Rob Lowe is gearing up to take “The Floor” again, and fans couldn’t be more excited as the trivia competition show returns to Fox for its fourth season.
The new season of “9-1-1: Lone Star” alum’s trivia challenge premieres on Wednesday, introducing some fresh twists, including a USA-themed competition and new gameplay mechanics that will shake up the dynamics among contestants.
“The stakes are higher this season, and we’ve integrated exciting new elements into the game,” Lowe told Variety. “This year, we’ll have states competing against one another, giving every singleton state and country representation, which adds a fun layer. Having been born in Virginia, raised in Ohio, and now living in California, I found myself rooting for these three states. Additionally, we’ve introduced a category swap—if a player wins three rounds in a row, they can steal another player’s category, forcing them to compete in it instead.”
Continue reading below for more insights from Lowe about the Season 4 premiere of “The Floor,” his upcoming horror film “The Third Parent,” and his anticipation surrounding a potential return as Owen Strand in his brother Chad Lowe’s new ABC series “9-1-1: Nashville.”
How do you prep for playing “Host Rob” on “The Floor”? Does it come naturally at this point?
It’s interesting because each year I find myself looking forward to the show more and more. It allows me to tap into skills that don’t come into play in other roles. It’s part one-man show, part stand-up routine. I need to think on my feet like a producer, deciding what to emphasize and what to leave alone while managing a live audience and a myriad of stimuli. I thrive on the ad-libbing with the contestants; that’s truly my favorite part of the show.
What’s a particularly good instance of banter you can tease from “The Floor” Season 4?
When I found out one of the categories was “Brat Pack,” I couldn’t help but joke, “If my picture isn’t the first one shown, there’s going to be hell to pay!”
You have two movies coming up, one being “The Musical” with Gillian Jacobs and Will Brill.
Absolutely! This script is one of the smartest and most audacious I’ve come across in years. It’s from a first-time writer working with a first-time director, and their level of craft and confidence really stands out. It’s reminiscent of when I first read the script for “Thank You for Smoking,” echoing the vibes of young Alexander Payne’s “Election.”
There’s also the horror film “The Third Parent,” which is based on a viral internet horror story.
Yes, this project, which I filmed in the spring with Bleecker Street, is set for a February release. It’s focused on a creepy, cult-like legend surrounding an enigmatic entity—perhaps a person, a creature, or a robotic alien—that intrudes into people’s homes and keeps them hostage. It’s chilling, and I play the father; when I learned that Crispin Glover would portray the alien, I was sold.
You recently exited Ryan Murphy’s “9-1-1” franchise as “Lone Star” came to a close. Your brother is now working on ABC’s “9-1-1: Nashville.” Are you keeping up with their progress?
I’m genuinely excited about it! My brother Chad, who serves as the executive producer and director, has kept me updated, and I’ve been hearing thrilling stories from the set. Many of my friends are involved, and I’m getting to hear firsthand accounts of the wild situations they find themselves in, like hanging from bridges. I’m just relieved that I won’t be in a firefighter outfit during the Nashville heat—that’s a significant plus in my book!
Do you foresee yourself reprising your role as Owen Strand in “Nashville”?
I have a deep affection for Owen Strand and it touches me to know that fans have connected with him. While I’m not ruling anything out, as of now, there don’t appear to be any plans for my return.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
