I watched the 1st episode, most of the 2nd, and the beginning of the 3rd, then just skipped to Tim Robinson's episode (I'm a fan of his other show I Think You Should Leave) because this show felt mostly unbearable to watch. I'm pretty sure I didn't really laugh until Tim Robinson's episode. Most of these comedians don't fare as well in the format of the show, and their ability to make a character automatically funny is lacking. And that's a pretty important ability on this show, because the jokes are largely not present. So it ends up being a parade of dislikable characters. It's a shame. Tim Robinson does a good job in his episode (though the first skit took a little longer than I would like to get off the ground). It's just a form of comedy that not every comedian can pull off, and this show proves that.
16 Reviews
Is sketch comedy dead?
hurleycompanies13 May 2019
The first episode was like several bad SNL skits in a row. The second one was like several marginally better SNL skits in a row. That's as far as I could go. Sketch comedy is hard, which is why only about one in five SNL skits is worth watching. Key and Peele was the only sketch show I found to be consistent and even that was hard to watch at times.
Above Average
coles_notes3 July 2023
Netflix presents 8 comedians across 8 episodes, each with their own 30 minutes to let hilarity ensue. The full cast includes: Lauren Lapkus, John Early, Henry Zebrowski, Kate Berlant, Natasha Rothwell, Paul W. Downs, Tim Robinson, and Dr. Brown. All people you'd likely recognize their faces if not their names. A fairly simple premise, what we end up with is a series with a number of highs and lows, and not a ton of consistency, overall its decently funny stuff. I checked this out for Tim Robinson alone and his episode, but of course had to watch the rest. I think the format of giving each comedian their own full episode was nice from an experimental perspective, but I don't know if it breeds the funniest sketches, and at times felt more of a means for each comedian to show off their character work and create a pilot episode pitch for their own series. Of course we later see Tim Robinson did get his own full Netflix series (which is perfect, please watch it) after his episode was the most successful (by IMDB ratings anyway), so maybe that was the goal the whole time. If you're a huge fan of any of these individuals I'd say its worth checking out, again Tim's episode feels very much like a pilot for this later full series I Think You Should Leave, and if included in ITYSL canon I might even say its one of the best episodes. I'd also recommend Natasha Rothwell's episode, her character work is hilarious, surprising, and so good. I had only really seen her in The White Lotus prior to this, I hope she's in way more stuff, someone please give her her own show. In the end I think a regular sketch series using this same group as the writers / troupe would have been much funnier, but certainly didn't hate the format, it seems to have served Netflix well.
Absurd is not the same as comedy
SVanDuine10 April 2016
I'm going to try to keep this short, so I'll just say that I think the show is very lacking. For a comedy it lacks laughs, and it seems to mistake awkwardness/absurdity with humor. Those things can be funny, but just showing a bunch of arrogant and self- absorbed characters being arrogant and self-absorbed isn't funny in itself. The episodes just kinda drag on and the characters being played are so unlikeable that it's hard to smile at, let alone laugh.
Someone in the message boards said it best when calling it cringe comedy, but not in a good way. For me it just came off a lot as ironically pretentious.
Someone in the message boards said it best when calling it cringe comedy, but not in a good way. For me it just came off a lot as ironically pretentious.
It's a shame
vanwindmill19 January 2017
I don't think it's because the people aren't talented at all...but the comedy is sad and upsetting rather than funny. There's no joy. One reviewer said "unknowns shouldn't get a show." Boy, is that dumb - everyone funny was unknown to begin with.
I think the problem is that having these performers literally act out the characters that they probably do in flashes in stand up just doesn't work - it lacks imagination. Plus there's a kind of essential mean-spirited nastiness that doesn't work with costumes and full make up. So much of it is downright offensive.
Such a shame for the performers. I hope they get beyond this - keep doing the stand-up, aren't made to write full blown scripts for themselves...what a mess.
I think the problem is that having these performers literally act out the characters that they probably do in flashes in stand up just doesn't work - it lacks imagination. Plus there's a kind of essential mean-spirited nastiness that doesn't work with costumes and full make up. So much of it is downright offensive.
Such a shame for the performers. I hope they get beyond this - keep doing the stand-up, aren't made to write full blown scripts for themselves...what a mess.
