Bullz-Eye: Just the fact that “Men at Work” has gotten a second season, period, has got to be pretty thrilling in and of itself, but how was it to go back to work for season two?

Danny Masterson: You know, it’s funny: we actually only took about six weeks off, so we didn’t feel like we had a whole summer hiatus. We just took six weeks, and then we kept going with the same director and same crew, so it just feels like a really long first season that we’ve shot. We just had a lot of excellent new guest stars, I guess.

BE: Yeah, the list is pretty impressive.

DM: Thanks! I think it’s sort of a benefit of having both Breckin (Meyer) and I both working since we were little kids. We’ve worked with a lot of people who are known actors, so it’s fun to sort of bring those friends in to work with you for a bit.

BE: When you guys came onto the series, how well-defined were the characters on the page versus what they became once they were actually cast?

DM: You know, I think they were pretty well defined. Breckin sort of based them off…well, he based my character, Milo, off himself. [Laughs.] And the three friends are based off of his three best friends. So pretty much everybody knew exactly who they were in the beginning. And then, obviously, as you’re going through the episodes, you sort of change your characters a little bit to make them suited towards you a little bit, just in terms of everyone’s own personalities. But I’d say 95% is exactly how Breckin wrote it to begin with.

BE: Did the cast bond pretty quickly?

DM: Yeah, I’d say so. I’ve known James Lesure for…I dunno, maybe 10 years. I hadn’t met Adam (Busch) or (Michael) Cassidy before, but, y’know, right from the table read everyone was really excited to have a really cool job, so… I get along with everybody, and they’re all really great people. Three totally different personalities, but we’ve never had a single fight. I mean, it’s only been two years, obviously, so we’ll probably wrestle at some point. [Laughs.] But they’re really fun. Everyone’s really stoked to have a good job, we all enjoy it, and as long as the writing stays good – and the writing’s been really good – I think we’ll all stay really happy.

BE: Speaking of writing, as a writer, I have to wonder how many times you’ve heard from various critics that, uh, not many magazine offices tend to run the way the one on “Men at Work” does.

DM: [Sighs.] Um…y’know, honestly, we’re entertaining people. We’re doing a situation comedy. We’re just there to make people laugh. So…I mean, it’d be like every lawyer watching “L.A. Law” and going, “You know, that’s not really what court’s like.” [Laughs.] It’s just one of those things..

BE: As you mentioned, you’ve got several new guest stars coming up for season two, but who were your favorites from season one?

DM: Y’know, it was super fun, obviously, working with (Laura) Prepon again, having spent eight years with her (on “That ‘70s Show”), so that was just sort of, like, every time we would say, “Cut,” we’d just start laughing. It was, like, “Oh, my God, this is ridiculous. This is just like what we used to do together.” And then, for me, working with Kevin Pollak, who I’m just such a massive fan of and who’s a friend of mine, but it’s still, like, “I can’t believe I get to be friends with Kevin Pollak!” [Laughs.] So to get to do that episode with him, the scene about the toilet bowl, was definitely a highlight. And it was probably the only scene that year that I had a hard time getting through. I just kept breaking and laughing every time. It was great.

BE: I was surprised that your brother (Christopher Masterson) turned up on the show playing someone other than your character’s brother. Was that just deemed too obvious?

DM: Well, y’know, it’s one of those things where the scripts come out and Breckin says, “Oh, we have this role for someone and that role for someone,” and when he said, “We have this role for this really strange, weird guy…” It could’ve been any kind of character. We didn’t know what Chris was gonna do when he came in. The character was not supposed to have an accent of any sort or…be any sort of persuasion or anything. [Laughs.] He just came in and, at the first rehearsal, just started doing that character, and everyone started laughing. That’s basically what happened.

BE: To bring it to season two, would you say that Milo has changed at all since we saw him in Season 1?

