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Still, he hopes that Hollywood remains just the backdrop for something a bit more meaningful. ''It's more of a friendship show,'' he says. ''We try to have that Diner feel, that Swingers feel — good friends hanging out, even though they are celebrities.'' It helps that the actors do a lot of offscreen bonding, including a recent trip to Vegas for Connolly's birthday. Says Ferrara, who plays the groupie-obsessed Turtle, ''When we go out, people come up to us and are like, 'Wow, you guys hang out together!'''

For Grenier, being recognized on the street still takes a bit of getting used to. Previously best known for playing the dreamboat in the 1999 Melissa Joan Hart teen comedy Drive Me Crazy, he and the cast had their Hollywood coming-out party in December when the show was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Comedy Series. ''You get an automatic respect, which is a little weird,'' he says. ''Suddenly you can sit down with anybody, enter into any conversation, infiltrate any social group — and it's okay. Whereas before, when no one knew me, if I were to do that, people would be like, 'Who the hell are you? And why are you eating my crab cake?'''

He's not the only one drawing on real-life experiences for the show. ''I'm lucky enough to play a character that inhabits a world that I've had to deal with for years,'' says Piven (Old School), whose endless ad-libbing often ends up providing many of the show's catchphrases (including the season 1 classic ''Hug it out, bitch!''). ''I have a real, authentic reference for this world.'' Dillon, meanwhile, has an obvious connection to his role as Vince's half brother, the C-list actor Johnny Drama. ''I don't mind that question,'' he says, when asked — no doubt for the umpteenth time — whether the show mimics his own experience as Matt Dillon's younger brother. ''I'm not on [Matt's] payroll — I'm not living in his houses and driving his cars, so it doesn't mirror my life.'' Spending time as a tabloid staple — thanks to on-again, off-again girlfriend Nicky Hilton — has helped Connolly get into character. ''Most of it is not true — but there will be something [in a tabloid] and my mom will call me and be like, 'Is this true?''' says the actor, who plays Vince's levelheaded best friend/manager, Eric. ''I'm like, 'Ma, don't read that!'''

Back on the set, it's lunchtime and Dillon and Ferrara head for the craft-services area to pile their plates with barbecued ribs, grilled chicken, and pasta. Grenier joins them midway through the meal.

''Were you doing a little 'extra' work?'' jokes Dillon.

''I'm the best at that,'' says Grenier. ''I taught you guys about that. I'm the master.''

Dillon waves and smiles at an exotic-looking extra in a tight T-shirt. She waves back. ''Remember when we went to Shelter? That's where I met her.''

The group chuckles, and Ferrara starts gabbing about a PlayStation sent to him by a freebie-wielding publicist. ''You got one?'' Grenier whines, half-joking. ''I thought all of us were gonna get one.'' Sounds like he's finally getting the hang of the celebrity-entitlement thing.