Baskets (2016–2019) User Reviews

Christine Baskets: an authentic and real person. Performed to perfection by Louie Anderson.

[zkiko · 9/10 · 16 June 2019]

Great series. I love Christine Baskets so much..I wish I had her in my life somehow. Such warmth is coming from this woman, and not in a sappy way, but in a way that is written and acted out so well, that it naturally displays humane authenticity. Amazing how Louie Anderson transforms into this damaged but sincere, beautifully huge, humanely broken, helluva woman. It completely AMAZES me how great his acting is, not even because of him acting as a woman, but the acting of the woman HE IS. You completely forget he is an actor let alone a male actor. Unbelievably good. Very nice that they decided to put more focus on her more and more as the show progresses. I have many times even rewinded parts of her that were so insanely funny , her just saying some silly remarks in a certain manner that makes it hilarious. For example 'Oh I've never been backstage at a Costco' or 'do you like selfies?'. Also heartwarming/-breaking to see how much she truly cares for her family. Some times I have even cried , wishing for even half a mother like that.

I actually sometimes skipped the Galafanikis' parts just to see Christine in season1. Also I think it would be nice to give us some more of Martha as well. Her one on one's with Christine are top of the line. I missed seeing people like these. Unperfect, real , but definitely not overly trying to be real (ending up extremely fake) with emo music on top as is displayed in low levelled shows( like 'this is us' for example).

Btw it's weird/hilarious as in how if people see 'comedy' stated as genre, that they keep watching hoping for jokes..and get offended when it's not slapstick laughing track 'funny-ness'. Open your narrow suffocating black/white paradigmed mind. Let it breathe a little..

Thanks for the four years...

[manzira-730-293353 · 9/10 · 24 August 2019]

I'm going to miss this show. Seems that people had somewhat different takes on the show. But for me it was about an imperfect, but surprisingly familiar family making its way through life with its everyday concerns, humor, and disappointment. It was special.

2 words- Louie Anderson

[Movielover1965 · 9/10 · 23 March 2017]

When the series started, and I saw that Zach Galifianakis was starring, I set my DVR to record the series. Yes, I started watching for Zack Galifianakis- I now watch it, primarily, for Louis Anderson. During last season I told my husband, If Louis Anderson doesn't win an Emmy I will be physically ill. Louis won the Emmy, I didn't have to get ill. So glad that Zach & Louis CK saw his potential outside of stand-up. The rest of the cast, it goes without saying, is so special, Scripts are so well written. Truly a gem, I feel very lucky to have found it.

Criminally Underrated

[icdmk2 · 10/10 · 7 November 2016]

The writing, acting, production and direction of this black comedy are fantastic. I realise for anyone looking for an uplifting experience it won't be your cup of tea, but for those with a particular sense of humour it'll be thoroughly addictive.

If you're a fan of Louis CK in general and especially if you enjoyed Horace and Pete you'll love this. It's a great tip of the hat to concept of the sad clown. I also think if you'll find something in this if you liked The Office. Zach Galifianakis's character reminds me of Michael Scott in many ways.

As with any TV show, don't rely on a review, check it our for yourself! :)

Not for everyone, but hugely appreciated by some of us

[kathimcgraw · 10/10 · 10 February 2016]

I believe this is another one of those shows people either hate or love - and there is no problem with being on one side or the other - I love it! Just as people have different tastes in decorating, food, etc., there's no need to denigrate the quality of a work because it doesn't suit one's taste. I can't stand marshmallows, but I can understand why many people love them. I've always been a fan of black humor and deadpan, and the cast and writing combination seem to be a perfect fit. Being a huge cynic, and getting worse, I appreciate the overall feeling of bleakness presented. Finding the ironic, absurd or cruel humor in everyday situations helps keep me from going over the deep end! It's a comfort to me that every once in a while I find a show that reveals there are others who feel the way I do. Here's hoping it doesn't get canceled any time soon, due to what may be a limited audience.

Weirdly, I've fallen in love with this show.

[generic230-1 · 8/10 · 18 March 2016]

The pilot was not great. It hadn't really gotten to the deeper emotional stuff yet. But, as the series progresses and we get deeper into the characters, I just fell in love. Some people are complaining that it's not a comedy because it has these more real moments in it, but that's IDENTICAL to Louie. Louie is not a laugh riot. There are good laughs throughout the episode, but the meat of each episode is more about the tragedy of being human. Baskets kind of reminds me of Nebraska. The show is does an excellent portrayal of the mundaneness of people's every day lives and their ordinariness. It's really funny and very moving. I don't see anything wrong with having both things.

