Diane Haithman contributes to Deadline’s TCA coverage.

The cast and producers of Showtime’s upcoming comedy series Episodes, about a hit British show’s adaptation in the U.S., met the press today. And Matt LeBlanc discussed how he was cast on Episodes. Not just because it reunites with his Friends co-creator/executive producer David Crane. But because “Schwimmer said no. So did Perry. So did Lisa,” LeBlanc quipped.

The cast discussed whether Hollywood spoofs work. Here is co-star Tamsin Greig’s tart response: “Generally, people think that the TV and film industry is right up its own ass, rather like looking like into a badly run crash. Maybe that’s why it’s interesting and funny and dramatic.” Added co-creator/executive producer Jeffrey Klarik: Episodes “is about show business like I Love Lucy was about show business.

The producers also faced the inevitable question about the differences between what Americans and British find funny. ”We had a whole conversation about whether ‘pussy-whipped’ would play in the UK,” executive producer Jimmy Mulville said. “We did a round of the crew, and most of them had heard the word ‘pussy’, and word ‘whipped’, but never together.” Chimed in another panelist, “They thought it was a dessert topping”.