Netflix Presents: The Characters

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.

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 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.

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.

Most of these are fun and try new ideas. I'll take a sketch that didn't hit over something mediocre any day.

Kate Berlant, Lauren Lapkis, both brought interesting sketches to the table. They also showed range that has me wanting to go find what they have made since 2016. I feel like Berlant is someone I've seen in alot of shows but cannot place or name one.

The Tim Robinson's episode could have been an "I think you should leave" episode but I like that show alot, so it works.

The other comedians were a little less memorable but, I was entertained for every episode and felt like I was watching something new.

The John Early episode is a master piece 10/10. I don't want to spoil anything but this episode is on the border of manic anxiety horror and brilliant commentary on the human experience. It goes so F-ing hard.

The Henry Zebrowski episode features brown face which is cringe and made it so I could never listen to him the same way on last podcast on the left. I just couldn't bounce back from that odd choice he made.