DM: Yeah, I’d say so. In season two, we have a really good relationship arc with Sarah Wright that’s really funny, where he goes from not being able to handle chatting with girls, then all of a sudden he has this girlfriend that he doesn’t know what to do with. And they very quickly become a very boring relationship that seems like they’ve been together for 20 years, even though they’ve only been together for a few weeks. So that was fun playing the exact opposite of season one. Otherwise, you know, it’s sort of the same thing in terms of Milo doing something kind of stupid and the guys sort of getting on him. He does something idiotic, and the other three pounce on him. That’s what’s been the most fun to do, character-wise.

BE: It’s great to see that you’ve brought back J.K. Simmons for this season.

DM: Oh, yeah, he’s done a few episodes, and he’s in the season finale. He’s so funny, and getting to work with him is amazing.

BE: How much of the show is scripted, and how much of an opportunity do you have to adlib?

DM: There’s basically zero adlibbing.

BE: Really?

DM: Yeah. Y’know, there are certain shows where there’s a lot of improv, and there are shows where there isn’t. When I was doing “That ‘70s Show,” Bonnie and Terry Turner kind of beat improv out of us. [Laughs.] We’ll definitely have…we’ll shoot a scene twice, and then if there are any jokes where it’s, like, “Let’s try this,” or, “I have a joke!” Everybody pitches everybody jokes, you pitch the writers, the writers pitch you, and if you find something that’s funny, then you might do two or three different pick-ups with alternate jokes. But that’s not really improv. That’s like being in the writer’s room, and then you go ahead and perform it. There’s never really any sort of curveball thrown. And that makes it easier, really, because you don’t have everybody trying to do one-ups and shit. The writers do their jobs, and as actors, we do our jobs.

BE: Setting aside “Men at Work,” what would you say is your favorite project you’ve worked on over the years that didn’t get the love you thought it deserved?

DM: Um…that’s a good question. I would say the movie “The Brooklyn Heist,” which I made in New York and produced. I thought that turned out really, really good. Y’know, we got a small theatrical release in New York, but a lot of people haven’t seen it. I don’t think it’s ever gotten a TV deal. It seems like these days you make a movie and…it used to be that people would see it on HBO or Showtime years later, but that doesn’t seem to happen as much anymore. I think it’s because of iTunes and downloads and all that stuff. But I think that movie, for the amount we shot it for and the way that it was shot, genre-wise, it was really, really smart. So, yeah, “The Brooklyn Heist,” that’d probably be my one that people would enjoy.

BE: You know, “Star Kid” is now on Netflix on Demand.

DM: Wow. You know, I’ve never actually seen that. What do I have, like, one scene in that movie? [Laughs.]

BE: Not significantly more than that, anyway.

DM: Ashlee Levitch, who plays the older sister in that movie, used to be a very good friend of mine. I haven’t seen her in probably 15 years, but when we were teenagers, she was always on a show, I was always on a show, so she called and said, “Hey, I’m doing this movie with the kid from ‘Jurassic Park’ (Joseph Mazzello), would you come play my boyfriend? It’s just for a scene or two.” So I said, “Yeah, okay, sure!” That’s literally how I got that movie. I never even saw the script. But I remember it was actually called “The Warrior of Waverly Street” when I signed onto it.

BE: You did some film work after “That ‘70s Show,” but do you enjoy returning to the routine of series television?

DM: Oh, yeah, I love it. And I definitely wasn’t looking to do a drama. I did a one-hour drama when I was 18, and it’s just such a brutal lifestyle. I mean, that’s a schedule that…most actors who are on one-hour dramas are leads, which means no life for 10 months out of the year, and if it goes for 10 years, then that’s sort of who you are. For me, doing a sitcom is…I mean, toward the end of “That ‘70s Show,” we were working 20 hours a week to get the show together, but on “Men at Work,” we’re obviously working a lot longer, because it’s newer and not everybody knows what they’re doing exactly…including myself, because we’re all still sort of getting to know each other. But it’s basically just summer camp all day, every day. You’re literally just rehearsing to make each other laugh, making fun of each other, and trying to get it ready to do it in front of a live audience. There’s really no better job in show business.

