Mr. Show is one of those rare sketch comedy shows that is actually funny.On top of that, they manage to tie each sketch to the previous one for added comedy goodness.The most important thing is that 20 years later, it's not dated.Try watching SNL from 20 years ago and most of the jokes don't make sense because they were about something that was only in the news for a week or two.Not the heavily edited SNL that plays on TV now, a full episode.You won't even recognize most of the people they parody.Proving that SNL has been a huge waste of videotape.Bob Odenkirk and David Cross are comedy geniuses who were smart enough to bring other great comedians to the show.People who would go on to huge success like Jack Black,Jay Johnston,Paul F. Tompkins,Brian Posehn,Tom Kenny(SpongeBob),Dino Stamatopoulos,Jerry Minor,Sarah Silverman,Mary Lynn Rajskub(Gail The Snail) and more great guest appearances than I could ever mention.It's amazing how unknown this show is considering everything Bob Odenkirk has done.He wrote for Letterman,Get A Life(Chris Elliot's show) and SNL.He has also been involved in producing,writing and acting in almost everything Tim & Eric have ever done, not to mention his involvement in many other Adult Swim shows.Watch this show.
58 Reviews
Love Bob and David
deadbaby2310 November 2019
Good
coles_notes7 June 2022
Starring Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul) and David Cross (Tobias in Arrested Development), and a long list of supporting cast (including Jack Black, Paul F. Tompkins, Sarah Silverman, and Tom Kenny (voice of Spongebob). Its quite good, especially for a sketch show, with more hits than misses. Some of the jokes haven't aged well and its underlying themes can be a bit problematic, but perhaps was created more as a satire of television at the time and pointing out its flaws, rather than something new. HBO let them do a lot of things shows really couldn't at the time, and I think paved the way for a lot of sketch comedy going forward.
Ground Breaking Comedy...amazing.
dianoga6 March 2000
If you want to see one of the most groundbreaking skit comedy shows ever, look no further than Mr. Show. Wow. Each episode is a work of art, every skit amazingly flows into the next. Filmed skits, flow into live skits, back and forth... absolutely amazing. Also, if you want to see some great character work, look no further. Bob Odenkirk and David Cross are some of todays best comedic character actors', and the supporting cast is unbelievable. Also the fact that it was on HBO, the show was able to get away with more. Its so great. They only made 30 episodes, and now they are on hiatus while filming the First "Mr. Show" movie. What a great show.
Innovative, fearless and hilarious.
dlaw444413 February 2021
It's hard to define "Mr Show with Bob and David"... Hosted by Bob Odenkirk and David Cross, and performed "live" before a studio audience; but with frequent interruptions/interactions with canned video segments that helped establish theme and layout; every episode of "Mr Show" felt loose and improvised. In reality, each were smartly written, beautifully absurd, and incisively political 25 minute critiques of pop culture and the corporate consolidation of media in the late 1990's. In short, I'll shut up and you should watch...
Amazeballs
mrs_show15 July 2014
This is the best comedy show in the history of television. You will not find any comedy show like this one. I love it so much. Bob Odenkirk is a comedic genius. I still watch re-runs on youtube and downloaded them to my computer. Its timeless. No matter how many times I watch it I still laugh so hard I cry. The Nostradamus skit was hilarious. Mockery of how he thought he could predict the future yet he couldn't tell whether Tom Kenny's character was gay or not. Too funny. This is a MUST watch especially if you want to go into the world of comedy. This show will have you laughing so hard that you'll develop abs without even working out. Its what I like to call it Amazeballs. For sure. Bob's sense of humor is identical to mine. Its a satirical show but trust me you'll love it. Its not over complicated and stuff its truly a wide audience show. There's something for everybody.
