I will admit to not understanding this show for years. i, as i'm sure is also the case with many others, just found myself confused while watching season one as it premiered. i found myself waiting for some overt goof or joke, when i finally realized this material is far more akin to the work of Andy Kaufman as opposed to the more straightforward vibe of SNL. its less about building to a punchline and moreso about absolutely commiting to the bit.
watching any interview or conversation that includes either Seth Meyers, Fred Armisen, or Bill Hader, it becomes clear that they are simply comedy nerds of the highest order. Armisen has the deadpan commitment needed to sell these jokes, no matter how subdued. Hader has the imagination to turn a simple gag into a realized world. and Meyers has the deep appreciation of the blood, sweat, and tears that go into comedy writing that makes him see the deep brilliance of a joke that would go over the heads of the general public. give these three the keys to a show and you get a truly unique experience, unlike anything else on television.
besides the sheer commitment to a joke, the other standout of this show is the production's borderline obsessive attention to detail when it comes to recreating the documentaries being spoofed. one of the biggest joys of this show is seeing how effortlessly their crew recreates the style and era of each film being parodied or satirized. Armisen and Hader's long-practiced talent of impersonating is also used to great effect for this same purpose. i struggle to name any other actors who can make at least two seasons worth of material where they both embody entirely different characters that works just as well.
given the hyper-focused lens of both comedy and film being put on display here, its definitely not a show for everyone. but if you can open your mind to something completely different, i think you'll find it hard not to enjoy. with the right mindset, its like a warm cup of tea. cozy, comforting, and tranquil to just sit back and take in.
watching any interview or conversation that includes either Seth Meyers, Fred Armisen, or Bill Hader, it becomes clear that they are simply comedy nerds of the highest order. Armisen has the deadpan commitment needed to sell these jokes, no matter how subdued. Hader has the imagination to turn a simple gag into a realized world. and Meyers has the deep appreciation of the blood, sweat, and tears that go into comedy writing that makes him see the deep brilliance of a joke that would go over the heads of the general public. give these three the keys to a show and you get a truly unique experience, unlike anything else on television.
besides the sheer commitment to a joke, the other standout of this show is the production's borderline obsessive attention to detail when it comes to recreating the documentaries being spoofed. one of the biggest joys of this show is seeing how effortlessly their crew recreates the style and era of each film being parodied or satirized. Armisen and Hader's long-practiced talent of impersonating is also used to great effect for this same purpose. i struggle to name any other actors who can make at least two seasons worth of material where they both embody entirely different characters that works just as well.
given the hyper-focused lens of both comedy and film being put on display here, its definitely not a show for everyone. but if you can open your mind to something completely different, i think you'll find it hard not to enjoy. with the right mindset, its like a warm cup of tea. cozy, comforting, and tranquil to just sit back and take in.