Skip to content

Phil Keoghan says ‘Hacks’ star requested to be on ‘Wonderful Race’ throughout crossover episode

Kaitlin Olson requested Phil Keoghan to compete on “The Wonderful Race” whereas filming the crossover episode “Hacks” that aired Thursday night time.

“Kaitlin, who performs [Jean Smart’s] daughter, she had expressed some curiosity in going,” Keoghan informed Web page Six in an unique interview. “And I began speaking to her about all this.”

However Keoghan, 58, mentioned the “It is At all times Sunny in Philadelphia” actress backed out after listening to “what’s actually concerned” on the CBS actuality present.

Phil Keoghan solely informed Web page Six that Kaitlin Olson requested him to come back on “The Wonderful Race” whereas filming the crossover episode “Hacks.” Courtesy of HBO Max and photographed by Kenny Laubbacher
However Olson (seen above with Jean Sensible throughout the episode) backtracked on taking part within the CBS actuality present when she heard “what’s actually concerned,” Keoghan informed us. HBO MAX

And Olson wasn’t the one individual on the “Hacks” set to inquire about the opportunity of competing on “Wonderful Race.”

“Lots of people have expressed curiosity, even just like the crew and all the things else,” Keoghan informed us. “And that’s at all times signal.”

He continued: “Celebrities method me and inform me they wish to be on ‘Wonderful Race.’ After which I begin going by means of the logistics of what it’s. Then, as soon as they hear just a little extra about what’s concerned, they’re like, “Oh, actually?” Are you filming 12 reveals in 21 days?’

“I am like, ‘Yeah, there is no trailer. That is not a whole lot of care,'” Keoghan added.

Keoghan additionally revealed that a number of crew members had expressed curiosity in taking part in “Wonderful Race” (Olson and Sensible are pictured above in a scene from the crossover episode). HBO MAX
“Lots of people have expressed curiosity, even just like the crew and all the things,” Keoghan informed us (Sensible is pictured above throughout the episode). HBO MAX

The brand new episode of “Hacks” options Deborah (Sensible) and DJ (Olson) competing on a celeb model of “The Wonderful Race” in opposition to “Property Brothers” Drew and Jonathan Scott and influencer Trisha Paytas and her associate.

Keoghan makes an look – first to get the race began firstly line, then to remove Deborah and DJ after they arrive in final place within the first leg.

Recommended:  Kash Patel furiously lied and claimed 'I've by no means been drunk at work'

The Emmy Award-winning host informed us the concept for the crossover occasion got here from “Hacks” creators Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky, all of whom are superfans of “The Wonderful Race.”

The Emmy Award-winning host additionally mentioned the “Hacks” creators got here up with the concept for the crossover episode (Sensible and Carl-Clemons Hopkins Jr. are seen above). HBO MAX
Keoghan (seen above in “The Wonderful Race”) mentioned creator and star Paul W. Downs “was very eager to make this occur.” CBS by way of Getty Photographs

“The producers of ‘Wonderful Race’ and ‘Hacks’ had been on the identical occasion, and that is the place the dialogue first occurred,” Keoghan defined. “The concept was floated after which conversations began to occur. Paul was very, very eager to make it occur.”

Keoghan mentioned that when the producers despatched him the script, he gave them notes to verify the episode “Hacks” was trustworthy to “The Wonderful Race.”

“I spotted there have been some issues I would not say. So I used to be just a little hesitant at first to say, ‘Do you thoughts if I modify this?’ However they opened the door to collaboration. So, tentatively, respectfully, [told them] “Might we alter this? » They usually mentioned, “Oh, please!” »

Keoghan (pictured above at CBSFEST 2026-2027: Fall Schedule Announcement) additionally confirmed that “Hacks” producers let him edit the episode’s script. CBS by way of Getty Photographs
Keoghan added that his favourite a part of filming the episode was working with Sensible (Olson, who performs Sensible’s daughter in “Hacks,” is seen above at DIsney’s Emmy Season Toast to TV occasion). Getty Photographs

However the “better part” for Keoghan was with the ability to work together with Sensible, 74, when the cameras stopped rolling.

“As soon as we completed one of many scenes I used to be in, Jean would simply begin riffing,” he informed us. “And I used to do improv theater. So I all of a sudden discovered myself going forwards and backwards along with her.”

Keoghan added: “And it was actually thrilling to be on this surreal second of getting enjoyable.”

The fifth and remaining season of “Hacks” airs new episodes Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO Max.

Recommended:  Gigi Hadid, Khai, Zayn Malik's daughter: her most lovely pictures