James Brolin cast as Joel McHale’s deadbeat dad on “Community”

For Community fans out there, of which I am the biggest, here is one thing to look forward to this upcoming season. With so much up in the air after the departure of creator/showrunner Dan Harmon, we’ve all wondered what is in store for the fourth season of this wonderful comedy. TVLine.com confirmed exclusively that Emmy and Golden Globe winner James Brolin has been cast in the role of Jeff Winger’s (Joel McHale) father!

Joel seems to be excited over this casting decision as he was not able to contain the news.  He set tongues wagging after Tweeting the photo above approximately four hours ago with the message, “On set at #Community with the great, terrific, & cool #JamesBrolin.”

Did he think we would not wonder why? Or did he do this on purpose to get people talking?

Here are the deets:

Multiple sources confirm to TVLine exclusively that Community has cast the Emmy winning acting vet as Jeff Winger’s estranged father. He’ll make his debut in quirky NBC comedy’s Thanksgiving episode.

We know Jeff has had issues with his father since he abandoned him when he was a child. He even nearly beat Pierce (Chevy Chase) to a pulp when he pretended to be his father! During the season three finale, we see Jeff showing interest in finding out about his father, but why is he back? What role will he play in Jeff’s life? Will Jeff accept him back? How long will he stick around?

So many questions to answer and we have months yet to find out the answers! Don’t forget to tune in to the season premiere of Community on its new night, Friday October 19th only on NBC.