The Birthday Boys

Plenty to appreciate about this show. The writing and the acting make for a good time. I look forward to it every week. I'd like to catch these guys performing live. Looks like they have a lot of fun making the show, and it translates to fresh, inspired television.

The pace is good. They know how long a sketch ought to be, unlike some other shows where a sketch should have ended a few minutes earlier. This show keeps things moving.

I recommend getting the iTunes season pass. Our cable provider eliminated IFC from our package, so I'm glad to have found another way to watch the show. Check it out if you haven't already.

I'm seeing quite the polarization, here: Folks either think it's the bees' knees, or think it sucks. For one thing, I don't think there's any use comparing it against Mr. Show: The flavor is very updated/refined/lower-key. I like that; it's a different modality, and one I could plug in to.

The key, I think, is that Odenkirk is trying to become a better and better producer of media products that aspire to true art, and I for one see TBBs as a step in this direction.

So: What makes TBBs look, to me, like such a step? The writing and directing are very well-integrated. This integration means that they don't have to rely on an "obvious" sketch gimmick to clue in the acting talent as to their motivation. Bob has a subtler idea, and he ably directs very able actors to achieve these subtler comic effects. Good on 'im!

I was just thinking of watching them again. Yeah! I think I'll do that!

I don't know why I ever watched this, I don't know why my man and I can quote all of this, but this is a wonderful comedy show. It's so subtle, clever, and quotable. In fact we have a standing drinking game where if one of us makes a reference, we have to take a shot. Anymore it's just mimicking taking shots, but it's still relevant.

And one of them has a head that is perfectly square.

Losing this on Netflix was such a shame, but it really is a well crafted sketch show that was cut down too quickly. Bob Odenkirk is a delightful accomplice to the shenanigans. We love it so much we own the physical copies, which is huge.

So strap in and hold onto your shoes, because I guarantee you will find it adequate.

OK, for the people giving it low scores, this isn't Sat. Night Live (more like SCTV actually). One of the major Producers is Abso Lutely so you have to think along the lines of "Tim and Eric Awesome Show" and "Comedy Bang Bang".

For older references you'd be looking at shows like "Kids in the Hall" or "The Upright Citizens Brigade".

This isn't "mainstream comedy" but it's not as out there as say T&EAS:GJ.

It may not be the greatest thing I've ever seen, but I think people should give it a chance; and Bob Odenkirk is pretty good in most everything he does.

I'm a huge fan of KITH, Mr. Show, and A Bit of Fry & Laurie and I think this show has the potential to end up in that rarified air. The sketches are clever and hilarious and they're not tethered to impressions, recurring characters or current events, which is refreshing.

Give these guys time to mature and I think they'll be the next big thing. Only Key and Peele can compete with these guys in terms of quality sketch comedy that is currently in production.

I see several negative reviews here which is fine, its not for everyone. What I don't get is why people have to be so over-the-top with their negativity these days! You can just say you don't like. You don't have to call it 'crap' or moan about losing respect for Bob Odenkirk. It ain't that serious folks!