James Deen to Appear on Showtime’s ‘Happyish’

NEW YORK — Adult film performer James Deen recently wrapped a guest star appearance on an episode of Showtime’s upcoming comedy “Happyish.”

In the episode, Deen plays himself teaching series lead Steve Coogan the meaning of happiness through the eyes of a porn star.

The first season of “Happyish” is currently filming in New York and will premiere April 26.

Deen filmed Episode #1.8 over the course of several days in New York. “It was super fun to guest star on this show,” Deen said. “Everyone was rad and great to work with. I am really proud of this, and I think it will be a good show.”

“Happyish” follows Thom Payne (Coogan), as he struggles with aging, the feeling of insignificance, and the desire to rediscover happiness. The show’s IMDB page reads, “In a culture that reveres youth — a culture he helped create — Thom needs to figure out what his purpose is now that he's halfway to death and nobody cares what he thinks. Because in a world where any Kardashian is trending up, perhaps the wise among us would heartily embrace trending down.”

Created by Shalom Auslander, the “Happyish” cast includes Coogan, Kathryn Hahn, Ellen Barkin, Carrie Preston and Bradley Whitford.

The airdate of “Happyish” Episode #1.8 is June 7.

In addition to his extensive resume as an adult performer for his production company, James Deen Productions, and website, JamesDeen.com, Deen has also been embraced by Hollywood.

Deen starred opposite Lindsay Lohan in 2013’s “The Canyons,” written by Bret Easton Ellis and directed by Paul Schrader. Credited as a co-producer on the film, Deen documented his experience in an article for TheDailyBeast.com.

Deen is also a producer on 2015’s steampunk-inspired Western short film “Cowboys & Engines,” which stars Malcolm McDowell (“Star Trek: Generations”), Richard Hatch ("Battlestar Galactica"), Walter Koenig ("Star Trek," "Babylon 5"), and newcomer Libby Letlow. 

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Milena Ray Is Hustler's 'Cover Honey' for May

Milena Ray is the Cover Honey for the May issue of Hustler Magazine and appears in a 14-page centerfold spread shot by Davide Esposito.

Vanna Bardot, Chloe Foxxe Headline 'Dad's Lesbian Lover 4'

Two-time XMAs Female Performer of the Year Vanna Bardot and Chloe Foxxe topline the fourth volume of "Dad's Lesbian Lover," the latest release from Girlfriends Films.

Andylynn Payne, Sasha Tatcha Topline 'TS Girls Do It Best 3' From TransSensual

Andylynn Payne and Sasha Tatcha headline "TS Girls Do It Best 3," from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual.

Casey Calvert Wraps Production on Girlsway Feature 'Straight Girls'

Adult Time has announced that production has wrapped on the feature, "Straight Girls," directed by multi-XMAs winner Casey Calvert.

On the Set: Seth Gamble, Wicked Serve Up 'Sweet Juggz of Justice'

It’s Easter Sunday, and there’s a rainbow shining at Tranquility Canyon Movie Ranch in Santa Clarita, California. Only this one isn’t in the sky. It’s on the ground and made up of four powerhouse performers, Angel Youngs, Octavia Red, Rissa May, and Vanna Bardot, dressed in vivid, artfully styled color on the set of Seth Gamble’s new Wicked Pictures feature, “Sweet Juggz of Justice.”

Violet Voss Makes Her Blacked Raw Debut

Violet Voss has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint Blacked Raw, alongside multi-XMAs winner Isiah Maxwell.

Penny Barber, Nina Nova Star in Latest From Girlsway

2025 XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Penny Barber stars with Nina Nova in the latest release from Girlsway series "Mommy's Girl," titled "A Bit of a Stretch."

Lucy Mochi Makes Her Jules Jordan Debut

Lucy Mochi has made her debut for Jules Jordan Video alongside Hollywood Cash.

Chanel Chance, Derek Kage Star in Latest From TransSensual

Chanel Chance stars with multi-XMAs winner Derek Kage in the latest release from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual, titled "After Hours 2."

Michael Vegas on Life as the Ringmaster of His Own Creative Circus

Even on non-shoot days, Michael Vegas tends to be immersed in the innumerable small tasks of production: calling agents, rustling up props and costumes, planning upcoming shoots.

Show More