Monday night TV's finest 30 minutes.
sixtwentysix26 October 2004
HBO for a short four seasons, ran this nearly flawless gem of a show to little or no fanfare, quietly this show fell again and again the woods of Friday at midnight, Sunday at 2AM, Monday at 11:30, Tuesday at 9:45 or wherever there was late night time to kill on HBO, building a following (and Emmy nominations) with ANYONE that took the time to watch it until executives canceled what they did not understand or know how to market.
As a parody of a sketch show every scene blended seamlessly in an interesting mix of absurdist comedy and just outright funny over the top comedic performances. The show had a razor sharp subtext on society, counterculture and the entertainment world. It's witty writing provided a smart and fresh take on nearly every subject under the sun from mediocre comedians, rock music teen suicide to senators paying for sex with wooden craft fair puppets. I've never found a sketch show that could compare or span it's width or depth of complexity in 30 minutes.
Impossible to define, no explanation can be given for this show but everyone I've taken the time to introduce the show is an instant fan after one or two episodes. Do yourself a favor and check out a season DVD of this show, I can nearly guarantee you'll be running out to find the other volumes and thankfully HBO wised up and released them in an acceptable format!
I've yet to find a show as entertaining as this show. Perfect television. A show whose time came too soon, Bob and David, we hardly knew ye! Thank you for the ride.
As a parody of a sketch show every scene blended seamlessly in an interesting mix of absurdist comedy and just outright funny over the top comedic performances. The show had a razor sharp subtext on society, counterculture and the entertainment world. It's witty writing provided a smart and fresh take on nearly every subject under the sun from mediocre comedians, rock music teen suicide to senators paying for sex with wooden craft fair puppets. I've never found a sketch show that could compare or span it's width or depth of complexity in 30 minutes.
Impossible to define, no explanation can be given for this show but everyone I've taken the time to introduce the show is an instant fan after one or two episodes. Do yourself a favor and check out a season DVD of this show, I can nearly guarantee you'll be running out to find the other volumes and thankfully HBO wised up and released them in an acceptable format!
I've yet to find a show as entertaining as this show. Perfect television. A show whose time came too soon, Bob and David, we hardly knew ye! Thank you for the ride.
Freaking Genius
j-mtz1320 June 2017
This guys are real geniuses, I cant stop being amazed by the sketches of the show. Bob Odenkirk and David Cross top creation! Creative, intelligent and real funny show.
The only bad thing is that there is no more Mr. Show.
Viewers would not be disappointed!
The only bad thing is that there is no more Mr. Show.
Viewers would not be disappointed!
some of the most clever and intelligent comedy to date
noinfo78919 May 2006
I love this show. It's a shame so many people can't find the humor in it because it is a very clever show. If you like to USE YOUR BRAIN, especially with comedy, (i.e. Bill Hicks, Monty Python, arrested development) then this show is for you. I recommend it to those that don't die with laughter from the blue collar comedy group. They make fun of everyone and everything. morning shows, infomercials, the Beatles, rappers, Jesus Christ superstar, customs agency. they also have just all 'round funny sketches like the gay Nostradamus and wicked scepter. they make fun of the east/west coast rap wars but with ventriloquists, they make fun of televangelists and the show cops. Maynard and Adam from tool appear on the show as well!!!!If you're looking for sketch comedy with a twist, this show is for you...oh and John Ennis is hysterical
Funny stuff
Merely27 January 1999
Mr. Show is one of those very funny programs that you need to search out.But once you do you will be back again and again.Being a cable program they can and do push the envelope of good taste, but I find that refreshing in a world of otherwise 'same old same old' comedy.
Its just not funny
animegamer42030 January 2022
They try but its not funny. Some of the sketch ideas are cool but theres no jokes. It just is kinda weird. I prefer the weird al variety hour. If you are looking for some classic skech comedy from the 90s try something else.
