"Get a Life" (1990) TV series 1990-1992

User Rating:

8.8/10   

Creators:

Chris Elliott
Adam Resnick

Seasons:

1 | 2

Release Date:

23 September 1990 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Fantasy

Tagline:

Life can be such fun ... So why not get one?

Plot:

The misadventures of a 30-year-old paper-boy (played by Late Night alum Chris Elliot) and his wacky parents...

Plot Keywords:

Surrealism | Sitcom | Paperboy | Real Life Father And Son Playing Father And Son | Dying Repeatedly

Cast

Chris Elliott

...

Chris Peterson (25 episodes, 1990-1992)

Runtime:

30 min (35 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Company:

Elliottland Productions

Trivia:

The reason Chris Peterson's parents are always in their pajamas is because Chris Elliott's real-life father played his dad on the show. Chris Elliott says he wanted his dad to be comfortable on the set, and to not have to deal with wardrobe changes. (As told by Chris Elliott at a book signing in San Francisco CA on 15 December 2005)

Quotes:

Chris Peterson: [to a rival in his male modeling class] What's that? You had a *butt* lift?

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "The Daily Show: (2005-11-10)" (2005)

Soundtrack:

Stand

Nutso, schizo, and totally hilarious, the ultimate Chris Elliot vehicle

It's been over a decade, and many of us still double-over with laughter just thinking about episodes of this insane sitcom, a Hellzapopin revue for the goofy, mannered talents of Chris Elliot. However, an equal number of folks see this show as nothing but stupid. Elliot, Resnick, and company probably see it that way too. There aren't many absolutes in life, but this is one of them: You'll either love or hate this show (and your feelings will be inextricably tied to how much you like Chris Elliot). There is NO middle ground. No one ever says that "Get a Life" is "just OK," "fair," or "I could take it or leave it." It inspires fervent reactions both pro and con. And in a plain vanilla world of network television, that's a good thing!

For me, my life is always a whole lot better when I think about "Spewey the Alien," "Zoo Animals on Wheels," and the "Toolbelt Wars." Those episodes are as fresh today as they were in the day. The trouble with Chris Elliot, I think, is that he has such a bizarre, almost off-putting sense of humor that a little of him goes a long way. (If you don't believe me, see "Cabin Boy.") Here's the perfect vehicle to enjoy his talents--in 22 minute chunks! Eat up!