For beloved actress Gilmore Girls' Sookie revealed her surprisingly relatable ritual: waking up at 4:30 a.m. to indulge in episodes of two particular TV shows.

Far from a strict regimen, this early-morning viewing is McCarthy's unique way of "treating herself right" to set her up for her personal and professional life McCarthy hit comedies. She will certainly have needed these grounding and nostalgic shows while filming for her decidedly serious and challenging true crime role.

Melissa McCarthy Starts Off Her Mornings Watching Knight Rider & The Incredible Hulk

McCarthy Starts Her Day Right

In an intimate interview with The New York Times, Melissa McCarthy gave an insight into her morning routine. She wakes up at 4:30 in the morning, but it's not to follow an Ashton Hall-style viral regimen — it's to make coffee and watch her comfort shows, Knight Rider and the original The Incredible Hulk. McCarthy said of the latter:

I watch Lou Ferrigno freak out, throw a clearly rubber tree. Bill Bixby's high-waisted super chambray-colored pants. They're always so pristine. Even though he's backpacking in the woods, he's so freshly laundered…

As well as her gleeful comments about the campy aspects of the 1970s series, she thinks "everyone should be rewatching" the '80s classic Knight Rider. Watching the two shows early in the morning with a cup of coffee is McCarthy's way of treating herself "right." It is heartwarming to see Melissa McCarthy, so often associated with the comfort show Gilmore Girls' Sookie St. James, find her own unique comfort in such classic television.

Why Knight Rider & The Incredible Hulk Are Perfect Comfort Shows

Both Shows Inspire A Childlike Wonder

McCarthy is a '70s kid, so it is unsurprising that she grew up with both of these TV shows, adding to her personal nostalgia factor. However, they are the perfect comfort shows regardless of generation. At its core, Knight Rider delivers a potent dose of wish fulfillment, introducing viewers to KITT, a talking, self-driving, crime-fighting supercar that becomes an aspirational companion. For many, it evokes a powerful sense of childhood wonder. Knight Rider's blend of adventure, genuine camaraderie, and uplifting messages continues to charm audiences.

Lou Ferrigno's earnest portrayal of the green giant provides a heartwarming contrast to his immense power.

The Incredible Hulk is also very comforting, particularly because of the "softer side" of Hulk McCarthy mentioned in the NYT interview. It is a reminder of a time without big-budget CGI shows when story reigned supreme. Lou Ferrigno's earnest portrayal of the green giant provides a heartwarming contrast to his immense power. The evocative, often melancholic, musical score further envelops the viewer in a soothing sense of familiar drama, making The Incredible Hulk a surprisingly tender and reliably comforting escape into a world where empathy and quiet resilience ultimately prevail.

McCarthy's Next TV Role Will Be Patsy Ramsey In Unspeakable: The Murder Of JonBenét Ramsey

The Limited Series Will Focus On Patsy & John's Ordeal

McCarthy will depart from her usual bright, bubbly, and wide-eyed persona in her serious role as Patsy Ramsey in a limited true-crime series about the infamous murder of pageant star JonBenét. According to MSN, the show will focus on her parents' experiences before, during, and after the murder of their daughter. Most coverage of the JonBenét Ramsey case has come in the form of documentaries, with a recent 2024 Netflix series even featuring John Ramsey's involvement. However, dramatic, scripted productions of this caliber are a notable rarity.

As one of the most popular comedic stars in Hollywood, this is a commendable creative challenge for McCarthy. From Melissa McCarthy's best movies to television roles, the actress has charmed audiences for decades — and while Patsy Ramsey has potential for some comedic elements, with her own involvement in the strange world of pageantry, the performance overall will be somber. McCarthy has already proven her proficiency with serious roles, such as her critically acclaimed performance as Lee Israel in Can You Ever Forgive Me?, showing her willingness to challenge herself dramatically.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, McCarthy gave a glimpse of how her character will be handled. She sympathized with the Ramseys, saying her "heart goes out" to them, and described a humanized approach to the series. It seems likely that her performance will show the relatable side of Patsy that the public fervor did not want to acknowledge at the timing of JonBenét's death, when both her grieving parents were under the media microscope. While the role is "quite a challenge," there is clearly a lot of affection for the real figure and viewers can expect a thoughtful dramatization from Melissa McCarthy.

Source: New York Times, MSN, Entertainment Tonight