My Momma Throws Down (TV One) – An original food competition show where the only thing that matters in the end is taste. But, along with healthy portions of food, these contestants and their families will be serving up a serious side-order of attitude as family dynamics becomes as important as the competition itself.

This is an entertainment show first—and a dynamic cooking show second. At its core, it is a true celebration of the Matriarch of the Family, placing her passion, humor, down-home expertise, and reputation on the line for all of America to witness.

Goldfathers: Race for Gold (NGC) – Its a modern-day gold rush! The new series follows three gold-mining operations as they battle nature, machines and each other in a brutal race against time to get as much gold from the ground as possible before the icy cold of winter returns to shut them down.

24/7 Wild (NGW)

Undercover Stings (Spike TV) – Filmed on location in cities such as Kansas City, Missouri, Palm Beach, Florida, New Orleans, Louisiana, Savannah, Georgia and Las Vegas, Nevada, this new, original, half hour series gives viewers unprecedented access to the highly dangerous world of undercover police work – from the initial planning and set-up, to the dramatic tactical process and the final execution of the takedown. Whether it’s undercover female officers faking a bachelorette party to sting drug dealers, or cops going undercover to bust prostitutes or big-time criminals – ride along with several of the top police units in America as they ply their trade and bust the crooks in the first series dedicated entirely to revealing the seldom seen world of undercover police operations.

Tanisha Gets Married (Oxygen) – Even Bad Girls deserve love! Viewers are cordially invited to be a part of the wedding of a lifetime as “Bad Girls Club” fan favorite Tanisha Thomas prepares to walk down the aisle in “Tanisha Gets Married.” The “godmother” of all Bad Girls, Tanisha has come a long way since her days on “Bad Girls Club: Los Angeles.” Now with a budding career as a television host and on-air personality, this Bad Girl is all grown up – and planning the wedding of her dreams – but that doesn’t mean she’s going to settle down! Tanisha has been planning her wedding since she was five, and now the time has come to make her dreams come true. After seven years of ups and downs with boyfriend Clive, a mild-mannered and lovable supermarket worker currently living with Tanisha in her mom’s house, Tanisha has decided they are ready to take the plunge. Unfortunately for her, not everyone else agrees! Her family has doubts about the marriage, and Clive’s family doesn’t approve of Tanisha at all.

The Devil’s Ride (Discovery) – It’s a bike club. It’s a brotherhood. For the first time Discovery goes inside the world of motorcycle clubs with the members of San Diego’s Laffing Devils. “The Devil’s Ride” sports a diverse crew but one bonded by a commitment to each other and the club. Meet Laffing Devils president Gipsy, who must balance the club’s growing ranks with pressure from older members to maintain the status quo. An ex-Marine who served in Iraq, Gipsy credits the club for helping him deal with the emotional scars of war. Then there’s club VP, Billy the Kid, who waits in the wings wondering if he’ll have the chance to lead the Laffing Devils. And younger member Snubz breaks all the biker stereotypes with his degree in finance and a full time corporate job.

United Stats of America (History) – Here’s a stat for you … the average American male is on earth for about 900 months, and in that time he will spend almost two months shaving, roughly five months on hold, and another five months complaining about his boss. He’ll also spend a whopping 198 months watching TV … but only a mere two months having sex. Randy and Jason Sklar were born a statistic: they are identical twins and stand-up comedians who also just happen to have an obsession with numbers and an amazing knack for finding the incredible stories behind the stats. The wisecracking brothers are the hosts of “United Stats of America,” which reveals the stories behind the most interesting and surprising statistics in American history – stories that tell us more about who we are as individuals and as a nation. Randy and Jason bring their irreverent brand of humor to locations across the country, uncovering hidden facts about America and Americans while engaging in stunts and experiments that help them uncover the story behind the stats. The Sklars will also utilize cutting-edge computer technology and visually stunning “infographics” to help bring these numbers to life.

