After earning his master's degree in acting, McHale moved to Los Angeles and landed small roles in "Oliver Beene", "", and "Will & Grace". He played a TV reporter in the biopic "Lords of Dogtown". He guest-starred as a cast member on the NBC improv comedy show "Thank God You're Here" during the pilot episode and had a guest role on an episode of "Pushing Daisies". McHale also appeared in "Spider-Man 2" in a small role as Mr. Jacks, a bank manager.