Stella

Stella is pure comedy genius. If you fancy non-sensical and bizarre humor, Stella is right down your alley.

I was introduced to this comedy trio while living in NYC and got the chance to see them live a couple of times. Each show introduced a new film short, which was the part of the show I looked most forward to. When I heard about the Comedy Central show, I was super stoked.

The pilot episode gave me the impression that they are going to bring the laughs without diluting the oddball humor that made them famous in NYC. While we probably won't be hearing any obscenities or seeing as many sex shop props, I am confident Stella's going to be a hit.

I'll admit that I wasn't expecting much when I first heard about this strange show, after all, the ads for it didn't really explain much about the show except that it was supposed to be hilarious, but who would buy into that just because they said so? I later found out that by doing this it would only make the show better. I first thought that this would be another flop that Comedy Central would come out with in an attempt to boost ratings since Chappell left. I decided to watch it that night out of total curiosity and after hearing how funny it was. It was incredible. It's one of the few funniest shows to come out this year. Its random based humor was perfect. It was definitely one of the better half hours of my life sitting in front of a television. I truly hope that this is one of the few shows to stay a while on Comedy Central.

If you are into ridiculously funny comedy then this is the show for you. Some people won't understand it because they are not smart enough for it but it is brilliant non-the-less. If you have seen any of the Stella sketches or Stella's stand-up then you will like this. Watch this show, you won't regret it. The three Jewish members of The State had an instant connection and after The State was through formed this hilarious trio. Michael, Michael, and David could not be any funnier. Watch this show people, it is the most amazing thing ever. If you don't watch it you will regret it for the rest of your life and you will be like "remember that time I didn't watch Stella, that was dumb of me."

In many ways, Stella reminds me a refined late-night long-form improv set out of Chicago. There are numerous winks at the audience and stylized imitations of clichéd genres. Yes, it's alternative comedy but if you really let the premise flow with you, there is some very witty writing. The consequences of everyone's actions are very minimal but at the same time it's a show that tries to exist in a world of satire. Ultimately, it's about the three friends as they explore the world. (Albeit, a world filled with wacky antics.) Still, the basic tenets of improv are always being reinforced: the "Yes and.." nature combined with a concentration on the relationship between the characters.

While I can completely understand the polarizing nature of this show, I found it to absolutely hilarious. While the comedy (like all comedy quite frankly) isn't for everybody, if you are a fan of absurd and esoteric humor this is definitely for you. There's little jokes buried beyond the action that gives way to repeat viewing. Even banal things such as walking seems humorous when done by the men of Stella. I cannot wait for further episodes, and while I assume the show will probably burn out after 2/3 seasons, it will be a great ride while it lasts.It is a show you should definitely check out. You may not like it, but it's worth a shot.