Charlize Theron, Bob Odenkirk and others celebrate Carol Burnett

What started as a panel discussion with key cast members about the surprising second season of “Palm Royale” turned into a surprise star-studded tribute celebrating Carol Burnett’s final appearance on the Apple TV series.

After a special screening of the season two finale at North Hollywood’s Wolf Theater on Thursday, event host Yvette Nicole Brown asked the audience if they had any questions for the Palm Royale cast as the lights came up, and Vince Gilligan, Rhea Seehorn, Bob Odenkirk, Charlize Theron, Jane Lynch and Bob Mackie made unexpected appearances.

“I can’t believe you’re here!” Burnett said when he saw Gilligan, with whom he worked on “Better Call Saul.” As the reunion continued, Seehorn stood up and asked Barnett, “How do you become a legend?”

Odenkirk also quipped about co-starring with Burnett on the show, “What was it like working with Carol? Now, you must know that I know the answer to this question.” “She always comes on time, but I was late. It makes me look bad and she doesn’t count the lines. I count the lines, but I consider this an actor’s first job. Try to count the lines. Try to have as many as you can,” the actor joked.

Jane Lynch, Burnett’s Glee co-star, said: “Your sublime performance on this giant screen reminds us all of our love for you. We couldn’t respect you more.”

Theron praised Barnett as “more than just a legend,” before saying, “You’re just a piece of shit.” Theron also shared a fun fact: “Did you know I play Wardle with Carol Burnett? And she’s a fucking cheater.”

“You can’t cheat on Wordle!” Barnett declared. Michelle Obama also made a virtual appearance to mark the occasion and send her well wishes to the icon.

Bernadette Peters moved with a moving rendition of “I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together,” and ended her performance with Burnett’s classic ear tug.

In “Palm Royale,” Burnett played Norma Delacorte, a central figure in the lives of the women of Palm Beach. But Burnett had become a Hollywood favorite long before she was cast in the role. The star is perhaps best known for The Carol Burnett Show, which aired for 11 seasons from 1967 to 1978. Burnett previously told Variety that Palm Royale would likely be his last acting gig as he begins to retire from the screen. “Maybe,” she said, then added, “unless I have a cameo or something fun!”

Before the panel discussion turned into a celebration of Burnett, the legendary actress talked about playing Norma. “When[Abe Sylvia]called me, he said, ‘We’re doing this show and we’d love for you to be on it.'” I said, “So, who’s in it?” He said, “Kristen Wiig, Allison Janney, Leslie Bibb, Laura Dern, Ricky (Martin).” I said, “Stop.” I’m participating. I don’t care what you want me to do. I want to make eye contact with all these people,” she recalled. “I had a great time and now I’ve made a lot of young friends, which is great.”

“Palm Royale” creator Sylvia and cast members Wiig, Martin, Bibb, Mindy Cohn, Julia Duffy, Amber Chardeh Robinson and Josh Lucas also joined the panel to discuss their experiences working on the season.

See more photos from the night below.