true crime role.
Melissa McCarthy Starts Off Her Mornings Watching Knight Rider & The Incredible Hulk
McCarthy Starts Her Day Right
In an intimate interview withThe New York Times,Melissa McCarthy gave an insight into her morning routine. She wakes up at 4:30 in the morning, but it’s not to follow an Ashton Hall-style viral regimen — it’s to make coffee and watch her comfort shows,Knight Riderand the originalThe Incredible Hulk. McCarthy said of the latter:
I watch Lou Ferrigno freak out, throw a clearly rubber tree. Bill Bixby’s high-waisted super chambray-colored pants. They’re always so pristine. Even though he’s backpacking in the woods, he’s so freshly laundered…
As well as her gleeful comments about the campy aspects of the 1970s series, she thinks “everyone should be rewatching” the ’80s classicKnight Rider.Watching the two shows early in the morning with a cup of coffee is McCarthy’s way of treating herself “right.“It is heartwarming to see Melissa McCarthy, so often associated with the comfort showGilmore Girls’Sookie St. James, find her own unique comfortin such classic television.
Why Knight Rider & The Incredible Hulk Are Perfect Comfort Shows
Both Shows Inspire A Childlike Wonder
McCarthy is a ’70s kid, so it is unsurprising that she grew up with both of these TV shows, adding to her personal nostalgia factor. However, they are the perfect comfort shows regardless of generation. At its core,Knight Riderdelivers a potent dose of wish fulfillment,introducing viewers to KITT, a talking, self-driving, crime-fighting supercar that becomes an aspirational companion. For many, it evokes a powerful sense of childhood wonder.Knight Rider’s blend of adventure, genuine camaraderie, and uplifting messages continues to charm audiences.
Lou Ferrigno’s earnest portrayal of the green giant provides a heartwarming contrast to his immense power.
The Incredible Hulkis also very comforting, particularly because of the “softer side” of Hulk McCarthy mentionedin theNYTinterview. It is a reminder of a time without big-budget CGI shows when story reigned supreme. Lou Ferrigno’s earnest portrayal of the green giant provides a heartwarming contrast to his immense power. The evocative, often melancholic, musical score further envelops the viewer in a soothing sense of familiar drama, makingThe Incredible Hulka surprisingly tender and reliably comforting escape into a world where empathy and quiet resilience ultimately prevail.
McCarthy’s Next TV Role Will Be Patsy Ramsey In Unspeakable: The Murder Of JonBenét Ramsey
The Limited Series Will Focus On Patsy & John’s Ordeal
McCarthy will depart from her usual bright, bubbly, and wide-eyed persona in her serious role as Patsy Ramseyin a limited true-crime series about the infamous murder of pageant star JonBenét. According toMSN,the show will focus on her parents' experiences before, during, and after the murder of their daughter. Most coverage of the JonBenét Ramsey case has come in the form of documentaries, with a recent 2024 Netflix series even featuring John Ramsey’s involvement. However, dramatic, scripted productions of this caliber are a notable rarity.
As one of the most popular comedic stars in Hollywood, this is a commendable creative challenge for McCarthy. FromMelissa McCarthy’s best moviesto television roles, the actress has charmed audiences for decades — and while Patsy Ramsey has potential for some comedic elements, with her own involvement in the strange world of pageantry, the performance overall will be somber.McCarthy has already proven her proficiency with serious roles,such as her critically acclaimed performance as Lee Israel inCan You Ever Forgive Me?,showing her willingness to challenge herself dramatically.
Speaking toEntertainment Tonight,McCarthy gave a glimpse of how her character will be handled. She sympathized with the Ramseys, saying her “heart goes out” to them, and described a humanized approach to the upcoming series. It seems likely that her performance will show the relatable side of Patsy that the public fervor did not want to acknowledge at the timing of JonBenét’s death, when both her grieving parents were under the media microscope. While the role is “quite a challenge,” there is clearly a lot of affection for the real figure and viewers can expect a thoughtful dramatization fromMelissa McCarthy.
