Matt Kennedy/CBSEveryone gets naked. Everyone smells. And newsflash: Chord Overstreet is a horrible listener.
These are just a few of the choice morsels David Krumholtz and Michael Urie are spilling as they prepare for the premiere of one our favorite new comedies this fall: CBS' Partners (debuts Sept. 24).
Also starring Sophia Bush and Brandon Routh, the big-buzz comedy comes from the brain trust behind Will and Grace, Max Mutchnick and David Kohan. The pilot is pretty great, and if the improvisational chemistry David and Michael displayed in this interview is any indication, well, Partners is destined to become a fan favorite.
While Michael's role was specifically created for him, which he calls "very touching," David jokes that he had to battle Glee heartthrob Chord Overstreet for the gig. "They told me that my role was written for Chord Overstreet," he explains. "It just didn't happen with Chord because there was a question of whether or not he would return to Glee, and you know the whole thing: It was Chord Overstreet and then, like, it tumbled downhill all the way to me."
But wait! The funny duo wasn't done with Chord. "I worked with Chord. But I had never worked with David," Michael says. When asked by David how his chemistry was with the Gleek, Michael jokes, "Not a listener. Not a listener."
While it seems like Michael and David have been besties forever, they actually never met before being cast as lifelong pals. "I was aware of David, though, and a fan of David's. I was cast first, and when I found out he was going to do it, everything made sense suddenly," Michael says.
Of their chemistry, David says, "In truth, I mean, we have one sort of comedic voice. You know, there's a lot of times where I may say 'Hey, say it this way, it's funnier.' He may say, 'Hey, I have this great idea for you.' I think other actors might cringe at that or be precious about it. And we realize that this is a team. We both are very loving. We have a very similar soul. You know our souls are almost interchangeable, I feel. And I just want to make out with him."
Alas, they will not be making out with each other on the show as David and Michael both lucked out in the onscreen love-interest department, landing One Tree Hill's Sophia Bush and former Superman Brandon Routh, respectively. Just don't expect them to admit it.
"I'm more offended by how despicable they both smell," David jokes. "And that is something the viewers at home don't get to experience." Michael adds, "There is a lot of Brandon Routh to stink."
So what exactly does the attractive duo smell like that's so offensive to their costars?
"[Brandon] eats a lot of garlic. He takes a garlic pill. And so he really stinks," David explains. "Sophia…I don't know how to describe her smell other than sort of a must that has built up over years of damp cold conditions. That is how Sophia Bush smells."
To hear more hilarious Partners talk from David and Michael, including Sophia's "side-boob-only" deal, Michael's transition from Ugly Betty to the CBS comedy and how the show compares to Will and Grace, watch our interview with the stars in the above video.
Partners debuts Monday, Sept. 24, at 8:30 p.m.