The Comedians

"The Comedians" is a comedy that dances on the edge of dancing on the edge. As someone who appreciates any viewing that makes me Laugh Out Loud, this show delivers. The chemistry between 'Billy & Josh' was intentionally disconnected in the pilot. They seemed to try to continue that state in the next couple episodes, but there's been a seemingly unavoidable development between these two that can't be denied - they're connecting on screen, intentional or not.

It's great to see Mr Crystal in action again. Josh Gad was the absolute perfect choice to team with. And I adore that this show reintroduces the brilliance of Stephanie Weir to the entertainment world.

"The Comedians" is just plain damn-funny. Every episode somehow proves better than the previous.

Please stick around!

One of the funniest shows ever. Original; clever; surprising. In an interview, Billy C. quoted his late dear friend Robin Williams as asking if he would bring out the Dark Billy. He has. The sketch parody of "Orange is the New Black" was genius. There are so many throw away laughs that would be belabored in a network comedy. It's as if there is such an abundance of good writing that the show can afford to toss out lines that the audience may or may not catch. All kinds of allusions across the pop culture landscape: the premise of old/young gives the script leeway to go anywhere. Please leave in minority jokes, in both senses. When Billy tells his wife he has the Clippers schedule tattoo on h. is arm and that's why he can't be buried in a Jewish cemetery, only a small group of viewers will get that. Bravo for leaving it in. The conceit of rotating directors will let a new character appear smoothly. Steve Weir looked like he was having fun playing the former hunk, now a transvestite. Lots of minor great motifs.

Billy Crystal is certainly an asset for the world of comedians. Josh Gad was the least interesting part of 1600 Penn which I was watching because of the great Bill Pullman.

So how about a TV-show with these two? This is supposed to be a crossing between a mockumentary and a sketch based show.

Well, if you have Billy Crystal you obviously can expect some "old school" staff. Jokes that are based on recipes and forms. Searching for the laugh in the words or the sounding of the words. Talk about the acting method. How to deliver them. Also lots of self-mocking. And "funny" stories about their grandma and their uncle.

In the end of the day, is how funny it actual is, and ...sorry..this not funny enough. Don't know where the "recipe" failed but you can get good laughs with this material.

At least it doesn't have fake laugh track.

The Comedians is not your typical comedy because I think it brings quite a bit more to the table. It is funny, I laughed out loud many many times, but this show also delivers some vulnerability without losing it's humor.

Billy Crystal and Josh Gad are obviously very talented performers; but the documentary aspect of the show is extremely convincing because they each give a very honest performance. And Stephanie Wier is perfection! Every moment she is on screen she is magnificent. She really thinks about the details and the result is flawless. I wish she were in more. Give the woman an Emmy.

I think the reason this show flopped, is because FX has a very brief window for anyone to watch their stuff on demand and binging tv is the preferred method of consumption now. It was a new show and if you didn't see it within the first two weeks of airing, you just didn't see it. I loved this show when it originally aired and I just watched it a second time. My favorite scene still holds up and had me doubled over in laughter.

This show can be fairly formulaic at times, it does seem to skate a thin line between "we're just filming ourselves talking" and "It just looks like that due to skill and subtlety". I don't believe this show should be viewed too negatively, It doesn't always have me in stitches, but it's at least a wonderful standard in its type of Television program. The Comedians COULD have been edgier, less apologetic and sharply exploratory of more serious or obscure issues and themes, but so early on I don't think that would really suit the format.

I imagine the interesting blending of different perspectives, comedic styles, would have confused much or some of the general television watching population, a confusing blur between parody/satire and "earnest" human interaction.

It really could have grow into something very beautiful, I personally believe clear enough audience feedback and articulation was an issue contributing to its demise.