It grows on you

[bregund · 8/10 · 19 March 2017]

I didn't like this show at first and Zach G can be insufferable at times, but the characterizations are quite strong, chiefly among them Louie Anderson as the mother. Every scene he does is so brilliantly portrayed, you can see layers and layers of depth to Christine. Is it funny? Well, no it isn't, but his performance walks such a fuzzy line between comedy and drama (much like Louis C.K.'s show) that I'm tempted to label it as an emblematic cipher of humanity; her anger, hopes, memories, limitations, strengths, and relationships to other people are all played out in her every mannerism and facial expression. Who ever thought Louie Anderson was this talented? That was a well deserved Emmy. I've watched every episode so far and I'm already looking forward to next season.

And a half

[Headturner1 · 7/10 · 9 July 2021]

But a 9 for Louie Anderson's performance! I almost didn't watch because I've never been a fan of Louie and him playing a woman?!? Well he was fantastic! It felt real! Never like he was playing a part. Is this funny? Well at times. I laughed mostly at louie's subtleness . He was so real. I liked Penolope as well. Very good series I did not think I'd like as much as I did but kudos to Louie as he made this series.

I wish I had a mom like Louie

[bobrandt · 9/10 · 30 January 2021]

Casting Louie Anderson as the mother is pure genius! His portrayal adds an extra layer to the series.

Season 1 is excellent, S2 is great, S3 Has great moments, S4...

[verrucktcarlos · 7/10 · 12 February 2021]

If it was only season 1, I would rate it a 10. The first Seasons is why I fell in love with the show. The type of humour is my absolute favorite, and I loved Penelope, I was very disappointed when I realized she wasn't in any other season. Well, she appears in S2 and 4 but only for a couple episodes. She was such a great complement to the character or Chip.

S2 was pretty good, not as good as the first one, but still pretty solid. S3 has really good moments, I particularly love the episodes about the opera, the trip to vegas and when they want to film the commercial for the rodeo.

S4 however was a major dissapointment. I felt like nothing happened, everything was skippable, and from season 2 onwards, Chip is just less and less as a clown.

Also I didn't like what they did with the characters of Martha and Dale on S4. Martha is now sort of aggressive which is nothing like her in previous seasons. Dale is now this weird stereotypical republican trailer park 2nd ammendement crazy guy and I dont know, I didn't like that, nor did I find it funny. The only episodes worth watching are the first and last one. But even so, it didn't feel like it got a proper closure.

And also, one of the reasons I fell in love with the show was that it didnt have any jokes relying on current politics and social stuff, in seasons 2 and 3 there are a couple jokes like that, but in season 4... Too many, I mean, for this show it was too many, so unfunny. Like the whole situation with dale in the restaurant... cringe.

However, Christine is the only character that remains perfect all throughout the show. I have never ever seen such a great portrayal of a woman, by someone who is not a woman. It is beyond fantastic. He doesn't try any weird mannerisms or be or sound feminine and exaggerated, and still it is as if he was an actual mother. Sometimes I just can't believe how good Louie is in this role.

Why Baskets in Bakersfield?

[Kev11sky · 8/10 · 23 December 2018]

At least one resident of Bakersfield should write a review of "Baskets" -- so here goes.

I agree with the majority opinion. This is an excellent dark comedy/satire with some amazing acting and quirky, creative scripts.

From now on I will think of Louie Anderson as a middle-aged woman in a man's body. Martha seems dull and naïve but she's actually the sanest character. Zach's characters are amazing tragicomic nutty brothers.

Why is the show set in Bakersfield? Our city has been the butt of jokes in Hollywood for decades. It continues to be the go-to prototype of a backwards redneck town in the worst part of California. Some years back there was a comedy cop show called "Bakersfield PD".

I was expecting to see some actual places and settings in or around Bakersfield. Some of the road-trip scenes looked like Kern County but I didn't see any identifiable landmarks. Bakersfield has a few odd cultural events, but clowns are not among them, and we only have the usual kinds of rodeos.

According to IMDb, none of the filming locations were in Bakersfield. Oh well...

Looks excellent so far

[Bash_McNasty · 22 January 2016]

Any fan of Louie should also really enjoy this as he is one of the head writers. Like Louie it's beautifully dark, depressing, awkward, and absurd, without being completely over the top. I can't give it a star rating yet, as rating a show as a whole off only the pilot is silly, but I have to say I truly enjoyed the pilot much more than I thought I would and I was going in with pretty high hopes.

I will say this is not for everyone. Anyone who likes Zach Galafianakis because of The Hangover or Due Date will likely be unpleasantly surprised by this side of him. This is more along the lines of his older stand-up and his work with Tim & Eric.

Without spoiling anything there are some slapstick gags that would be considered "low brow" by some, but the fact that they are simply there and not acknowledged by anyone maintaining the somber mood of the show makes them much more hilarious than simply the joke itself.