Comedy has never been so funny
Brujo-223 May 1999
The comparison to Monty Python is inevitable (both Bob Odenkirk and David Cross have acknowledged their debt to their predecessor in interviews), but make no mistake: "Mr. Show with Bob & David" is refreshingly original and brilliantly funny. There have been so many hilarious moments on the show that it would be impossible for me to name a particular favorite. The sketches are so finely crafted that even when the jokes fall flat (which is extremely rare), they're still quite engrossing ("Coupon: The Movie" is an example). I've been watching the show faithfully since its second season and each new episode only leaves me wanting more. The show's strong ensemble cast featuring John Ennis, Jill Talley, Tom Kenny and especially Jay Johnston are part of what makes the show work so well.
Being on HBO, they're pretty much able to do what they please, but while there is plenty of profanity (not an issue for me at all), they are in no way reliant upon cussing for laughs. In fact, one of the more memorable sketches involved a take-off of "Goodfellas" being edited for television in which the cuss words were replaced with such phrases as "mother-father" and "Chinese dentist".
HBO deserves to be praised for recognizing the talent of Bob & David and keeping the show on the air in spite of its small - albeit fiercely loyal - number of viewers.
The next time HBO airs a "Mr. Show" marathon, don't just watch it, tape it!
Being on HBO, they're pretty much able to do what they please, but while there is plenty of profanity (not an issue for me at all), they are in no way reliant upon cussing for laughs. In fact, one of the more memorable sketches involved a take-off of "Goodfellas" being edited for television in which the cuss words were replaced with such phrases as "mother-father" and "Chinese dentist".
HBO deserves to be praised for recognizing the talent of Bob & David and keeping the show on the air in spite of its small - albeit fiercely loyal - number of viewers.
The next time HBO airs a "Mr. Show" marathon, don't just watch it, tape it!
The most original sketch show ever
jwc505112 July 2002
And also, in my opinion, the funniest. Mr. Show cannot accurately be described to someone who has not seen it, but here goes; the show is a constant stream of ideas, one of which from each skit will bring you to the next. Sometimes, it is a character that shows up, sometimes it is just some vague statement that is used. The skits themselves are hilarious, very deviant (think Python), and often feature Bob and David in multiple roles. This show would be a hit for anyone who likes off-the-wall stuff like Shakes the Clown or Strangers with Candy. Love, Jason
A beautiful story about the triumph of the human spirit
tigger2214 December 2022
Bob Odenkirk and David Cross' epic tale unfolds over four seasons. The cinematography alone is worth the investment of time.
The character development builds in line with the tension to a thrilling climax. Unusual to see this type of story arc in the 90's on American television and Mr. Show clearly influenced the late 90's early 00's dramatic structure of shows like The Sopranos, Breaking Bad and America's Got Talent.
Blending a unique formula of crass humour and soul touching moments the show also made the careers of many of the supporting cast and the success of the musical drama genre more broadly.
The character development builds in line with the tension to a thrilling climax. Unusual to see this type of story arc in the 90's on American television and Mr. Show clearly influenced the late 90's early 00's dramatic structure of shows like The Sopranos, Breaking Bad and America's Got Talent.
Blending a unique formula of crass humour and soul touching moments the show also made the careers of many of the supporting cast and the success of the musical drama genre more broadly.
Older and yet still better than the garbage coming out...
giglbox28 January 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Mr. Show is one of those comedy runs that you actually have to think about. If you don't get it then watch it again. If you still don't, then turn on the latest reality crap and wallow in ignorance. It was, and still is, one of the funniest and most clever shows to ever exist. And, many of the comedians you will recognize not from a typical SNL terribly written sketch. These are not the Seth Rogan types of pseudo-comedy but actually funny people, great writers, and the humor makes sense...to most. HBO screwed up when they let this one slip away, but, that is good in a way (after all, look at what HBO has turned into!). There hasn't been many shows even close since and I would recommend to anyone to have a watch and judge for yourself.
Look everyone! It's Bob and David!
ericktf899 March 2012
Before Mr. Show, I knew nothing...nothing at all. After viewing this show I felt enlightened, as if I had never seen real comedy in my life before. Finally a show that doesn't depend on randomness, toilet humor and awkward situations to get laughs. Recent comedies have left me feeling brain dead and violated by the pure stupidity and cheapness of the jokes, Mr. Show, however, left me in awe of the incredible genius and effort put into it.
