Adam Demamp’s name is synonymous with havoc and drinking, but Adam Devine, one of the stars of “Workaholics,” said he’s nothing like his character on the popular TV show. 

Devine mentioned that his character could never actually exist in the real world and have any hope of survival. 

“Adam would never survive in the real world; his antics would probably get him into a lot of trouble,” Devine said. 

However, like his character who coincidentally happens to be a salesman, Devine also held a similar job for four years. 

“I sold steaks over the telephone,” Devine said with a laugh. 

Devine’s professional career began when he moved to Los Angeles.

While there he auditioned for The Second City, a special school devoted to molding future comedians and improv professionals, and met Anders Holm (Anders Holmvik). 

Having already known Kyle Newacheck (executive producer) and Blake Anderson (Blake Henderson), the quartet launched a grass roots web series called “5th Year” and caught the eye of executives at Comedy Central, landing a deal for a show. 

“We made like 80 videos. Luckily someone saw us,” Devine said. 

For Devine, the experience was surreal. 

“It was like winning the lottery,” Devine said. 

Their success, Devine said, has only been compounded by Comedy Central’s request for a fourth and fifth season.  

Earlier this year, “Workaholics” was rated the second highest-rated show on cable on Tuesday nights with men 18 to 34, according to Nielsen Media, a company that studies television ratings.

Devine said the writers and creators of the show never actually intended to appeal to a specific demographic, not that he is ungrateful.

“It’s just the kind of humor guys like,” Devine said. “I’m glad we tapped into that, but we never set out to reach a certain demographic,” Devine said. 

He said he believes that young people identify with the show because of the characters’ adventures, which typically involve drinking and childish pranks and irresponsible behavior.

“The premise of the show relates to people in college because they’re in that phase where they are about to become adults,” Devine said.  

 For Devine, his rise to fame has gone according to plan. He said he feels like he’s accomplished the goals he wished and worked so hard for. 

“It’s how I wanted things to go for me,” Devine said. 

Recently, he starred in “Pitch Perfect,” a film about acapella singers, and plans on working in another film with his co-stars from the show. 

The movie will not have any relation to “Workaholics,” and Devine included that Seth MacFarlane will join the trio as a producer for their unnamed project. 

When he referred to the show’s lack of nominations during awards season, he said “Workaholics” deserved nominations, but he was just kidding.

“No, they’d be crazy to nominate us,” Devine said as he laughed. 

His character also coined the phrase “Let’s get weird,” which he said viewers usually mention to him when they see him out on the town. 

 “It’s cool, I just hope it doesn’t become weird or cheesy,” Devine said. 

The phrases that trickled down into the show’s script all came from the cast’s real-life friendship.

When coming up with ideas for each episode, Devine and the rest of the cast sit together and work closely with the writers to mold the final product to their liking.

Devine said the writing crew has yet to cross the line when it comes to the humor. 

“We just want to be funny. We’re not trying to do jokes that are just for shock value, we’re just going for fart jokes,” he joked. 

As for the second part of season three, Devine decided not divulge any details about the show and his character’s development. 

“I’m not revealing anything. You have to watch the show if you want to know what’s going to happen,” Devine said. 

Jaime Lopez can be reached at 581-2812 or jlopez2@eiu.