From Cloud 9 to Crime Solving: Kaliko Kauahi's Exciting New Chapter

Oh, what fantastic news for fans of smart, quirky comedy! The wonderfully talented Kaliko Kauahi, an actress many of us know and absolutely adore from her memorable run on "Superstore," is officially joining the cast of CBS's brand-new pilot, "Val St. Denis." It truly feels like she's found another perfect vehicle to showcase her unique comedic timing and heartfelt delivery, doesn't it?

In this upcoming single-camera comedy, Kauahi is set to portray Brenda, a character who sounds just delightful. Brenda is described as a receptionist, someone perhaps "a bit rough around the edges" initially, but underneath that facade, she apparently has a true "heart of gold." More importantly, she's fiercely loyal to Val, the show's titular private investigator. You know, the kind of loyal friend everyone wishes they had – someone who's got your back no matter what, even if they deliver it with a dry wit.

For many of us, Kauahi is synonymous with Sandra, the often-underestimated, occasionally dramatic, but always endearing employee from Cloud 9 on "Superstore." Her portrayal was nothing short of brilliant, turning a supporting role into a fan favorite. And let's not forget her turn as Darlene in "Medical Police," where she again brought that distinctive blend of humor and grounded performance. It's exciting to see her continue this streak, lending her considerable talent to another promising comedy project.

So, what's "Val St. Denis" all about, you ask? Well, it centers on Val, a struggling actress played by Chelsea Frei, whose "bad cop" TV show gets the ax. Left without a gig, she decides to lean into her on-screen persona and become a full-time private investigator. Sounds like a recipe for some genuinely hilarious situations, doesn't it? The pilot also boasts an impressive ensemble, with Maribeth Monroe cast as Valerie and the incredibly funny Nicole Byer stepping in as Monica. Talk about a dream team shaping up!

And speaking of teams, the creative force behind "Val St. Denis" is equally compelling. The pilot hails from Universal Television and Paper Kite Productions, and it's being executive produced by none other than the brilliant Amy Poehler, alongside Liz Cackowski and Blake McCormick. Cackowski and McCormick are also on board as writers, which gives us even more reason to be optimistic. When you have comedic minds of that caliber at the helm, you just know you're in for a treat.

All in all, the news of Kaliko Kauahi joining "Val St. Denis" is certainly something to celebrate. It's always a joy to see talented actors find new homes for their craft, and with Kauahi's proven ability to steal scenes and embody characters with such depth and humor, this pilot is definitely one to watch. Here's hoping it gets picked up for a full series so we can all enjoy more of her wonderful work!