Amanda Peet: 'Game Of Thrones' Is Like Coke

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(Photo: )

Though you wouldn't know it from NBC's odd scheduling of "Bent" (they're burning off airing all six episodes in just three weeks, with back-to-back episodes on Wednesday nights starting Wed., Mar. 21, 9 and 9:30 p.m. ET) and sad lack of promotion (I've seen two billboards in L.A., and both went up this week), the new comedy offering is one of their strongest.

"Bent" stars Amanda Peet as Alex, the good girl and a busy working single mom, and David Walton as Pete, the bad boy with charm who becomes her contractor. They're practically living under the same roof -- along with Alex's daughter Charlie (Joey King), sister Screwsie (Margo Harshman), Pete's dad Walt (Jeffrey Tambor) and his ragtag crew (including JB Smoove and Jesse Plemons) -- and there's instant chemistry.

"I'm so glad!," Peet said when I told her I love the show, before launching into her own reasons for returning to TV, naming the costar that she can't stop laughing at and talking about her most "cringe-y" moment in the show's first season. She also talked about old "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" pals, her own must-see TV and how her executive producer husband has become like her druglord, feeding her bits of his hit HBO series "Game of Thrones," which she says she's "like a coke addict for."

You've got two little ones at home and I know that keeps you busy, beyond making movies. What made you decide to return to TV? Why this show?
Well, I loved the script, and I thought Tad [Quill, the creator]'s writing was great, and I felt like he was going to do something a little bit different. I thought that the feeling of the show was really charming, and I didn't feel like I was reading anything like that. So basically, I had several conversations with him about being able to take my kid to school sometimes, and he was very sweet about that.

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It's very charming, with a twist. It has heart, but not at the expense of a faster pace with some risque humor.
I'm so glad that you think so, too. Tad's quite good at the witty repartee, I think.

How are you "pitching" this show to people who ask?
What? That's a lot of pressure! OK ... look ... it's about a Type-A single mom, who's a lawyer, who begrudgingly falls for her contractor who's a motorcycle-riding, pot-smoking good-for-nothing. And it's very sexy and romantic.

It's a lot about getting Alex to shake things up a bit. What's the most un-Alex thing that Alex does in this first season?
Letting myself go and almost kissing him. Then, towards the end, I'm embarrassingly jealous, and embarrassingly overt in my jealousy, when he starts dating someone else. It's really cringe-y, but it's really fun to play.

You're playing a single working mom and a sister, but you've also got the romance element. What's most fun for you to play?
Definitely the love triangle is really, really fun, with Matt Letscher and David Walton -- I couldn't be more honored to be stuck in the middle between those two men. [Laughs.] And then there's Jeffrey Tambor, and the only problem with Jeffrey Tambor is I can't keep a straight face when I have a scene with him. It's a little bit of a problem. It's a great, great character for him, and I just hope we get a chance to explore more.

The love triangle was sort of a last-minute addition to the show after the original pilot was shot. Do you think it'll make viewers a little torn about who Alex should be with? And do you think she should be with Pete?
That's the way Alex feels ... you want them to get together, but you recognize how ill-suited they are for one another. That's a pretty big rift between their lifestyles, and that's sort of what Tad was going for -- this incredible attraction that is simmering even though there's this sort of contentious vibe between them.

Matt Letscher was one of the additions after the original pilot was shot, and JB Smoove was another. Do you think those changes helped the show?
I think probably, yeah. I mean, JB and Jesse [Plemons] ... we hit the jackpot. I hope NBC is going to give us a chance to grow. But it's tough out there -- it's competitive.

It is! And when I think back to your last regular TV role on "Studio 60" ... I think almost all of the "Studio 60" stars are finally back on television.
[Laughs.] You're right!

Do you all still keep in touch at all?
Oh yeah. Totally. I've known Matthew [Perry] for 15 years, and I worship Bradley Whitford and Sarah Paulson is my best friend. We talk like 18 times a day.