As a final note, Louie Anderson is possibly the best casting choice in history.

I am depressed

[LAntichristo · 6/10 · 23 September 2016]

This actually is not much of a review. More like a rumble. I like the show, the writers are smart, the dialogues are well written, the performances are OK and all that jazz, especially Louie Anderson! Wow, that man touches my heart in every scene!!!

But this is not a comedy. It is so bloody miserably depressing. It is like a black comedy that doesn't make you laugh. My brain laughs from time to time ... silently. But mostly I want to kill myself watching this show.

And I am sure it is Louis C.K's fault, because his sense of humor is like that. He always emphasizes on the misery of losers, on the harsh reality of ugly wasted lives.

Don't get me wrong. It has a really good quality to it. I am NOT saying it is bad in any way. It is just not funny. It's ironic, yes! Nothing wrong with irony. But it is not funny. I love black comedy. But this. This is not a comedy. It is not even black comedy. No, this is like being hungry and cutting up small pieces of your leg and eating them. Satisfies your hunger to an extent, but you are bloody eating yourself man!

I want more. And I don't. I am so conflicted!

I like though the fact that we have gone so far in television series that they don't have to be "feel good" "happy go lucky" to see the light of day. But this is NOT a comedy. Like "Transparent" .... not a comedy.

I would say Dramatic Satire. Heavy on the "dramatic"

:)

Episode 3 is my last

[randymcbeast · 1/10 · 6 February 2016]

First off, I am a huge Zach G fan. Well, I was that is. Now I just want to punch him in the face.

This is just one stupid scene after another with one dumb joke after another.

I have come to the conclusion that Zach G is way ahead of his time. That's if the future is all of humanity being chained to chairs watching the worst TV show ever made. Baskets would fit the bill perfectly.

There is no way this series lasts. No way.

I do feel bad for some of the great actors in this one. Malia Pyles and Louie Anderson are hilarious. The rest of it is just pretentious garbage. Louis C.K. and Zach G, you've failed miserably with this one.

Too sad to say goodbye.

[aakshiisrivastava · 10/10 · 10 September 2019]

After four seasons this show has come to an end and eventhough the reason was less views/are you kidding me,dude?/ BASKETS is an absolute gem.

Zach ain't guy from HANGOVER neither is the humor in this show cheap.It straight up has the best character developments I've ever seen along with the best potrayals of friendships, siblings and partnership.

Subtle humor, solid writing and great pacing.

[SimonHendursuhn · 10/10 · 25 January 2016]

Personally, this show seems to showcase a more bold Zach, one that isn't defined by his looks, beard or lady sunglasses. Baskets is about a bitter and sad guy, who in his constant pursuit of being a clown, is a huge failure, which strangely enough makes him seem like a huge clown. The first episode had refreshing subtle humor, that when settled makes for an even greater joke. It reminded me of the similar subtle and low-key humor of Greg Turkingtons and Tim Heideckers "On Cinema" and I found myself really enjoying every minute of this show, and hoping that the ratings will be high enough for it to spawn several seasons. Some jokes didn't hit as well as others, while others still make me chuckle days after having watched it. Louie Anderson as Mrs. Baskets was great, and was the cherry on a near perfect milkshake. Can't wait for the next episodes.

I wish this show had more seasons

[ericanjensen · 10/10 · 22 April 2022]

It's the most heart warming, funny, and interesting show. I loved every minute of it. Momma Baskets is my favorite character of all time. RIP Louie.

Zach is so funny as Chip and Dale. Martha is so dry. She cracks me up.

Give it a try if you haven't already.

What? No laugh track?

[hopebuild · 9/10 · 10 April 2016]

I can't help it. I've come to love this show. The characters have grown on me. At first I was a bit taken aback at the style of the show. After about the first four episodes I was hooked. I can't wait to see what happens next to my dear Baskets family. The show is original, there is no laugh track, and it's more true to life than most television these days. Chip is a nice guy, an aspiring natural clown, and Bakersfield is a real town. What's not to love. I'll be rooting for Chip and hoping that the show is successful so that it will continue. Kudos to FX for airing this wonderful, refreshingly unique take on the American family. I think that the Baskets are more true to life than most people would care to admit. I for one have been in dire need of characters that are life like in a show. I hate to over analyze. All I know is that I love it. I hope there will be more.

I wish Christine Baskets was my mother!

[csumm · 29 July 2018]

Louis Anderson is the standout in this series. While Zach Galifianakis is a good actor in his own right, he is great here.. But Louis Anderson is outstanding. His performance makes me want him to be my mom.

The Humor Of Everyday Life

[atlasmb · 7/10 · 18 June 2017]

As other reviewers have written, this show is not for everyone. It relies heavily on characterization for humor, though the writing manages to wring jokes out of rather ordinary occurrences.