Hit and miss, like all sketch comedy
jack026 January 2021
All the episodes are very different and very creative. About half I didn't really laugh at (Downs after the opening sketch, Berlant, Dr Brown, most of Rothwell), but the others either amused or at least engaged me. They're all worth at least sampling though.
Not funny.
joonas-valkoniemi-121 June 2020
Much better than these reviews would suggest
radarou7927 September 2020
I'm honestly really shocked that this is rated so low on here. As a lover of sketch comedy, I found these skits quite entertaining. so many really funny performances by really talented comedians here. I've even rewatched the whole series multiple times. Yes the characters are cringe and awkward, but that's the whole point, they are supposed to be. I just don't think a lot of people got this. I love it.
not at all funny
abairn15 September 2019
This stuff just isn't funny. don't watch it, it's not just that it's not funny, at times it's actually unpleasant to watch, it makes me feel embarrassed for some of the performers cause a few of them might be funny given the right direction but who ever was directing this lot doesn't appear to know what is comedy and what is boring/offensive/copied (badly) or just plain bad
Yo, These Ppl R Funny
livbjv24 March 2016
So much talent and genius has gone into this show. Lauren, John, Natasha, (just to name a few) you all have filled me. In so many. Ways. Intimate ways. F****** hilarious. Smart as hell. Completely unique in its approach to comedy as a whole. And every artist takes their own social stand point and style into their episode. Really really valuable to see comedians rewarded with specials in this way. This is the only (and very important) thing comedy is lacking. It exists in podcasts and audio entertainment. However in TV its really rare to see a comedian celebrated for their character work. (Except for in SNL but lets be honest, besides the Beyoncé skit when has that been good?) So, thank you, deeply, The Characters, for giving comedians, and f****** talented ones at that, the credit they deserve.
Couldn't finish first episode
jocelyn-8936811 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Ok so after I turned it off I did not understand the premise, so I will retry it again . However the first episode holy moly so bad. I don't understand why her makeup is done so poorly, I thought maybe it was some sort of joke because how dumb she is but then when she is the crack head it's the same . Lost. I'm interested to watch her stand up, because I thought all the "jokes" on her episode were predictable, meh, or relied too much on stereotypes but not even in a new or interesting way.
Not comedy
mattgal-6305324 June 2020
This is painful to watch. I gave it every chance to entertain me but it just left me wanting to cause physical harm to everybody involved. I'm talking years of torture in a dungeon to compensate for the atrocities that they have inflicted apon me. Complete and utter shambles.
Loved This
simritatmakaur28 November 2019
Wow. Thank God for Netflix and the opportunities for artists to get their work out there. I didn't know any of these people before watching this show. I was blown away by the talent, storytelling and various approaches. Overall, I found this to be very non-traditional comedy. While not every moment or every episode was show stopping, the collection as a whole is. I was so impressed by the variety of characters and nuances in everything. I am massively appreciative of all the time and talent that went into these performances. I am looking forward to watching this again and seeing more from these people and others like them. Bravo Netflix, Bravo Cast. Keep Going!
Underrated comedians to watch out for!
obesecorgi28 April 2022
If you're really into comedy, you'll recognize most of the people in the episodes and really enjoy it. If you don't recognize them, give it a chance! All the actors in this show are so funny and do a great job with all their characters and sketches. It's creative and hilarious. Bonus points for all of the side characters they bring in-loved seeing actors who had cameos in Broad City, Search Party, Inside Amy Schumer, and more. A lot of talent in one show!!!
I think they are super talented
robinisawesome10 September 2019
Did I just watch the same series as these reviews? This is fantastic!
TezMcNez5 August 2023
This was a breath of fresh air! These guys are geniuses! Admittedly I have only watched 5 of the 8 episodes (not necessarily the first 5). I originally only watched Episode 7 when I found out it was all Tim Robinson from I Think You Should Leave. I have now watched John Early, Henry Zebrowski, Paul W Downs, and Dr Brown. Absurdist comedy at its best ... these episodes demanded many rewatches... I am at awe of their comedic timing, writing, and acting chops! Couldn't breath from laughing so hard. The only disappointment was when I realised this was made 7 years ago in 2016; meaning that my notions of these guys all getting their own TV series like Tim Robinson was unfortunately incorrect. Must watch for anyone who loves and appreciates smart, thought provoking, sidesplitting, absurdist comedy. Can't recommend enough!
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