Zach Stone Is Gonna Be Famous

Wonderful show. If you are a fan of Bo Burnham's material, then you know what to expect. A great, well thought out idea, expertly executed that will have you laughing one moment and feel sad the next. Witty, funny and still full of emotion and meaning. There isn't really anything like this show out there. Well done, well done! Even if this show was made 8 years ago, it is still just as relevant. If not more so.

I had never heard of this little gem until it popped up on my Netflix page. Seeing it starred Bo Burnham I was intrigued. I had no idea this was something he did almost a decade ago.

I loved this show so much. Seeing a young, semi-manic Bo allows the viewer into his head somewhat. ZSIGTBF shows the beginnings of the genius he becomes in his stand up and specials. He's a genius to say the least. This show could have been made today and it would be relevant. A teen who wants to be famous but has nothing to offer for that to happen is literally the Instagram and TikTok of today. The difference is that this show is funny, smart, and tender at times. It looks like MTV did a poor job of promoting this show when they had it. Ironic since the theme is insta-fame via in your face media.

I must preface this by saying I miiiight be a little biased - this is my biggest comfort show. But, I've had other comfort shows, and I didn't feel this highly about them! This show makes me feel so many things in a way no other piece of media has ever made me feel. This show, at it's core, is about the sadness and loneliness of a young adult named Zach Stone who just wants people to like him. On the outside, from the first episode, it seems like the show is just going to be about some crazy high school graduate who's obsessed with himself doing anything to get fame, but as you continue, you realize that really, Zach just wants people to like him, because he doesn't like himself. This sentiment resonates with myself and many other teens and young adults. This show is emotional and funny at the same time, and is possibly Bo's best work.

Let me preface this review by saying that Bo Burnham is my favorite comedian. "Zach Stone Is Gonna Be Famous" is a hilarious show that makes me laugh every time I watch it. There is tons of humor, and a lot of heart as well. Every episode has a bit of drama as Zach Stone tries to find his place in the world. The humorous situations find meaning in Zach's quest to become famous, but it also has a great deal of depth in his interpersonal relations, especially with his family and his best friend/love interest Amy. Though Zach can be flippant and immature, he always comes to realize a greater message through his family's support, and his antics serve to show how his family and friends love him no matter what. It's a great show with a lot of heart, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a fun situational comedy, as well as fans of Bo Burnham such as myself. 10/10

There are plenty of variables that would make one think this show could be horrible: 1. It's on MTV 2. It's about a teenager trying to be famous 3. It's about reality TV 4. It's on MTV

But the show is a surprisingly funny AND poignant satire/parody of people's lust for fame. I would've thought the main character would be annoying to watch, but the way the show is written, the awkward situations he gets himself into are hilarious. I'm a fan of awkward humor shows (ie The Office, Peep Show, etc.) where it makes you cringe sometimes because the situations get so awkward for the characters.

And the show's poignancy comes from how the main character's selfish conquest for fame affects his most important, long term relationships with family and friends.