"This pilot, by far, was the best I ever read - and I hope that insults every other pilot I worked on"

Will Arnett’s statement, “This pilot, by far, was the best I ever read - and I hope that insults every other pilot I worked on,” is more than just an offhand compliment; it’s a testament to his passion for standout creative work and his personality as a performer who values both wit and candor. There is clear enthusiasm, Arnett doesn’t simply say the script was good, but singles it out as the best he has *ever read*, setting an exceptionally high bar based on his years of experience in television. The phrase “by far” suggests there is not even a close second place, indicating a level of excitement that is rarely expressed in Hollywood, where actors often hedge their praise to avoid ruffling feathers or appearing disloyal to past projects.

Adding “I hope that insults every other pilot I worked on” transforms the compliment from standard praise into something sharper and more distinctive. Will Arnett’s comedic persona often leans into sarcasm and bravado, so this addition functions as both a playful jab at his own past work and a tongue-in-cheek jab at the television industry, where pilots are written, shot, and discarded at a dizzying pace. It implies that, in his estimation, most pilots don’t reach the level of creativity, engagement, or originality that this one did. His words suggest a frustration common among actors who slog through formulaic scripts, hoping to find a project that truly excites them.

There’s an implicit challenge here to writers, producers, and colleagues, if you want to impress Arnett, you’ll have to exceed the standards set by this particular pilot. Simultaneously, he’s acknowledging the mediocrity that can pervade television development and celebrating the rare feeling of genuine creative enthusiasm. The remark is both a compliment to the pilot’s creators and a testament to Arnett’s honesty and appreciation for exceptional storytelling.