I love that. OK, so when you're not working on TV, what are you watching on TV?
"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." Every night. "New Adventures of Old Christine." Almost every night.

Aww, Julia Louis-Dreyfus has a new show too, but I miss that show ...
When you see "Veep," you won't miss it anymore. You'll just be so excited to see her again. So f---ing brilliant, you're gonna freak out.

I'm jealous you've seen it. Another show I'm guessing you've seen bits of already: "Game of Thrones," Season 2. Obviously your husband [executive producer David Benioff] is busy with that, but it must be on your "watch" list too, right?
Well, that goes without saying! I'm like a coke addict for "Game of Thrones." He's like my druglord -- when he brings home dailies, I'm like shaking in the corner.

Were you a fan of the books before he got involved with the show?
No! I was like, "I'm not gonna read those books! Gimme something about sex and marriage and relationships -- what do I want to watch this thing about dragons for?" [Laughs.] And then cut to me becoming like a coke fiend.

"Bent" premieres Wed., Mar. 1 with back-to-back episodes at 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

See the fates of all your favorite shows here:

"The Bachelor"

<strong>"The Bachelor," ABC</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Renewed<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> You really think we've seen the last rose handed out? Not in a million years. ABC has already tapped their next "Bachelorette," and we know they'll have their eyes peeled for a hot rejected man from that spinoff to be the next "Bachelor."
"The Bachelor," ABC
Status: Renewed
Why: You really think we've seen the last rose handed out? Not in a million years. ABC has already tapped their next "Bachelorette," and we know they'll have their eyes peeled for a hot rejected man from that spinoff to be the next "Bachelor."

"The Bachelorette"

<strong>"The Bachelorette," ABC</strong> <br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Likely to be renewed<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> "Bachelor" Brad's also-ran Emily Maynard is getting her turn as the rose giver for the seventh season of "The Bachelorette" this summer. As long as there are people willing to look for love on reality TV, this show will keep on trucking.

"Body of Proof"

<strong>"Body of Proof," ABC</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Renewed<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> "Body of Proof" has been falling below its timeslot competitor, CBS's "Unforgettable," but it still draws a decent audience and its fans are very vocal. ABC has decided it deserves a third season.
"Body of Proof," ABC
Status: Renewed
Why: "Body of Proof" has been falling below its timeslot competitor, CBS's "Unforgettable," but it still draws a decent audience and its fans are very vocal. ABC has decided it deserves a third season.

"Castle"

<strong>"Castle," ABC</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Renewed<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> This show's ratings have definitely suffered without "Dancing With the Stars" airing beforehand, but it is a consistent performer. And now that Castle and Beckett's relationship is evolving, a fifth season of "oh yes they will" is a no-brainer.
"Castle," ABC
Status: Renewed
Why: This show's ratings have definitely suffered without "Dancing With the Stars" airing beforehand, but it is a consistent performer. And now that Castle and Beckett's relationship is evolving, a fifth season of "oh yes they will" is a no-brainer.

"Charlie's Angels"

<strong>"Charlie's Angels," ABC</strong> <br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Canceled<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> Not really a shock for anybody, but "Charlie's Angels" is cooked. Flimsy story, bad remake, questionable casting.
"Charlie's Angels," ABC
Status: Canceled
Why: Not really a shock for anybody, but "Charlie's Angels" is cooked. Flimsy story, bad remake, questionable casting.

"Cougar Town"

<strong>"Cougar Town," ABC</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Renewed -- for TBS!<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> The Season 3 ratings weren't boosted much by holding this show until midseason, but ABC's wonky air schedule also didn't help ... which is why the news that TBS has picked up the show for a fourth season is huge. Cheers with your Big Carl!
"Cougar Town," ABC
Status: Renewed -- for TBS!
Why: The Season 3 ratings weren't boosted much by holding this show until midseason, but ABC's wonky air schedule also didn't help ... which is why the news that TBS has picked up the show for a fourth season is huge. Cheers with your Big Carl!