Louie Anderson plays Mrs. Baskets very effectively. I find myself recognizing people I have known in his portrayal of the quirky woman. There is plenty of humor to be found in someone merely portraying a character with absolute commitment.

Another standout is Martha (Martha Kelly), who quietly does her best to cope with the odd situations in which she is placed.

Zach Galifianakis is Chip Baskets, whose life ambition is to become a clown in the European tradition. It's a funny premise that becomes poignantly funny as he suffers for his (desired) art.

I love it

[tammibe · 10/10 · 23 April 2016]

Excellent comedy. Sensitive, smart and surprising episodes. Adicting. My husband and I watch few ephisodes every night and we wish it will not end. The development of the charactures is wonderful. Martha Kelly is an amazing comedian and thanks to the show I found her funny and lovely ephisodes in Utube. Louie Anderson plays Christine Baskets, mother of Dale and Chip and he is doing extra ordinary job as a loving, caring, supporting and desapointed mother. I love the idea of the two set of twins. It's great. Zach Galifianakis has everything. Charm, talent, sensitivity, humur and great sense of timing. I wish this show will run for as many seasons as possible.

Charming. Definitely not for everyone.

[sanjin_9632 · 7/10 · 10 February 2017]

Only about 40 reviews so far. Much less than I expected.

First of all, I like Zach G. I think he's very underrated as a comedian. His qualities are best put to use when playing weird people who turn out to be funny one way or the other. I'd like to point out his supporting role in a little show called Bored To Death, which was pure genius. He is definitely a comedian for the millennial generation. I think that describes it well.

In this, he's playing a guy that went to clown college in France to, of course, become a clown and bring joy into people's lives (and into his own). Very quickly the viewer realizes that he's a natural. The supporting cast is rather unknown, which gives the show even more charm.

It wasn't after the first season was almost over, that I realized Baskets' mom was actually played by a dude. A rather unknown comedian in Europe, Louie Anderson, is doing a terrific job. The role is dedicated to his late mother.

The one thing that actually really bugged me at first about this show, was the fact that Chip Baskets has an *evil* twin brother, who's also played by Zach G., but after a while it fits, because it's part of character development. This show is definitely weird, to say the least. Nevertheless, it's very endearing at times. Don't be fooled into thinking this is a straight comedy show, because it isn't. I'd describe it as a clown's late coming-of-age story. 6.9/10

The writing , the complex dark humor

[theknownames · 9/10 · 11 January 2021]

This is excellent . If I expected this to be a knee slapping comedy I would be dissatisfied, however as a dark, layered nuanced comedy it excels . The discomfort , the humanity, the gall lol. I am hooked, line and sinker . The season progresses quite beautifully as we learn more about the characters, their pain and plights are palpable . It is quite intelligent for a series and I recommend this to anyone who likes intricate and dark humor about life, family and success. It's hard to judge episode by episode , collectively however, the first season is 'most impressive' I am on to season 2.

Good

[coles_notes · 7/10 · 5 July 2022]

Created by Zach Galifianakis, Jonathan Krisel, and Louis C. K., I had long awaited started this show but having finally finished it I'm glad I watched it. This series follows Chip Baskets (Galifianakis), a struggling rodeo clown trying to make his way in the world, and often falling down along the way. Galifianakis who also plays his own twin Dale Baskets, is joined by his mother Christine played by Louis Anderson in a phenomenal performance and Martha, a friend and costco insurance agent, played by Martha Kelly. Again, Louis Anderson is fantastic and a reason to watch the show beyond Galifianakis, his character is a treat, and Martha Kelly brings her established deadpan style that works well. I fun, relatively lighthearted comedy that I enjoyed through and through, would recommend.

Everything is great in Baskets except, well, Baskets

[Laight · 5/10 · 17 February 2016]

Few shows get more things right and wrong all at once. On the one hand, the side characters are wonderful. Louie Anderson as the mother is brilliant, but all the others are terrific too -- Martha Kelly as Martha, Sabina Scuba as the horrible French wife, Chris McLaughlin as the cowboy clown, etc. This is the heart of the show, these character- driven bits that shine.

What doesn't work is the central character, Baskets the Clown. It's not that Zach G. can't act as well as the others. It's that the show has no idea who he is. Whereas the others' actions all derive from their characters, Baskets isn't a developed personality. It seems as though every scene is simply there to show what he might or might not do in a given situation, with no continuity or forethought. The creators just haven't figure out who he is -- yes, he's horrible, self-centered, and deluded... but that's not enough. He's just a mess of a central character.

The way to save this show is to get rid of him, and give the other characters the spotlight. (And oddly, Zach G. as his twin brother is another of the great side shows).

Without a clear sense of the central character, Baskets can't work.