Josh Gad knows how to bring a little Broadway magic to animation. As co-creator and star of Apple TV+’s Central Park, he’s helped craft a series that blends heartfelt family storytelling with show-stopping musical numbers. Now in its third season, the show is evolving, bringing in new showrunners, fresh characters, and—of course—more incredible songs.
“This season really felt like a fresh start,” Gad explains, crediting Bob’s Burgers alums Steven Davis and Kelvin Yu for injecting new energy into the series. Season 3 introduces new voices to the ensemble, including Kristen Bell, who returns in a completely new role after stepping away in Season 1, and Sam Richardson as the interim mayor. “The mayor was written for Sam,” Gad says. “If we didn’t get him, we didn’t know what we were going to do.”
But Central Park has always been just as much about the music as it is about the story. This season’s soundscape is as ambitious as ever, pulling in everything from K-pop to ‘90s hip-hop and even a Meatloaf-style power ballad. “I’ve always wanted to do a Meatloaf song,” Gad laughs. That dream came true in Love Worth Fighting For, a dramatic, over-the-top ballad written by Mike Viola that Gad’s wife immediately declared “one of the greatest love songs never written in the 1980s.”
Of course, the list of songwriters who’ve contributed to Central Park is already stacked—Fiona Apple, Aimee Mann, Wyclef Jean, Sara Bareilles, They Might Be Giants—but Gad still has some big names on his wish list. “I want to get Lin-Manuel Miranda. I’d love Elton John to write a song. We had Alicia Keys at one point, but scheduling got in the way. There’s still so many opportunities.”
One collaboration that’s still waiting in the wings? Jonathan Richman. Gad confirms that Central Park’s narrator, Birdie, was inspired by Richman’s role in There’s Something About Mary. “It’s something we’ve talked about,” he says. “I don’t know if we’ve reached out yet, but it’s definitely on the list.” He’s aware that Richman might not be the easiest to track down—“I’ve heard you have to literally write him a letter”—but he remains hopeful.
Beyond the music, Central Park has always had a sneaky way of educating its audience. “That’s all Lauren Bouchard,” Gad says, referring to the Bob’s Burgers creator. “He loves the little things, the details, the research. He really pushed us to dig deep, and that carries through every season.”
With its mix of humor, heart, and musical ambition, Central Park continues to be a playground for some of the best talent in entertainment. And while Gad is busy juggling multiple projects, he hopes the show sticks around for a long time. “I hope it goes forever and ever and ever,” he says. And with a cast this talented and a soundtrack this impressive, why would anyone want it to stop?
Listen to the interview above and then check out the videos below.