"Dancing With the Stars"

<strong>"Dancing With the Stars," ABC</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Renewed<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> "DWTS" may have lost its luster in the ratings, but if the viewers are still coming.
"Dancing With the Stars," ABC
Status: Renewed
Why: "DWTS" may have lost its luster in the ratings, but if the viewers are still coming.

"Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23"

<strong>"Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23," ABC</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Renewed<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> ABC's new bleep-worthy comedy starring Krysten Ritter, Dreama Walker and James Van Der Beek is a funny one, and definitely embraces the quirk (Beek Jeans!), so we're excited to see what they do with a second season.
"Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23," ABC
Status: Renewed
Why: ABC's new bleep-worthy comedy starring Krysten Ritter, Dreama Walker and James Van Der Beek is a funny one, and definitely embraces the quirk (Beek Jeans!), so we're excited to see what they do with a second season.

"Desperate Housewives"

<strong>"Desperate Housewives," ABC</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Canceled<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> After countless deaths, murders, betrayals and natural disasters on Wisteria Lane over the show's eight seasons, the ladies of "Desperate Housewives" will say goodbye forever this May.
"Desperate Housewives," ABC
Status: Canceled
Why: After countless deaths, murders, betrayals and natural disasters on Wisteria Lane over the show's eight seasons, the ladies of "Desperate Housewives" will say goodbye forever this May.

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"

<strong>"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," ABC</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Canceled <br />  <strong>Why:</strong> After a whopping nine seasons, the do-gooding show came to an end in January. But worry not, it will continue to have a few specials to make viewers cry tears of joy.
"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," ABC
Status: Canceled
Why: After a whopping nine seasons, the do-gooding show came to an end in January. But worry not, it will continue to have a few specials to make viewers cry tears of joy.

"GCB"

<strong>"GCB," ABC</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Canceled<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> This "Desperate Housewives"-esque dramedy premiered to less than 8 million viewers, and the phenomenal cast (Kristin Chenoweth, Annie Potts, Leslie Bibb) couldn't bring in a Texas-sized audience, so ABC canceled it.
"GCB," ABC
Status: Canceled
Why: This "Desperate Housewives"-esque dramedy premiered to less than 8 million viewers, and the phenomenal cast (Kristin Chenoweth, Annie Potts, Leslie Bibb) couldn't bring in a Texas-sized audience, so ABC canceled it.

"Grey's Anatomy"

<strong>"Grey's Anatomy," ABC</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Renewed<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> Shonda Rhimes' medical drama is a ratings juggernaut, even in its eighth season, and with most of her <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/10/greys-anatomy-ellen-pompeo_n_1506113.html?ref=tv" target="_hplink">big stars signed on for more</a>, ABC gave the go-ahead for a ninth season.

"Happy Endings"

<strong>"Happy Endings," ABC</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Renewed<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> This show is way too "ca-yute" to bubble it, and obviously someone high up at ABC agrees. After its first season was moved around and aired all out of order, the network still gave it another chance to find its audience in Season 2 ... and it has, and hopefully will continue to in Season 3.

"Last Man Standing"

<strong>"Last Man Standing," ABC</strong><br />  <strong>Status: </strong> Renewed<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> Ratings for Tim Allen's return to sitcoms have been very strong, making it Tuesday's most-watched comedy. If you can beat "Glee" and "The Biggest Loser," a second season is a given.
"Last Man Standing," ABC
Status: Renewed
Why: Ratings for Tim Allen's return to sitcoms have been very strong, making it Tuesday's most-watched comedy. If you can beat "Glee" and "The Biggest Loser," a second season is a given.

"Man Up!"

<strong>"Man Up!," ABC</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Canceled<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> ABC pulled the show after eight episodes.
"Man Up!," ABC
Status: Canceled
Why: ABC pulled the show after eight episodes.

"The Middle"

<strong>"The Middle," ABC</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Renewed<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> Now in its third season, "The Middle" is still holding onto its middle position in the ratings on Wednesday nights, and that seems just about right. It doesn't do "American Idol" or "Survivor" numbers, of course, but with over 7 million viewers, it's a strong comedy for the network that easily beats anything NBC is offering.

