Ken Jeong Talks Community: Season 5

Third in our interviews from the set of Community is Ken Jeong. With Season 5’s debut coming January 2nd, the busy comedic-actor spoke about Community not following the path of other shows, John Oliver coming back as Professor Duncan this year and Ben Chang’s evolving role in the series.

IGN TV: I’ve been asking everyone the obvious question to start with, which is what is it like having Dan back this season?

Ken Jeong: It's amazing. I'm sure everyone's telling you right now, it's such a great reset of the show. I think that's kind of been the operative word for the season premiere, just kind of resetting the Community/Dan Harmon universe. My favorite part is just reading the scripts. Everyone will tell you, he's genius and a visionary, and I'm saying exactly the same thing. In fact, he's one of the smartest people I've ever met just in life -- and I was a doctor. [Laughs] He really is, he really is. Needless to say, everyone's just so happy he's back.

IGN: I was saying to Gillian and Yvette, it's Season 5, so some shows might feel complacent at that point, though Community's always changed anyway. But does having Dan back feel like an extra boost?

Jeong: That's a great point. We're definitely anything but complacent. I think it's the complete opposite. For Season 5, where typically a show would be complacent, we couldn't be more motivated. I never thought about it that way, but yeah. Because usually, you're right, this is the time when people just kind of, typically on other shows, they could understandably get complacent and get used to their rhythms. But that is a wonderful thing about our show; I don't think our show has ever followed any tradition or trajectory of other typical show lives, especially a show life in its fifth year.

Gillian Jacobs Talks Community: Season 5

IGN: Chang, poor Ben Chang, has tried so hard to be a member of the Greendale Seven, and it never worked out for him. With some of those members of the Greendale Seven having moved on, does he at least hope this might open new doors?

Jeong: I can't reveal much, but the way Dan has handled certain elements of the show has been just so perfect. When it comes to Chang, again, I personally don't want to reveal much, even to my friends, I don't want to say too much, but there's been some moments for Chang that have been possibly my favorite of the entire series and, personally, for me as an actor. In terms of the whole show, everyone's happy. Actually, in terms of Chang, I'm more than happy. I'm just so grateful. Words can't express how absolutely thrilled I am this season. It's been amazing.

Ken Jeong as Ben Chang in Community: Season 5.

IGN: He was the most close to redemption we've ever seen him at the end of last year. Have they figured out a way to maybe balance the somewhat kinder Chang with the Chang that can really go off the wall?

Jeong: In a word, yes. And they did it in such a way that I never could have thought of or anybody else in the world could have thought of. But Dan, as always, just finds a way.

IGN: You also have John Oliver back this season, for the first time in a couple years. What's that been like?

Jeong: It's just like a family reunion, man. Fits like a glove. Having John back, on and off camera, he's such a wonderful presence, as is everybody else in the cast. It is great. Some of my favorite moments have been from the first season where me, John Oliver and Jim Rash were at the pool with Britta, and the introduction of Leonard. The three of us just reminisced about that. It was really cool, just me, John and Jim one day hanging out, talking together. I dunno, having John back just reminds me of the old days. He fits in perfectly on and off camera. Also, I'm so happy for him and his trajectory on The Daily Show, among other things that he's producing and doing. It's just great to reconnect with an old friend. It's been that kind of vibe. He's just a wonderful human being, just another brilliant, funny man that I've been so fortunate enough to have met through this show. I feel like I've just met the funniest of funny on this show. I've been able to rub elbows with the best.

Community: Yvette Nicole Brown Season 5 Interview

IGN: What can you say about Jonathan Banks and the energy he brings to the show?

Jeong: He brings a gravitas that's just so... I was watching a scene that he and Joel were doing yesterday, and just the nuances and the tiny moments of pure acting chops synthesized with the comedy of Community... He's been able to synthesize the two elements and make it his own and fuse it into something that no one else could do. Dan's absolutely right, I mean, Jonathan is owning so much scenery right now. It's been great. I share a trailer with him, and just to share a trailer and hang out with him has been, again man, it's been among the coolest things ever. It's been a wonderful, wonderful season, dude. Every day, reading the scripts, coming into work, we are all just going in with smiles on our faces.

