LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) -
Miguel A. Nunez Jr. is joining the cast of NBC's comedy series "Joey," the "Friends" spin-off that is being retooled this season after underwhelming viewers and critics during its debut run.

He will portray an actor whom Joey (Matt LeBlanc) befriends and who becomes a "perfect foil for Joey -- he'll be a friend, and he'll also get him in trouble," executive producer Kevin Bright said.

Bright said the character was designed to fill a role on the show that had helped drive the success of "Friends."

"The thing missing was the camaraderie that Joey had on 'Friends' with Chandler and Ross," he said. "He needed a peer he can hang out with and share things with. (The character also will) broaden the landscape and give (Joey) more places to go and more places to be funny."

The addition is part of a tinkering that also will include Joey's struggling-actor character finally making it big in Hollywood. In addition, as previously announced, Jennifer Coolidge has been upped to series regular for the upcoming season in her role as Joey's agent, Bobbie.

Added Bright: "The biggest change is that last year was really about Joey getting settled in L.A. and dealing with being reunited with his family and being in a place he wasn't familiar with. This year, we'll be back to the old fun Joey, who'll be getting into a lot of stuff."

Another story line will see Joey buying a house in Los Angeles and becoming a "real Californian," Bright said, adding that the apartment-complex setting from the first season seemed "claustrophobic."

"Joey" got off to a strong start last fall but declined steadily as the season progressed. However, NBC is planning to keep the series in its plum 8 p.m. Thursday slot. The second season begins with a one-hour episode on September 22.

As to whether he expects the changes to draw more viewers next season, Bright said: "Luring viewers is something you can only do by doing a good show, and we hope the show will be better this season, and because it's better, more people will come."

Nunez portrayed Detective Sam Sullivan in its series "Tarzan," the short-lived WB Network series that debuted in fall 2003. His other TV credits include appearances ABC's "My Wife and Kids," NBC's "Boomtown" and Fox's "The
Bernie Mac Show."

On the film side, his recent credits include "The Adventures of Pluto Nash," "Juwanna Mann," "Scooby-Doo" and "Nutty Professor II: The Klumps."

I remember him from Tour of Duty.

So, they're giving Joey a... Friend. Should just go all the way and give him another male peer, and have three single women move into the house across the street. Maybe throw in a monkey and a duck.

Which is too bad, because the series really picked up about half-way through the season.

Only if they are a puppet, or animatronic in some way, and act like they think they are a real person. They could be introduced in a very special episode of Joey.

juwana mann is gonna be in this now? I can't wait!

Despite living in Manhattan for all those years, this will be Joey's first Black Friend.

Oh man, this all sounds like a bad idea

With The OC, Smallville and Alias against it I'll be surprised if it gets to season 3.

Can't stand Bobbie .

Is there anyone that can stand Jennifer Coolidge?

Hey, it's the black guy from Return of the Living Dead!

Nunez's a good. There's only one big problem with Joey: Joey.

So is Michael still staying at the apartment ? If he moves in with Joey, does that mean no more Alex ?

That was my first thought, too.

He's also the guy that gets killed in a porta-potty in Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning.

Exactly...what about Alex?
Alex and the crazy Joey fan were two of the things that made me routinley smile, so I'd hate to see them be ditched.

Those three will kill each other.

Survivor is the only thing that will beat Joey.

I agree that if they lose Alex, I'm done with it.

I think she's hilarious on the show.

Not sure if this will be a good thing...

... but I'll watch anyways.

They better keep Alex!!!

Agreed! I love Alex! And Howard (I think that is his name) - the Joey fan from the building.

And I totally agree that the show improved vastly towards the end of the season. The latter shows were actually quite funny and entertaining, something that the earlier shows were not.

always liked that show

They got the wrong Sparks brother. They should have cast Terrence Dashon Howard. Can you imagine that?

I'm guessing NBC was too cheap to just go out and get Matthew Perry...so they're getting a Matthew Perry clone.

I adore Jennifer Coolidge. She cracks me up.

I really like Alex and Howie as well. I think Michael has the most not-funny "funny" moments, but I don't see them getting rid of him. I liked the show enough last season to tune in again this season.