"Missing"

<strong>"Missing," ABC</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Canceled<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> Ashley Judd lead this drama about a former CIA agent whose son goes missing, kicking her back into action to find him. The series was only set to air 10 episodes, miniseries-style, with the potential for more, but a cancellation means that's all they're getting.

"Modern Family"

<strong>"Modern Family," ABC</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Renewed<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> "Modern Family" remains ABC's biggest sitcom success story of the last decade, both in ratings and awards love. This critical darling is getting a fourth season of hijinks with the hilarious Pritchett-Dunphy clan.
"Modern Family," ABC
Status: Renewed
Why: "Modern Family" remains ABC's biggest sitcom success story of the last decade, both in ratings and awards love. This critical darling is getting a fourth season of hijinks with the hilarious Pritchett-Dunphy clan.

"Once Upon A Time"

<strong>"Once Upon A Time," ABC</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Renewed<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> "Once Upon a Time" has gotten praise for being one of the more family-friendly dramas on TV, and it's been pulling in close to 10 million viewers each week because of it. We're excited by the almost endless possibilities for new fairy tale-inspired stories to tackle in Season 2.

"Pan Am"

<strong>"Pan Am," ABC</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Canceled<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> Poor "Pan Am" just never quite took off. The series' vintage look actually worked against it, much like NBC's swiftly canceled "Playboy Club" -- guess when you're being compared to award-winning shows like "Mad Men," it makes it more than a little tough to live up to the hype.

"Private Practice"

<strong>"Private Practice," ABC</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Renewed<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> "Private Practice" has never gotten "Grey's Anatomy"-level ratings, and things got shakier when ABC bumped it to Tuesday nights to make room for creator Shonda Rhimes' <em>other</em> new show, "Scandal," but they've given the show a sixth season order.

"Revenge"

<strong>"Revenge," ABC</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Renewed<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> With a clever mix of drama, mystery and serious revenge-ing, this is hands down one of the most addictive new shows on TV, and we can't wait to see where they take things in Season 2.
"Revenge," ABC
Status: Renewed
Why: With a clever mix of drama, mystery and serious revenge-ing, this is hands down one of the most addictive new shows on TV, and we can't wait to see where they take things in Season 2.

"The River"

<strong>"The River," ABC</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Canceled<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> The promise of "Paranormal Activity"-like scares each week quickly fizzled after this show premiered, along with the ratings. The first season's eight episodes came and went, and ABC has nixed any plans for more.
"The River," ABC
Status: Canceled
Why: The promise of "Paranormal Activity"-like scares each week quickly fizzled after this show premiered, along with the ratings. The first season's eight episodes came and went, and ABC has nixed any plans for more.

"Scandal"

<strong>"Scandal," ABC</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Renewed<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> Shonda Rhimes' latest show isn't about doctors at all -- and that's why we're glad it's sticking around. Kerry Washington is amazing as Olivia Pope, a Washington, D.C. fixer with a crack team of specialists helping make bad headlines vanish before they're ever written. Here's hoping for more than seven episodes in its second season.

"Shark Tank"

<strong>"Shark Tank," ABC</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Renewed<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> Now in its third season, this reality competition show is unlike any other on network TV and ABC is keeping it around for more for that very reason.
"Shark Tank," ABC
Status: Renewed
Why: Now in its third season, this reality competition show is unlike any other on network TV and ABC is keeping it around for more for that very reason.

"Suburgatory"

<strong>"Suburgatory," ABC</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Renewed<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> It's smart, quick and not too cute -- "Suburgatory" is consistently named the sitcom you should be watching, but probably aren't. The great cast makes this one a no-brainer, and the ratings have stayed pretty consistent, too. We're thrilled it's getting a second season to shine!

"Work It"

<strong>"Work It," ABC</strong> <br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Canceled <br />  <strong>Why:</strong> Let us count the ways ...
"Work It," ABC
Status: Canceled
Why: Let us count the ways ...