Eric Goldman is Executive Editor of IGN TV. You can follow him on Twitter at @EricIGN, IGN at ericgoldman-ign and Facebook at Facebook.com/TheEricGoldman.

New Sherlock Mini-Episode Leads into Season 3

Sherlock: Season 3 Prequel Mini-Episode Released - IGN var IGN = IGN || {}; IGN.pagetype = "article"; var igndrones = igndrones || {}; igndrones.async = igndrones.async || []; igndrones.async.push(function() { igndrones.init({"audience":{"csid":"C07583","property":"ign","object1_id":81912,"genre":"crime-500006","pagetype":"article"},"buyerbase":[],"chartbeat":{"uid":"21105","domain":"ign.com","authors":"Eric Goldman","sections":"Desktop Web,articles"},"comscore":{"c2":"3000068"},"ga":{"account_number":"UA-23541058-1","_setDomainName":".ign.com","custom_vars":[[1,"pagetype","article",3],[2,"object-id","81912",3],[3,"article-id","52b9b7e180a8be9a810d216c",3],[4,"content-title","Sherlock: Season 3 Prequel Mini-Episode Released",3],[5,"author","Eric Goldman",3],[6,"publish-date","2013-12-24",3],[7,"article-type","news",3],[12,"categories","ign.tv",3],[13,"tags","show.sherlock.pbs-14207527.person.steven-moffat",3],[15,"action","articleview",3],[16,"controller","v2articles",3],[17,"module","default",3],[18,"resource","articles",3],[20,"is-community","no",3],[21,"signed-in","no",2],[22,"subscriber","no",1],[30,"object-name","Sherlock",3],[31,"object-type","show",3],[36,"genre-tags","crime-500006",3],[38,"gamermetrics-objects","81912.963802",3]]}}); igndrones.fireTop(); });SugarAds.adsData = {"adsDisabled":"false","dfp_network":"5691","dfp_adunit1":"IGN","resource":"articles","pagetype":"article","tags":["show","sherlock","pbs-14207527","person","steven-moffat"],"article_types":["news"],"genres":["crime-500006"],"categories":["ign","tv"],"route":"articles","year":"2013","article_id":"52b9b7e180a8be9a810d216c","object1_id":[81912,963802],"zdid":"f93fb5db"};SugarAds.renderAds(["prestitial","4x4","728x90","300x250","featured","side300x250","s728x90","2x2"]); x Prime Newsfeed Latest View My Newsfeed » Game of the Year Watch 2013 Xbox 360 Xbox One PS3 PS4 Wii U PC Vita 3DS iPhone Tech Movies TV Comics Reviews Wikis & Cheats Upcoming News Videos Boards Blogs Podcasts Blu-ray Stars Sherlock: Season 3 Prequel Mini-Episode Released by Eric Goldman December 24, 2013 Submit Tweet Share +1 Share

With Sherlock's return set for next month, a new mini-episode has been released bridging the gap between Season 2 and Season 3. Check out the seven-minute short below, written by Sherlock producers Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, and focusing on Inspector Lestrade (Rupert Graves). And yes, you'll also see Watson (Martin Freeman) and even Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) too... in a way.

Sherlock: Season 3 debuts January 1st in the UK and January 19th in the US.

function frameDim() { this.width = 0; this.height = 0;}var videoDim = videoDim || new frameDim(); videoDim.width = 610; videoDim.height = 344; by Eric Goldman Submit Tweet Share +1 Share Latest IGN Videos IGN UK Podcast Christmas Quiz 2013 #dsq-content #dsq-topbar{ display:none !important; } #dsq-content a.dsq-bar-reply{ display: none !important; } #dsq-content #dsq-new-post.dsq-unauthenticated{ display:none; } You must be logged in to post a comment.

var show_postbox = false; var link = document.getElementById("comment-socialLogin"); var redirect = link.getAttribute("href"); redirect += encodeURIComponent(window.location.href); link.setAttribute("href", redirect); blog comments powered by Disqus Become a fan of IGN Follow @IGN Trending Content Game Scoop!: 2014's Most-anticipated Games

350 watching now

The Wolf of Wall Street - Video Review

236 watching now

Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones - "What is Happening To Me?" Clip

161 watching now

Top 10 Movies You May Have Missed in 2013

145 watching now

IGN Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Family Gift Ideas

104 watching now

7 Reasons Why We're Excited for Infamous: Second Son

102 watching now

Harrison Ford's Top 10 Movies

62 watching now

Is Crash Bandicoot Coming Back to PlayStation?