Around the World in 80 Plates (Bravo) – Hosted by food experts Curtis Stone and Cat Cora, the network’s most ambitious production to date follows 12 chefs competing in a spectacular race over 40 days and across 10 countries including Argentina, China, England, France, Italy, Morocco, Spain, Thailand, United States and Uruguay.

White Heat (BBC America) – Charts the lives of seven friends from 1965 through to present day. The stylish and suspenseful drama, straddling almost five decades, follows lives, loves and destinies shaped by the political events of each era, connecting the dots of their relationships born, bound and broken over time and ultimately reunited after the death of one of them. Their relationships – complex, volatile, life affirming and life changing – are first formed when they come together as flatmates in London’s Tufnell Park. The diverse group of young students includes rebel with a cause Jack (Sam Claflin), ambitious feminist Charlotte (Claire Foy), fragile beauty Lilly (MyAnna Buring), compassionate medical student Jay (Reece Ritchie), love-struck geek Alan (Lee Ingleby), Jamaican-born-and-bred law student Victor (David Gyasi) and kind-hearted Orla (Jessica Gunning).

Common Law (USA) – Two ace detectives are forced into couples’ therapy to save their work relationship. Travis Marks (Michael Ealy) and Wes Mitchell (Warren Kole) have a problem – each other. Despite their differences, this odd couple set of detectives are incredible at what they love most – enforcing the law – and have a seven-year track record as the LAPD’s finest in the Robbery-Homicide Division.

But when their constant bickering begins to have a major impact on their caseload, their new-age captain (Jack McGee) institutes mandatory couples’ therapy to bring back the flame in their “work marriage.” Tough-as-nails therapist Dr. Ryan (Sonya Walger) is brought in to help them understand and resolve their conflicts and confront their demons in order to enhance their ability to continue solving crimes.

The Half Hour (Comedy Central) – Shines the spotlight on some of the funniest and most unique comedians out there today. The series kicks off with a half hour of irreverent, razor-sharp comedy from Rory Scovel. Showcasing the hottest must-see breakout talent in their first solo Comedy Central specials, filmed at Royale in Boston in front of a live audience, “The Half Hour” features comedians Neal Brennan, Na’im Lynn, Joe Mande, David O’Doherty, Garfunkel and Oates (Kate Micucci & Riki Lindholm), Michael Palascak, Jesse Popp, Rory Scovel, Maronzio Vance, Nick Vatterott, Theo Von and Brendon Walsh.

Mom Caves (HGTV) – Beth Stern, host and owner of her own two mom caves, will incorporate cutting-edge design, fun and glamour into ultimate spaces for moms. Beth, who finds inspiration in such spectacular mom caves as Dina Manzo’s New Jersey closet, always creates the ideal sanctuary for a lucky mom. Whether it’s a dressing room where mom can get ready for a big night out, or a place where she can kick back and relax with family and friends, a new mom cave is the perfect haven.

Fish Tank Kings (NGW)

Invention Hunters (Food) – Steve Greenberg and Patrick Raymond are two “invention scouts”, scouring America in search of the next great kitchen invention. In each episode, they come across three home inventors who each believe they have a million-dollar kitchen gadget. Steve and Patrick put the inventions to the test ensuring they work as promised and determine whether there is a market for the idea. They will then choose one invention to bring to buyers in the retail manufacturing world to convince them to buy it and make the inventor’s dreams a reality.

Kurt Sutter’s Outlaw Empires (Discovery) – Behind the America you know lies another world, where people live outside the law. “Sons of Anarchy” creator Kurt Sutter enters the realm of the gangs and families who have dominated our streets and helped shape our nation’s history. Steered by Sutter’s compelling insight, each episode tells the complete story of an iconic American outlaw dynasty – directly from the mouths of people from the inside. Through their no-holds-barred accounts, the series takes an unvarnished look at moment-by-moment experiences that were not only pivotal for the organizations themselves, but life-changing for the individuals telling the stories.

