Dear friends,
Today’s pick is a funny mix between on-stage comedy and a TV series. It’s also Netflix’s first-ever long-form improv production.
In an interview, the comedians explained that it was difficult to convince Netflix (or anyone) to finance a show that doesn’t have a premise. "Oh, we have no idea. We're going to set up cameras for two nights; we'll do four shows. And whatever happens happens." One of the creators explained how their pitch would go.
Netflix took some convincing but they finally agreed, apparently by saying "hey, this is kind of risky. Don't screw this up."
Middleditch & Schwartz
New on Netflix everywhere.
Thomas Middleditch (Silicon Valley) and Ben Schwartz (Parks and Recreation) are improv veterans: they’ve each been doing it for 20 years, and together for 12.
In this excellent series, they ask the audience a question (usually “what is a big life event that you’re anticipating?”), discuss the event, and then do a 20-something minutes show based on the answers.
The result is often messy, but it’s really not as messy as you’d think. There is just enough of Middleditch & Schwartz breaking character to be reminded that they didn’t rehearse the dialogue. It would be difficult to tell otherwise.
Alternatives you might like
The Comedy Lineup also on Netflix is a series of rising comics performing 15-minute bits. It’s very hit and miss, but there is an undeniable appeal to discovering the next generation of comics.
For more established comedians, The Standups on Netflix is a two-season show with six famous comedians: Nate Bargatze, Nikki Glaser, Deon Cole, Beth Stelling, Dan Soder, and Fortune Feimster.
Talk soon,
Bilal