56 watching now

IGN.com:Editorial StaffReview GuideSend Us NewsSign Up for Email UpdatesSite Map International:IGN World MapAustraliaAsia PacificBeneluxCanadaDenmarkFinlandGermanyIrelandItalyMiddle EastNorwayRussiaSpainSwedenUnited KingdomUnited States IGNAskMenGameSpy1UpGameStatsGIGA.DEUGOIPL

Copyright 1996-2013, IGN Entertainment, Inc. An IGN Entertainment Games site

About UsAdvertiseContact UsPressCareersRSS FeedsSupportPrivacy PolicyUser Agreement AdChoices /**/ igndrones.async.push(function() {igndrones.fireBottom();});

New Sherlock Mini-Episode Leads into Season 3

Sherlock: Season 3 Prequel Mini-Episode Released - IGN var IGN = IGN || {}; IGN.pagetype = "article"; var igndrones = igndrones || {}; igndrones.async = igndrones.async || []; igndrones.async.push(function() { igndrones.init({"audience":{"csid":"C07583","property":"ign","object1_id":81912,"genre":"crime-500006","pagetype":"article"},"buyerbase":[],"chartbeat":{"uid":"21105","domain":"ign.com","authors":"Eric Goldman","sections":"Desktop Web,articles"},"comscore":{"c2":"3000068"},"ga":{"account_number":"UA-23541058-1","_setDomainName":".ign.com","custom_vars":[[1,"pagetype","article",3],[2,"object-id","81912",3],[3,"article-id","52b9b7e180a8be9a810d216c",3],[4,"content-title","Sherlock: Season 3 Prequel Mini-Episode Released",3],[5,"author","Eric Goldman",3],[6,"publish-date","2013-12-24",3],[7,"article-type","news",3],[12,"categories","ign.tv",3],[13,"tags","show.sherlock.pbs-14207527.person.steven-moffat",3],[15,"action","articleview",3],[16,"controller","v2articles",3],[17,"module","default",3],[18,"resource","articles",3],[20,"is-community","no",3],[21,"signed-in","no",2],[22,"subscriber","no",1],[30,"object-name","Sherlock",3],[31,"object-type","show",3],[36,"genre-tags","crime-500006",3],[38,"gamermetrics-objects","81912.963802",3]]}}); igndrones.fireTop(); });SugarAds.adsData = {"adsDisabled":"false","dfp_network":"5691","dfp_adunit1":"IGN","resource":"articles","pagetype":"article","tags":["show","sherlock","pbs-14207527","person","steven-moffat"],"article_types":["news"],"genres":["crime-500006"],"categories":["ign","tv"],"route":"articles","year":"2013","article_id":"52b9b7e180a8be9a810d216c","object1_id":[81912,963802],"zdid":"f93fb5db"};SugarAds.renderAds(["prestitial","4x4","728x90","300x250","featured","side300x250","s728x90","2x2"]); x Prime Newsfeed Latest View My Newsfeed » Game of the Year Watch 2013 Xbox 360 Xbox One PS3 PS4 Wii U PC Vita 3DS iPhone Tech Movies TV Comics Reviews Wikis & Cheats Upcoming News Videos Boards Blogs Podcasts Blu-ray Stars Sherlock: Season 3 Prequel Mini-Episode Released by Eric Goldman December 24, 2013 Submit Tweet Share +1 Share

With Sherlock's return set for next month, a new mini-episode has been released bridging the gap between Season 2 and Season 3. Check out the seven-minute short below, written by Sherlock producers Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, and focusing on Inspector Lestrade (Rupert Graves). And yes, you'll also see Watson (Martin Freeman) and even Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) too... in a way.