Tron: Uprising (Disney XD) – Delves inside the computer world of The Grid and the people who live there in a visually striking new animated television series that follows the heroic journey of a new character, a young program named Beck, who becomes the unlikely leader of a revolution. Produced in CG animation with a 2D aesthetic, the series is set in the era of “TRON” between the stories in the 1982 feature film and “TRON: Legacy.”

(Note: Although technically the first episode of the series, the May 18 installment is being billed as a prelude to the series, which doesn’t officially launch until June 7.)

Mrs. Eastwood and Company (E!) – Chronicling the lives of Dina Eastwood, the wife of Oscar-winning film legend Clint Eastwood, and their daughters Francesca (18) and Morgan (15), and the all-male six member vocal group from South Africa managed by Dina, “Overtone,” the series is an unprecedented look at the surprisingly normal extended and blended family behind one of Hollywood’s most iconic superstars, inviting viewers to witness their lives and proves that familial bonds are shaped by more than DNA. The series follows Dina, Francesca, Morgan, the six members of “Overtone,” and those intimately involved in their world, wherever their lives may take them, from their hometown of Carmel, CA to Los Angeles and beyond.

The Eric Andre Show (Adult Swim) – “The Eric Andre Show” may be the most manic and unorthodox late night talk show ever made. The show’s traditional talk show format quickly devolves into chaos as its inept and bipolar host Eric Andre, along with his apathetic co-host Hannibal Buress, subvert all late night conventions. Taking place on a dingy public-access TV channel within an alternate reality, “The Eric Andre Show” creates its own distorted pop culture universe by conducting interviews with an unpredictable mix of actual celebrities, “fake” celebrities and extreme real-life weirdos. These interviews are broken up with deranged man-on-the-street segments, surreal flashes of inexplicable studio chaos, talk show desk-pieces and the general deconstruction of late night’s most beloved tropes in every quarter hour episode.

Hip Hop Squares (MTV2) – Stays true to the tic-tac-toe format of the original game show, while infusing it with some of the biggest and most charismatic personalities in Hip Hop culture today, which transcends genre and crosses into the mainstream with its influence on everything from music to entertainment, fashion to comedy, and more. The series will feature musical moments and unpredictable interactions between energetic, hilarious and well-known personalities including: actor, comedian and television host Nick Cannon; pro-skateboarder and “Jackass” crew member Bam Margera; actress, dancer and singer-songwriter Kat Graham; record producer, artist and radio personality DJ Khaled; rappers Fat Joe, Biz Markie, Ghostface Killah, Mac Miller and MGK; Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl linebacker LaMarr Woodley and more to be announced. The show will be hosted by Peter Rosenberg, known for his quirky and unique spin on Hip Hop culture and New York life as radio DJ on New York City’s #1 Hip Hop Station, Hot 97.

Duets (ABC) – Hosted by Quddus and starring the music industry’s biggest superstars, John Legend, who is joined by Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Nettles and Robin Thicke in the search for the ultimate “Duet” partner. This one-of a kind singing competition takes the Superstars out from behind the judges’ panel and onto the stage. Clarkson, Legend, Nettles and Thicke individually set out on a journey across America looking for undiscovered talent worthy of being their duet partners. Ultimately, each Superstar will choose two singers to be his/her partners. Together the Superstars and their partners take the stage each week and perform in front of a live studio audience. In the end, only one duet will be at the top of the charts, and the winning partner will receive a recording contract with Hollywood Records.

Men at Work (TBS) – Centers on four buddies who work together at a magazine. Danny Masterson plays the recently dumped Milo, whose friends are determined to help him get back in the dating game. James Lesure is Gibbs, a photographer and successful ladies man. Michael Cassidy plays Tyler, a features writer who brings a dose of style and sophistication to the group. And Adam Busch is Neal, a somewhat nebbish reporter and the only one in the group with a steady girlfriend (Meredith Hagner). Together, the four friends help each other navigate the treacherous waters of work, friendship and women.