"2 Broke Girls"

<strong>"2 Broke Girls," CBS</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Renewed<br />  <strong>Why: </strong>At first, people balked at the racist supporting characters, but now it seems that audiences are all over "2 Broke Girls" -- it's ratings have seen a steady increase, and it won the People's Choice Award for Favorite New Comedy.
"2 Broke Girls," CBS
Status: Renewed
Why: At first, people balked at the racist supporting characters, but now it seems that audiences are all over "2 Broke Girls" -- it's ratings have seen a steady increase, and it won the People's Choice Award for Favorite New Comedy.

"A Gifted Man"

<strong>"A Gifted Man," CBS</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Canceled<br />  <strong>Why: </strong>"A Gifted Man's" total viewer numbers were OK for a Friday night, but a 1.3 rating in the 18-49 demographic is especially bad for CBS. Another bad sign: star Patrick Wilson tweeted about the end: "I had a great time. Thanks to my fans. So happy it's done." And done it is.

"The Amazing Race"

<strong>"The Amazing Race," CBS</strong><br />  <strong>Status: </strong>Renewed<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> Voted the best reality show on TV several times (albeit years ago), "The Amazing Race" isn't going anywhere. Ratings have dropped a bit, but are still solid.
"The Amazing Race," CBS
Status: Renewed
Why: Voted the best reality show on TV several times (albeit years ago), "The Amazing Race" isn't going anywhere. Ratings have dropped a bit, but are still solid.

"The Big Bang Theory"

<strong>"The Big Bang Theory," CBS</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Renewed<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> Nothing seems to be able to make a dent in this show. With fantastic ratings (it beat "Idol"!) and a rabid following, we'll be seeing plenty more "Big Bang" before its run is over.
"The Big Bang Theory," CBS
Status: Renewed
Why: Nothing seems to be able to make a dent in this show. With fantastic ratings (it beat "Idol"!) and a rabid following, we'll be seeing plenty more "Big Bang" before its run is over.

"Blue Bloods"

<strong>"Blue Bloods," CBS</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Renewed <br />  <strong>Why:</strong> The anchor of Friday nights on CBS, "Blue Bloods" has performed well, pulling in around 11 million viewers an episode. The show might not have the youngest audience, but it's still enough for CBS to keep it on the schedule.
"Blue Bloods," CBS
Status: Renewed
Why: The anchor of Friday nights on CBS, "Blue Bloods" has performed well, pulling in around 11 million viewers an episode. The show might not have the youngest audience, but it's still enough for CBS to keep it on the schedule.

"Criminal Minds"

<strong>"Criminal Minds," CBS</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Renewed<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> Paget Brewster might be checking out, but "Criminal Minds" is here to stay. In Season 7, the procedural is still a consistently strong ratings performer for CBS.
"Criminal Minds," CBS
Status: Renewed
Why: Paget Brewster might be checking out, but "Criminal Minds" is here to stay. In Season 7, the procedural is still a consistently strong ratings performer for CBS.

"CSI"

<strong>"CSI," CBS</strong> <br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Renewed<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> Whenever the time comes, the "CSI" mothership will end with a lot of fanfare, but not this year. With new faces Ted Danson and Elisabeth Shue around, there is going to be at least one more season.<br />
"CSI," CBS
Status: Renewed
Why: Whenever the time comes, the "CSI" mothership will end with a lot of fanfare, but not this year. With new faces Ted Danson and Elisabeth Shue around, there is going to be at least one more season.

"CSI: Miami"

<strong>"CSI: Miami," CBS</strong><br />  <strong>Status:</strong> Canceled<br />  <strong>Why:</strong> Out of the three (!) "CSI" programs on the air, "CSI: Miami" is the one to say goodbye first. The one-time ratings giant has been affected by football overruns (just as "The Good Wife" has) and "CSI: NY" has the edge in terms of total viewers, meaning a "Miami" sunset was inevitable. <br />

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.