Sherlock: Season 3 debuts January 1st in the UK and January 19th in the US.

function frameDim() { this.width = 0; this.height = 0;}var videoDim = videoDim || new frameDim(); videoDim.width = 610; videoDim.height = 344; by Eric Goldman Submit Tweet Share +1 Share Latest IGN Videos IGN UK Podcast Christmas Quiz 2013 #dsq-content #dsq-topbar{ display:none !important; } #dsq-content a.dsq-bar-reply{ display: none !important; } #dsq-content #dsq-new-post.dsq-unauthenticated{ display:none; } You must be logged in to post a comment.

var show_postbox = false; var link = document.getElementById("comment-socialLogin"); var redirect = link.getAttribute("href"); redirect += encodeURIComponent(window.location.href); link.setAttribute("href", redirect); blog comments powered by Disqus Become a fan of IGN Follow @IGN Trending Content Game Scoop!: 2014's Most-anticipated Games

310 watching now

The Wolf of Wall Street - Video Review

248 watching now

Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones - "What is Happening To Me?" Clip

163 watching now

Top 10 Movies You May Have Missed in 2013

145 watching now

7 Reasons Why We're Excited for Infamous: Second Son

111 watching now

IGN Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Family Gift Ideas

103 watching now

Harrison Ford's Top 10 Movies

70 watching now

IGN's Top 10 Christian Bale Movies

43 watching now

IGN.com:Editorial StaffReview GuideSend Us NewsSign Up for Email UpdatesSite Map International:IGN World MapAustraliaAsia PacificBeneluxCanadaDenmarkFinlandGermanyIrelandItalyMiddle EastNorwayRussiaSpainSwedenUnited KingdomUnited States IGNAskMenGameSpy1UpGameStatsGIGA.DEUGOIPL

Copyright 1996-2013, IGN Entertainment, Inc. An IGN Entertainment Games site

About UsAdvertiseContact UsPressCareersRSS FeedsSupportPrivacy PolicyUser Agreement AdChoices /**/ igndrones.async.push(function() {igndrones.fireBottom();});

Ken Jeong Talks Community: Season 5

Third in our interviews from the set of Community is Ken Jeong. With Season 5’s debut coming January 2nd, the busy comedic-actor spoke about Community not following the path of other shows, John Oliver coming back as Professor Duncan this year and Ben Chang’s evolving role in the series.

IGN TV: I’ve been asking everyone the obvious question to start with, which is what is it like having Dan back this season?

Ken Jeong: It's amazing. I'm sure everyone's telling you right now, it's such a great reset of the show. I think that's kind of been the operative word for the season premiere, just kind of resetting the Community/Dan Harmon universe. My favorite part is just reading the scripts. Everyone will tell you, he's genius and a visionary, and I'm saying exactly the same thing. In fact, he's one of the smartest people I've ever met just in life -- and I was a doctor. [Laughs] He really is, he really is. Needless to say, everyone's just so happy he's back.

IGN: I was saying to Gillian and Yvette, it's Season 5, so some shows might feel complacent at that point, though Community's always changed anyway. But does having Dan back feel like an extra boost?

Jeong: That's a great point. We're definitely anything but complacent. I think it's the complete opposite. For Season 5, where typically a show would be complacent, we couldn't be more motivated. I never thought about it that way, but yeah. Because usually, you're right, this is the time when people just kind of, typically on other shows, they could understandably get complacent and get used to their rhythms. But that is a wonderful thing about our show; I don't think our show has ever followed any tradition or trajectory of other typical show lives, especially a show life in its fifth year.

Gillian Jacobs Talks Community: Season 5

IGN: Chang, poor Ben Chang, has tried so hard to be a member of the Greendale Seven, and it never worked out for him. With some of those members of the Greendale Seven having moved on, does he at least hope this might open new doors?

Jeong: I can't reveal much, but the way Dan has handled certain elements of the show has been just so perfect. When it comes to Chang, again, I personally don't want to reveal much, even to my friends, I don't want to say too much, but there's been some moments for Chang that have been possibly my favorite of the entire series and, personally, for me as an actor. In terms of the whole show, everyone's happy. Actually, in terms of Chang, I'm more than happy. I'm just so grateful. Words can't express how absolutely thrilled I am this season. It's been amazing.

Ken Jeong as Ben Chang in Community: Season 5.

IGN: He was the most close to redemption we've ever seen him at the end of last year. Have they figured out a way to maybe balance the somewhat kinder Chang with the Chang that can really go off the wall?

Jeong: In a word, yes. And they did it in such a way that I never could have thought of or anybody else in the world could have thought of. But Dan, as always, just finds a way.