The Link (NGC)

Mystery Diners (Food) – What happens in the food world when a bad employee starts to take down an otherwise thriving establishment or when restaurant owners suspect someone of not doing their job appropriately? They call in the Mystery Diners. These undercover operatives go into restaurants, bars and food service establishments with hidden cameras to find out what’s really going on when the boss isn’t around.

Mob Wives Chicago (VH1) – A new group of ‘Syndicate Sisters,’ where the legendary home of Al Capone will serve as the backdrop. The spin-off from the original east coast-based series will introduce a new cast of women suffering the stronzi and agita of their Mafiosi connections.

Annoying Orange (Cartoon) – The Web sensation transformed into a new television series that follows Orange and his buddies as they go on a wide range of adventures that take them from the fruit stand to parts unknown and everything in between.

Alien Surf Girls (Teen Nick) – When Zoey and Kiki, two irrepressible girls from another galaxy become castaways in the quiet, Australian seaside town of Lightning Point, they recruit local girl Amber to keep them undercover. But the whole town is abuzz with the sighting of aliens and the girls soon realize that they may not be the first intergalactic visitors…

The Catalina (The CW) – Centers on the young, wild staff of The Catalina hotel in Miami’s South Beach. The fun-loving group forms their own dysfunctional family unit, and they work hard during the day, while at night they party even harder than their guests.

Roadtrip with G. Garvin (Cooking) – Acclaimed cookbook author, host and larger-than-life personality, Chef Gerry Garvin, aka ‘G.’, takes viewers on a tour of his native South, to explore the best eats this part of the country has to offer. Travelling to Atlanta and Houston, North Carolina, South Carolina and more, G. visits a different city each episode to discover the hidden gems and the people behind the magic. From traditional ethnic food and urban farms to BBQ pit masters extraordinaire, G.Garvin leaves no stones unturned in his quest to find the hottest, most delicious spots in the country.

Big Brooklyn Style (TLC) – Follows husband and wife business owners Lisa and Jim Dolan, as they revise and revolutionize the norms of plus-size shopping experiences in their Brooklyn clothing store, Lee Lee’s Valise. Each episode will focus on three different customers as their intimate shopping experience at the store, combined with Lisa’s distinctive clothing line, helps transform their lives.

Meet the Hutterites (NGC)

Real Crime / Reel Story (ID) – Uncovers the truth behind popular crime-and-justice movies that have become part of the fabric of pop culture, using scene reconstruction and interviews with the real people the characters were based on.

Dogs in the City (CBS) – New York City dog guru Justin Silver is a master at resolving issues between canines and their owners – no matter whose behavior is at fault. Known as the “go-to guy” for all things dog-related, Silver has a creative and instinctive ability to connect with his canine customers while solving dilemmas for their two-legged masters. In each episode, he meets with clients who present a range of relationship problems, lifestyle changes or domestic issues – from a couple looking to move in together, but she’s terrified of his golden retriever, to a recently divorced couple whose dog is having a rough time adjusting to joint custody. Justin gets as imaginative as necessary to reach a satisfying resolution, often finding that the owners can be a special breed themselves.

Breaking Pointe (The CW) – Goes behind the stage curtain for an intense, unfiltered look at one of the most competitive ballet companies in the country, Ballet West, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Beneath the beauty and glamour of the dance and costumes is a gritty dog-eat-dog world of extreme athleticism, focus, dedication, passion, pressure and, of course, the hunt for the unattainable… perfection.

L.A. Hair (We) – Follows celebrity hair stylist Kim Kimble, as she coifs Hollywood A-listers. When it comes to celebrity hair, Kim is one of the biggest names in Hollywood. From movies to music, Kim is an image maker and a trendsetter. Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Rowland and Shakira are just a handful of A-listers who keep Kim’s number on speed dial so she can whip up their custom styles and images for glamorous events. While handling her star-studded clientele is a full time job, this elite style queen also manages a successful retail product line and runs an exclusive Hollywood salon staffed with talented but high-strung stylists, including her mother! Rivalry is fierce and the desire to be on top is even fiercer — hair isn’t the only thing in this salon that gets cut.