This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
*As NBC’s “Night Court” reboot prepares to close its third season, fan-favorite Marsha Warfield reprises her iconic role as bailiff Rosalind “Roz” Russell in the May 6 finale titled “Funnest Judge in the City.” Known for her deadpan wit and no-nonsense demeanor, Roz returns in a courthouse welcome video that quickly spirals out of control, giving viewers a dose of classic chaos with a modern twist.
Warfield, who first returned to the reboot in the Season 1 finale and has since appeared in multiple key episodes, says stepping back into Roz’s shoes has been a surprisingly smooth process. “It’s very comfortable. It’s almost embarrassingly easy, except that I’m surrounded by a cast of stars, so you got to level up,” she said. “But they’re all very… it’s like old friends and the family getting together and having a coffee.”
In the finale, Gurgs (Lacretta) enlists Roz’s help to create a new courthouse welcome video—but things don’t exactly go according to plan. “They find an old tape of Roz, and then Gurgs has to do a welcoming tape, you know, for the courtroom,” Warfield explained. “She seeks my advice. And of course, it doesn’t go the way she planned… Roz gets a chance to play auntie, to tell her it’s going to be okay. And it is.”
Warfield also reflected on reuniting with longtime co-star John Larroquette, who reprises his Emmy-winning role as Dan Fielding. “I’ve been lucky to work with John on not just the original Night Court, but on his show, The John Larroquette Show, and then back again,” she shared. “So every 15, 20 years, we get together and get to work together. John is amazing. He always has been.”
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Working alongside such seasoned performers still has its moments of awe for Warfield. “I have to sometimes… remind myself to stop watching them. You’re in the scene. You have to be in the scene. Stop watching John or Aisha or whoever it is. Be amazing and do your job.”
While nostalgia plays a role, Warfield is clear about what draws her back to the series: “The check is what brings me back. I mean, that’s nice too… but just to work with that cast is a blessing and a luxury. I wouldn’t turn that down.”
She also praised the character of Roz for the continued resonance she holds with fans. “Roz was always… not just outspoken. She knew who she was and she knew what her boundaries were… She’s always in control of herself,” Warfield said. “To have women… who are not dependent on a man, not dependent on anything but her wits and morals and personality, that’s not often seen. So I think that resonated with people.”
Warfield was especially enthusiastic about working with Melissa Rauch, who plays Judge Abby Stone and also serves as an executive producer. “Oh, I love Melissa. She’s just adorable,” Warfield said. “To get to watch her, this little tiny woman, be such a creative dynamo… I admire her a lot.”
Reflecting on how the reboot balances nostalgia with freshness, Warfield admitted she had no preconceived ideas about where the show was headed. “I had no expectations… I was cool with however it went,” she said. “I’m just glad that I got to be included and got to do some pretty cool things. I still think Roz’s wedding is one of the TV highlights.”
As the curtain falls on Season 3, Warfield hopes the finale leaves fans excited for what’s to come: “I hope they’re filled with anticipation for next year.”
The “Night Court” Season 3 finale airs Monday, May 6 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Watch out full conversation with Marsha via the clip below.
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