Taylor Misiak on Her New Fox Comedy Going Dutch and Working with Denis Leary: "It’s a Dream Come True"

Taylor Misiak kicks off 2025 with a bang as Captain Maggie Quinn in Fox’s new comedy series Going Dutch. The show follows a father-daughter duo, played by Misiak and Denis Leary, navigating their complicated relationship while running a military base in the Netherlands. In an exclusive interview with Pop Culture Unplugged, Misiak shared her excitement about the series, her approach to comedy, and what makes Going Dutch a standout sitcom in today’s TV landscape.

Here are the highlights from our chat with Taylor Misiak:

On Landing the Role of Captain Maggie Quinn

Taylor Misiak shared that Going Dutch was one of the most exciting auditions she had during a slow year in Hollywood. With Joel Church-Cooper (Brockmire) at the helm as creator and Denis Leary as her on-screen dad, the opportunity was a dream come true.

“When I saw Joel Church-Cooper’s name attached, I was already excited. I’m a huge fan of Brockmire. But what really stood out to me was that the heart of this story is a father-daughter relationship, not a romantic one. That’s so unique in TV.”

She also revealed that her character's name, Maggie, holds special significance for her career.

“Funny enough, my character’s name in Dave was originally Maggie too! So both pilots I’ve booked had me playing a Maggie. Maybe it’s my lucky name.”

On the Chemistry Between Maggie and Her Father, Colonel Quinn

Misiak described the dynamic between Maggie and her father, played by Denis Leary, as both fiery and heartfelt. Their on-screen relationship is central to the show’s comedic and emotional beats.

“It’s like fireworks — but the violent kind! They go toe to toe. Maggie isn’t just scolding her dad and putting him in his place. He’s a highly decorated war hero, and their banter is biting and competitive. It’s hilarious, but also very real.”

She praised Leary’s quick wit and biting humor, saying it made their scenes together even more fun.

“He’s so fast, so smart, and so funny. Their relationship is complicated and messy, but it feels real.”

On Filming on a Military Base and Getting Authenticity Right

The show’s unique setting on a Dutch military base gave the cast the chance to explore a new type of comedy. Misiak revealed that they shot many scenes on a real base in Ireland and worked with a veteran consultant to ensure the military details were authentic.

“We learned a lot about ranks, saluting, and military protocol. It was really important to get those details right, but the focus is always on the comedy and heart of the show.”

On Working with a Talented Cast

The Going Dutch cast includes comedy heavyweights like Denis Leary, Danny Pudi, and Catherine Tate. Misiak highlighted how much fun it was to work with such seasoned actors and how their comedic instincts brought out the best in each other.

“Danny Pudi is a comedic genius. I was so nervous to work with Catherine Tate because I’ve been a fan for years. But she’s incredibly warm and so funny. We had so much fun riffing on jokes — a lot of the improv even made it into the show.”

She also shared her admiration for Joe Morton, who plays a rival to Leary’s character.

“I would love to have more scenes with Joe Morton in the future. He’s such an efficient, charismatic performer. I learned so much just being around him.”

On Maggie’s Journey Throughout the Season

Misiak teased some key developments for Maggie’s character over the course of the first season.

“Maggie is strong, ambitious, and independent, but her relationship with her dad brings out both her childish and authentic sides. She’s learning to embrace all parts of herself — the gentle side and the competitive, aggressive side.”

Without giving away spoilers, Misiak hinted that the season finale will leave fans wanting more.

“We have some really creative, stylistic episodes coming up. The pilot is a charming way to meet the characters, but there are so many surprises and laughs ahead. I can’t wait for people to see what’s coming.”

On Balancing Comedy and Heart

Misiak emphasized the importance of blending humor with heart in Going Dutch. She believes that sitcoms still hold a special place in today’s TV landscape, especially when they explore real emotions and relationships.

“Sitcoms like Cheers and The Good Place are treasures. They make you laugh, but they also leave you feeling warm and connected. That’s what we’re trying to do with Going Dutch — make people laugh while telling a heartfelt story.”

On Her Past Role in Dave and the Possibility of a Revival

Fans of FX’s Dave will recognize Misiak as Ally, Dave’s love interest in the series. She reflected on her time on the show and hinted at the possibility of revisiting that world in the future.

“I loved playing Ally. She was a key to the show’s emotional core. I think Dave Bird is someone who never stops creating, and I’d like to think the world of Dave isn’t done yet.”

On Her Hopes for Season 2

Misiak is hopeful for a second season of Going Dutch, especially because there’s so much more to explore in the relationship between Maggie and Colonel Quinn.

“The show ends on a dot, dot, dot. I want to see Maggie continue to grow and evolve. There’s so much potential for where her journey could go, especially with her dad by her side.”

On What’s Next for Taylor Misiak

Misiak shared that she filmed two feature films last year and is eager to continue exploring both comedy and drama roles.

“I want to keep doing movies and funny TV, but I’d also love to do something more dramatic. I’m always looking for roles that challenge me and feel authentic.”

Where to Find Taylor Misiak

Fans can follow Taylor Misiak on Instagram at @TaylorMisiak for updates on her latest projects.

“I’m more active on Instagram. I just got rid of Twitter — trying to have a little less screen time in my life. But you can definitely find me on IG.”

Final Thoughts

With Going Dutch bringing back the charm of the classic sitcom with a modern twist, Taylor Misiak is proving once again why she’s a standout in comedy. As Maggie Quinn, she brings heart, humor, and relatability to the screen, making Going Dutch a must-watch in 2025.

Catch new episodes of Going Dutch Thursdays at 9:30 PM on Fox and the next day on Hulu.