**Mindy Kaling’s Latest Comedy Series Features Surprise Appearance from Gigi Hadid**
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Mindy Kaling, the creator of the new comedy series “Not Suitable for Work,” has revealed the backstory behind the surprise cameo of supermodel Gigi Hadid in the show. Speaking to PEOPLE, Kaling shared how Hadid brought a unique energy to the project, appearing in a memorable role in the third episode of the series.
Hadid, who features alongside actor Jay Ellis, plays the character Catherine, the ex-girlfriend of Ellis’s character, Bill. The episode, which premiered on June 2 on Hulu, showcases Catherine arriving unexpectedly at Bill’s office in a dramatic scene where she confronts him about their anniversary. Despite being only dressed in a fur coat over her pyjamas, her character makes a lasting impression as she expresses her frustration over Bill’s absence.
“I have been up since 4, planning a whole elaborate morning, and there was gonna be chilaquiles and sex — and I guess that’s it, but both of those would have been mind-blowing,” Catherine tells Bill during their heated exchange. The scene escalates when she defiantly throws a pan of chilaquiles at him and declares her intention to sell the expensive Birkin bag he gifted her on eBay.
Kaling expressed her excitement about Hadid’s involvement, noting that she had previously worked with the supermodel on her other show, “Never Have I Ever.” During that project, Hadid provided a voiceover for a character in season two, which Kaling described as “very funny.” That experience left Kaling intrigued about whether Hadid would be interested in a live-action role. “I knew she was funny, but I didn’t know if she wanted to do anything on screen,” Kaling explained.
The show’s creator saw an opportunity to add Hadid’s dynamic presence to a scene that required a “larger-than-life” character to match Bill’s flamboyant persona. “We just asked her, and the commitment was low,” Kaling said, highlighting the convenience of Hadid’s New York location, which facilitated her participation.
Ellis, who plays Bill, wasn’t the only cast member to be blindsided by Hadid’s unexpected appearance. Ella Hunt and Will Angus, who portray A.J. and Davis respectively, revealed they had no prior knowledge of who was set to join them. Hunt described the moment she saw Hadid on set as a delightful surprise, recalling how she approached the model to compliment her coat. “Like, Gigi Hadid walks in, I see her from behind, and I come up to her to compliment her on her coat,” Hunt recounted, adding to the excitement with her genuine enthusiasm.
Angus shared his initial feelings upon seeing Hadid as well, calling the experience “awesome” and noting the surreal nature of working alongside such a prominent figure. “It was weird; it was so weird. I don’t even know what to say. Mindy knows everybody,” he remarked, reinforcing Kaling’s well-established connections within the entertainment industry.
“Not Suitable for Work” centres around a group of ambitious twenty-somethings navigating the chaotic landscape of Manhattan’s Murray Hill while seeking both professional success and personal happiness. Alongside Kaling’s creative direction, the series also features a talented cast including Avantika Vandanapu, Jack Martin, and Nicholas Duvernay, with guest stars like Victor Garber and Constance Wu making appearances as well.
Following its premiere, the first three episodes of “Not Suitable for Work” are currently available for streaming on Hulu, with new episodes set to be released weekly until June 23. The buzz surrounding Hadid’s cameo has further highlighted the show’s appeal, drawing attention from fans eager to see what other surprises Kaling and her team might have in store.
As it stands, Hadid’s performance has not only elevated the comedic tone of the series but has also left viewers wondering whether they might see her character return in a potential future season. Kaling hinted at this possibility, expressing her desire to explore the character of Catherine further. “It was really great. I was thinking about how we could bring back that character,” Kaling teased, keeping fans anticipating what lies ahead in the series.