W/ Bob and David

This is modeled after the 1970s comic British TV shows. And in 2019 the 1970s British TV shows still look good. This looks bad. Forced. The camera image quality has gone up, the budget has gone up, everything else is down the toilet.

A sequel / continuations of 1995's Mr. Show, w/Bob and David picks up where the sketch series left off, more sketches, but now with slightly older actors. Its only 4 episodes, and honestly doesn't bring much the original didn't. Like its okay, but only had a couple laugh out loud moments, otherwise was mostly vague commentary guised as meh comedy. There's also an hour long "behind the scenes / making of" episode which is as long as half of the series itself. If you liked the original definitely give this a watch, if you haven't seen the original, just watch that.

I love this. I was a big fan of Mr. Show in the 90s, so my expectations for Bob & David as comedians and actors come from my experience with Mr. Show and with David's stand up, and not from Breaking Bad or arrested development (although I loved the latter).

This humor may not be for everyone but it really is brilliant! Is there a word for smart, stupid-humor? It's satire at its finest, and the exaggerated acting, weird comedic timing and cheesiness all contribute to a staged and clever feeling of awkwardness. The show stays relevant by making light of hot button political and social issues like racism, sexism, religion, extremism and current events, and with ridiculous humor and crazy scenarios w/ Bob and David makes a statement on how people interact with one another in a way that makes you go "Did they really just do that?"

Anyway, I have to laugh at all the reviews that say "Maybe this is funny if you are American." I think Bob & David would have fun with that sentiment. But I'm American, so what do I know? LOL.

What's fun about "W/ Bob & David" is the continuity with the old "Mr. Show". It adheres to the same comedic and production standards; and those standards were notably rough-hewn, seat-of-the-pants, cannabis-fueled, and naturally good-naturedly begged your indulgence while it sang and danced and mugged its way into your heart. I gladly granted that indulgence and in return reaped a modest collection of smiles, laughs, and even the occasional thigh-slap.

Well, actually, more than merely adhering, this new incarnation of Bob and David improves on those standards a bit. The writing is at least as good, and the production values have definitely improved.

It's great to see the old gang back together again! Looks like Johnston lost a little weight (from his S. Silverman Program days) to be able to make the same physical impression as of yore. Ennis is a fantastic talent, great to see again. Well, I'm not here to rattle off the roster. Trust me that the old gang serves the cause with the dependable aplomb.

All that said, I fully understand that all this is hedged 'round by an audience reality: Most folks don't care a whit about the above. They want a sketch show that zings and tickles again and again and again. Key & Peele comes to mind as a counter example: In spite of its general experimental, over-the-edge sensibility it actually rarely missed in its goal to astound, amuse, and entertain, with every sketch. W/ Bob & David, like its predecessor, is honestly a bit scattershot. For some of us, that's part of its charm. If you're like-minded, W/ Bob & David will work for you. Otherwise, you may well be wondering what the fuss (such as it is) is about.

Some smart sketches, other sketches done before but better in other places. I unfortunately did not laugh out loud once. In the making of you can see when there's pitching, there are no real hits... You might get a chuckle out of one of the many people in the room but that's about it.

Something was off with the acting and delivery. Too much time between each other's lines so that the conversations seemed overly unnatural.