LOS ANGELES — With Courteney Cox’s Cougar Town settling into its second season, the sitcom has gotten away from it’s attention-grabbing title — especially now that Cox’s character isn’t dating younger men and is settling down with her neighbour and boyfriend, Grayson (Josh Hopkins). Cox spoke with Metro about the changes the show is going through, famous guest-stars and being a fan of wine.
What did you think of your character ending up in a long-term relationship so soon?
I think it’s just a new approach. I’m so used to being on Friends and other shows. It’s a functioning relationship, but with two kind of really non-functioning people in some ways. I mean, Grayson doesn’t really know how to have a relationship. This is brand new for him. And Jules, you know, she’s already had a kid. There’s a lot of things to explore within the relationship that won’t necessarily keep you on the edge of your seat, but it will be dealing with real-life situations. I think it will stay, you know, relevant and fun.
When you started the series, did you do a lot of research on cougars or base Jules on anyone you know?
I think she’s such a new cougar, she didn’t know how to be one. She was like, “Oh, wow. That guy is young and cute.” I didn’t know how to do it, but no. My husband is seven years younger than me, so I’ve always – not always, but I’ve been with a much younger man for a long time.
When did wine become such a central part of the show?
You know, I do like wine, there’s no question, and [creator] Bill [Lawrence] does like to take things from our personal lives and put them in the story, but he exaggerates.
So yes, I like wine and yes, I might fill a glass more than other people. But then I think once something works, then he just runs with that ball and then that’s what happens. And it’s not that the wine is real — although sometimes it is. You know, late in the day sometimes.
Jules was quite insecure about her body image when the show started. Has her perception of her body changed?
She’s pretty much still insecure about it, I think, as we all are. I mean, so many women are. We did certain episodes like the one with Lisa Kudrow where I didn’t want to see this dermatologist — she’s so good, but she’s so mean to me. I think she is still just as insecure about stuff. But now she has a boyfriend and she probably feels a little better about herself because he makes her feel good.
Will we see any other Friends castmates on the show?
I don’t know. I mean, Matthew’s got his own show. Matt LeBlanc has got his own show. Lisa and Jennifer have already done it. And Schwimmer is probably doing so many things, probably directing, and just got married. I don’t know. I don’t think so.