IGN: You also have John Oliver back this season, for the first time in a couple years. What's that been like?

Jeong: It's just like a family reunion, man. Fits like a glove. Having John back, on and off camera, he's such a wonderful presence, as is everybody else in the cast. It is great. Some of my favorite moments have been from the first season where me, John Oliver and Jim Rash were at the pool with Britta, and the introduction of Leonard. The three of us just reminisced about that. It was really cool, just me, John and Jim one day hanging out, talking together. I dunno, having John back just reminds me of the old days. He fits in perfectly on and off camera. Also, I'm so happy for him and his trajectory on The Daily Show, among other things that he's producing and doing. It's just great to reconnect with an old friend. It's been that kind of vibe. He's just a wonderful human being, just another brilliant, funny man that I've been so fortunate enough to have met through this show. I feel like I've just met the funniest of funny on this show. I've been able to rub elbows with the best.

Community: Yvette Nicole Brown Season 5 Interview

IGN: What can you say about Jonathan Banks and the energy he brings to the show?

Jeong: He brings a gravitas that's just so... I was watching a scene that he and Joel were doing yesterday, and just the nuances and the tiny moments of pure acting chops synthesized with the comedy of Community... He's been able to synthesize the two elements and make it his own and fuse it into something that no one else could do. Dan's absolutely right, I mean, Jonathan is owning so much scenery right now. It's been great. I share a trailer with him, and just to share a trailer and hang out with him has been, again man, it's been among the coolest things ever. It's been a wonderful, wonderful season, dude. Every day, reading the scripts, coming into work, we are all just going in with smiles on our faces.

Eric Goldman is Executive Editor of IGN TV. You can follow him on Twitter at @EricIGN, IGN at ericgoldman-ign and Facebook at Facebook.com/TheEricGoldman.

You're the Boss Blog: The Money Shot: ‘Mercy, We’re in Season!’

Courtesy of Sequoia Licensed Products. Lowrider Sunglasses, ready to ship: “We’re in season!”

We recently asked small-business owners to send us photographs that capture the soul of their businesses in a single shot.

This one comes from Vince Tavani of Sequoia Licensed Products in Exeter, Calif.:

It’s a work of art, an object of beauty — or cartons stacked for our small business to ship, 100-percent complete, on time: the balance of our first 2013 delivery to 7-Eleven.

Why so important? Our product is Lowrider Sunglasses. We’re a couple of years in business — self financed (not by choice) with relative successes to keep morale high and wages okay. However, not a good time to endure the nerve-wracking, off-season woes encountered this time of year (read: cash flow). We’re coming out of lowest revenue months and into highest expenses. We must make inventory investments for products and displays (can’t run out), trade show participation (sell and be seen) and end-of-previous-year royalty payments (it’s a brand). To say my partner and I take a payroll “haircut” would be accurate, which extends the job stress to home front. Not pretty!

Get the picture? The photo captures the essence of what every small business needs — an infusion of cash generated from a notable order. Mercy, we’re in season!

Can you capture your business in a single photo? If so, please submit it here.

You're the Boss Blog: The Money Shot: ‘Mercy, We’re in Season!’

Courtesy of Sequoia Licensed Products. Lowrider Sunglasses, ready to ship: “We’re in season!”

We recently asked small-business owners to send us photographs that capture the soul of their businesses in a single shot.

This one comes from Vince Tavani of Sequoia Licensed Products in Exeter, Calif.:

It’s a work of art, an object of beauty — or cartons stacked for our small business to ship, 100-percent complete, on time: the balance of our first 2013 delivery to 7-Eleven.

Why so important? Our product is Lowrider Sunglasses. We’re a couple of years in business — self financed (not by choice) with relative successes to keep morale high and wages okay. However, not a good time to endure the nerve-wracking, off-season woes encountered this time of year (read: cash flow). We’re coming out of lowest revenue months and into highest expenses. We must make inventory investments for products and displays (can’t run out), trade show participation (sell and be seen) and end-of-previous-year royalty payments (it’s a brand). To say my partner and I take a payroll “haircut” would be accurate, which extends the job stress to home front. Not pretty!

Get the picture? The photo captures the essence of what every small business needs — an infusion of cash generated from a notable order. Mercy, we’re in season!

Can you capture your business in a single photo? If so, please submit it here.