Shows about nothing are actually about everything. You’ve probably seen the clips circulating again—those awkward, hyper-specific moments from the 2023 web series The Problem with People. It wasn’t a massive blockbuster, but it captured a very specific flavor of social anxiety that feels even more relevant today. Honestly, looking back at the Problem with People cast, it’s wild to see how many of these actors were just on the cusp of breaking into the mainstream.
The show worked because it didn't try too hard. It was just humans being weird.
Who Was Actually in the Problem with People Cast?
The heart of the series lived in its central duo. Paul Reiser—the guy everyone knows from Mad About You and Stranger Things—didn't just act in it; he was the creative engine. He’s always been the king of observational humor, that "did you ever notice?" style that feels like a conversation over coffee. In The Problem with People, he played a version of himself that was perpetually exhausted by the unwritten rules of society.
Opposite him, we had Colm Meaney. If you're a sci-fi nerd, he's Miles O'Brien from Star Trek. If you like gritty indies, he’s your go-to guy. Seeing Meaney and Reiser go toe-to-toe was like watching a masterclass in contrasting energies. Reiser is all nervous, fast-talking New York energy, while Meaney brings that grounded, stubborn Irish sensibility.
They played cousins. One from the U.S., one from Ireland. The premise was simple: they had to resolve a long-standing family feud over a piece of land. But really, the plot was just an excuse to watch two veteran actors bicker about things like how to properly thank someone or the correct way to end a phone call.
The Supporting Players You Might Have Missed
It wasn't just the big names. The ensemble was packed with character actors who made the world feel lived-in. Jane Levy popped up in a recurring role, bringing that same sharp, slightly manic timing she perfected in Suburgatory. She’s got this way of looking at a situation with total disbelief that mirrored the audience's own feelings.
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Then there was Lucian Msamati. You might recognize him from Gangs of London or his theater work. In this series, he served as a sort of foil to the cousins' nonsense. His character often acted as the voice of reason, which, in a show about people being difficult, is usually the funniest role to play.
- Des Keogh: An absolute legend in Irish theater.
- Sheila Flitton: You saw her in The Banshees of Inisherin.
- David Wilmot: Another Banshees alum who brings a very specific, dark wit to the screen.
Why This Specific Cast Worked So Well
Chemistry isn't something you can faking. You can hire the most famous people in the world, put them in a room, and end up with a vacuum. But the Problem with People cast felt like they had been arguing in pubs for thirty years.
Meaney and Reiser have this rhythmic back-and-forth. It’s musical. One starts a sentence, the other interrupts with a "No, but listen," and suddenly they're off on a five-minute tangent about whether it’s rude to leave a wedding before the cake is cut. It reminds me a bit of The Trip with Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, where the location is beautiful, but the entertainment is just two middle-aged men being petty.
It's also about the setting. Filming in Ireland wasn't just a gimmick. The landscape becomes a character. The cast had to navigate the actual rain, the actual sheep, and the actual winding roads, which added a layer of physical comedy that you just don't get on a soundstage in Burbank.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Show
A lot of folks think this was a standard sitcom. It wasn't. There were no laugh tracks. No "A-B-C" plot structures that resolve neatly in 22 minutes. Because of the cast's background in both drama and comedy, the show often veered into some pretty heavy territory regarding aging, legacy, and what we owe our families.
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People often ask if there’s a second season. As of now, it remains a self-contained story. It’s a snapshot. A "problem" that got explored and then left alone.
The Impact of the Script on the Performances
The dialogue was incredibly dense. If you watch the behind-the-scenes footage or read interviews with the Problem with People cast, they talk about the sheer volume of lines they had to memorize. Because it’s a talky show, the actors couldn't rely on action sequences or special effects. It was all in the eyes and the timing.
Reiser has mentioned in interviews that he wanted the show to feel like a "long-form argument." He succeeded.
But it’s a relatable argument. We've all been that person in the grocery store line or the airport lounge who is quietly fuming because someone isn't following the "protocol." The cast tapped into that collective irritability. They made it okay to be a little bit of a curmudgeon.
Looking at the Career Trajectories
Since the show aired, the cast hasn't slowed down.
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- Paul Reiser: Continued his streak of being in literally everything good, from The Kominsky Method to high-profile stand-up specials.
- Colm Meaney: Moved on to several high-profile stage productions in London and Dublin.
- Jane Levy: Has become a staple in the indie film circuit, often playing characters with a lot more edge than her early TV roles.
Why You Should Care About the Problem with People Cast Today
We live in a world that is increasingly polarized. Everything is a "big deal." What this cast did was remind us that sometimes, the biggest deal is just trying to get along with your cousin. It’s small-scale storytelling with high-level talent.
If you’re a fan of "cringe comedy" that actually has a heart, this is the gold standard. It doesn't mock the characters for being difficult; it acknowledges that being a person is inherently difficult. We are all "the problem" in someone else’s story.
Real-World Takeaways and Where to Watch
If you want to see these performances for yourself, the series is usually available on streaming platforms like Acorn TV or through digital purchase on Amazon. It's a quick watch—perfect for a weekend when you're feeling a bit frustrated with the world and want to see people who feel the same way.
Practical Steps for Viewing:
- Watch for the non-verbals: Pay attention to Colm Meaney’s face when Reiser is talking. The "listening" is often funnier than the speaking.
- Check out the Irish talent: If you like the supporting cast, look up the Dublin theater scene. Many of these actors are staples there.
- Listen to the pacing: If you’re a writer or a creator, study how they use silence. It’s a masterclass in comedic timing.
The legacy of the show isn't just the jokes. It's the chemistry. It's the proof that you don't need a $200 million budget if you have two guys who know how to argue properly. Keep an eye on these actors; they aren't done showing us exactly what's wrong with us.
Final Thought: Go back and re-watch the scene in the pub from episode three. It’s the definitive moment for the Problem with People cast. It captures the tension, the humor, and the ultimate realization that despite our flaws, we’re stuck with each other. And honestly? That's not the worst thing in the world.