Kalama Epstein Talks ‘No Good Nick’ and Reflects on His Role on ‘The Fosters’ [Exclusive Interview]

Best known for his role as Noah on the critically acclaimed hit series, The Fosters, you might also recognize Kalama Epstein from such shows as Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Hawaii Five-0, and Ray Donovan. Now, you can watch Epstein on a new Netflix series. 

Epstein plays Jeremy on No Good Nick, where he stars alongside Melissa Joan Hart and Sean Astin. The sitcom follows 13-year-old Nick, short for Nicole, who infiltrates a family with the intention to get revenge on them for unknowingly ruining her life. 

I had a few questions for Epstein about his role on the new series as well as his time working on The Fosters.

Tell-Tale TV: What made you excited to be a part of No Good Nick on Netflix?

Kalama Epstein: I was most excited about the show’s format. It’s a hybrid between a multi-cam sitcom and a serialized mystery/drama, so that immediately drew my attention.

Tell-Tale TV: For those who haven’t seen it yet, what makes No Good Nick unique?

Epstein: The show is very unique. It has tons of jokes and humor and heart, but there are also some very serious themes going on throughout the show that set it apart from a lot of other shows.

Tell-Tale TV: What can you tell us about your character on the show?

Epstein: Jeremy knows everything. Well, he thinks he knows everything. He’s got his entire life planned out beat by beat in his “resume from the future.” He’s very uptight and he isn’t very great with change.

Tell-Tale TV: We have to know, what is it like working with Melissa Joan Hart and Sean Astin?

Epstein: It’s exactly what you’d expect — AMAZING! I still have to pinch myself. It’s so insane getting to spend as much time with them as I have.

They are two of the kindest, most generous souls I have ever met. They are also amazing co-workers and create an incredible working environment on set.

Tell-Tale TV: What would you say is the funniest thing that’s happened on set?

Epstein: One of the funniest things that happened on set to me was probably during a take where Jeremy walks out into the school hallway and gives a serious look off-screen. After giving the look, our director (Andy Fickman) didn’t yell cut.

So I was just staring off into dead space for probably about 30 seconds when I realized that he was pranking me and seeing how long it would take me to realize he was never going to say it. We were shooting in front of a live studio audience so their reaction to it was pretty great.

Tell-Tale TV: You’re also well known for your role as Noah on The Fosters. How important was that experience for you?

Epstein: That experience was incredibly important in my life. Not only did I grow as an actor, but I also experienced one of the greatest sets I’ve ever worked on, and I learned a lot. Also, just getting to be a part of something that important was amazing.

Tell-Tale TV: Is there anything you learned while working on The Fosters that you’ve been able to apply to other jobs or experiences?

Epstein: I think subconsciously I took certain things that I’ve applied to the rest of my life and other work experiences. It’s hard to nail down something specific because the experience as a whole taught me so much when it comes to my career.

Tell-Tale TV: And finally, what’s something that fans might be surprised to learn about you?

Epstein: I love socks. I have a crazy collection of socks. Weird socks, fun socks, scary socks. I have all of the socks. You’ll never catch me with boring socks.

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Be sure to catch Kalama Epstein on No Good Nick, now available for streaming on Netflix.

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