The only thing that bothered me about Mr. Show was the strong liberal undertone throughout. I don't really adhere to either side with politics but I (and others might) find it annoying when they try to push that stuff on you during a comedy show. Still the best show ever.
The only thing that bothered me about Mr. Show was the strong liberal undertone throughout. I don't really adhere to either side with politics but I (and others might) find it annoying when they try to push that stuff on you during a comedy show. Still the best show ever.
funniest sketch comedy ever
WeeBey25 October 2003
It is a crime that this show only lasted 4 seasons. This is the funniest sketch comedy EVER. Its destroys other funny sketch shows like In living color, SNL, The ben stiller show, monty python, dave chappelle, kids in the hall, and SCTV. Sketch comedy today is really weak. Shows like mad tv and the current snl are very tired and unfunny. Buy this show on dvd you won't be disappointed.
Nope, not monty python
wimgielenglas1 September 2021
watch and enjoy, more than you'd expect
mathompson3 March 2000
This was (is) one of the most original TV shows ever. A little Monty Python, a little SNL, but very, very funny. This show should've been HUGE. Odenkirk could be a big star if he ever goes mainstream (let's hope not!)
Best kept secret in comedy!
Infofreak26 June 2001
Here in Australia you had to plain lucky to ever even HEAR of Mr Show, let alone see it. Only briefly shown on cable, it's a disgrace that this show hasn't been better publicised or more widely available, cos if it is was, I GUARANTEE it would become an instant cult for years to come. I'm not exaggerating, this is one of the funniest, sharpest, smartest comedies EVER! It's that good. While individual episodes were sometimes uneven, every one had at least two or three absolutely astonishing bits, and some were ALL good. Best stuff included the Ronnie Dobbs bits (soon to be a movie), the ventriliquist 'wars', the trippy Sid and Marty Kroft parody, and anything involving Jack Black as special guest, particularly the musical homage to JC Superstar ('Jeepers Creepers')and the one about the farmer's daughter. Beg, borrow, steal Mr Show!! I dare you not to laugh hysterically!
Your sides will ache!
cinefan16 February 1999
"Mr. Show With Bob and David" is so incredibly funny, you might just wet yourself from laughing so hard. There is no other criticism to offer except that it is consistently hilarious. They certainly cross over the line of good taste often, but for those with an appetite for edgy humor, there is no equal. Bob Odenkirk and David Cross were originally writers and performers for the short-lived "Ben Stiller Show." Bob also wrote for "Saturday Night Live." Along with "Kids In the Hall," this is by far the best sketch comedy program in the past ten years. It puts "SNL," "Mad TV," and the rest to shame.
The funniest damn show on TV
Ysman26 January 1999
Absolutely brilliant.
death-131 October 1999
How can you quantify perfection? It is a standard to which everything else must be compared. Okay that makes a better diamond commercial than a comedy review. Bad skits are few and far between. The pace of the show doesn't allow for anything to drag out too long. For Mr. Show, nothing is sacred ("...we have a saying around here: Get used to it Hitler..."). While it may offend some viewers, who cares! The writing is near comedic genius. The originality of each episode is truly refreshing. My new goal in life is to distribute Mr. Show tapes to unsuspecting friends with the tenacity of a very tenacious thing.
one of the classic sketch comedy programs!
danny shea23 July 2000
one of the funniest sketch comedy shows around.bob and david were excellent on this program and hopefully they'll collaborate again in the future.look out for the donnie sketches and the "jeepers creepers superstar" musical number.if you like any of the following:the state,exit 57,monty python,snl,kids in the hall,the dana carvey show,ucb,the ben stiller show,or sketches from "late night" with dave or conan then you will like mr. show. some funny s***e going on here.what's a gagortion??
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
