The Birthday Boys

With each episode I see, these talented young men continue to impress me. Their sketches are well written, clever, without resorting to the crutch of vulgarity. These are not one joke sketches like those you see on SNL, either. Rather, they build on the absurdities and clever ridiculous premises established early on, throughout the sketch. Their acting is top notch and I can't wait to see what they will accomplish as they move forward. If you want intelligent comedy that doesn't insult your intelligence, this show is for you. Favorites include the Chistian Youth Group sketch, the roofers, and the beer company sketch. I believe these funny young men met each other at college where they had time to hone their comedic skills. I was fortunate enough to see them perform live on the Comedy Bang Bang tour and they were equally as funny live. I also got a chance to meet most of them, and they turned out to be a bunch of great guys with no egos or attitudes.

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!

Dang this show is hilarious! It's easily my favorite new show on TV. The writing is so clever and the cast all have legit acting chops. I feel like IFC is blowing up with original content that will steal audiences from FXX. I love the one where the dude is getting sentenced to jail and he's like, "I can't...I'm sorry I just can't do this anymore I'm done. I know, I know everyone can hate but I just can't." Or the one where the guy is like "Yeah I mean it was an okay movie but it's nothing to write home about..." They also play on a lot on filmic conventions which is really cool and funny.

When Key and Peele first aired it was good, but I think it went to a whole new level in the 2nd and 3rd seasons. I bet the same thing would happen with the Birthday Boys. I really hope IFC brings them back for more episodes!!!

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 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.