So, TV Land? Michael Rosenbaum? Lutheran pastor? Meh. I don't think so. Or do I... So I was just browsing the IMDb the other day looking for some new comedy and I stumbled upon Impastor. The premise sounded OK but the rest I wasn't so sure about. Being from the generation for which Smallville was defining TV show (not me personally though) I was quite familiar with Rosenbaum and I have to say I didn't like the guy. Watching the trailer left me hesitant but having nothing else to watch I tried it. And loved it! Rosenbaum is cool and funny but ultimately a bit dumb and simple (which is a good thing), David Rasche is charming, the rest is fine as well (loved the two cops). The writing quality is steady and the story is well paced. Please renew!
31 Reviews
Genuinely an enjoyable & funny show.
Web_Of_Doom8 November 2020
I decided to give it 9 out of 10 because it only had 2 seasons & needed more.
The only shame about the show was it was cancelled after season 2 ( especially on a cliff hanger, as every show that is cancelled should be given 6 more episodes to tie up storylines & give the loyal viewing audience closure of the characters ). The Hollywood reporter quote; "TV Land is parting ways with Impastor. The single-camera comedy starring Michael Rosenbaum has been canceled after two seasons on the Viacom-owned cable network." NOW IF I SEE SOMETHING FROM "TV LAND or VIACOM I THINK TO MYSELF THESE ORGANISATIONS DO NOT REALLY CARE ABOUT THE CONSUMER, JUST THE BOTTOM LINE. NETWORKS AND COMPANIES NEED TO BUILD THEIR BRANDS BY PROVING THEY CAN BE TRUSTED TO GIVE CLOSURE ON THEIR TV SHOWS... as no problem if you need to cancel a show but do it in the right way as give the show 6+ more episodes to thank the loyal audience please.
If anyone wants a great new show then buy the rights to "impastor" if you can get the main actors on board, as this is a potential hit show if it is marketed correctly as after watching 2 seasons of this comedy I can tell you it is a truly great show.
The only shame about the show was it was cancelled after season 2 ( especially on a cliff hanger, as every show that is cancelled should be given 6 more episodes to tie up storylines & give the loyal viewing audience closure of the characters ). The Hollywood reporter quote; "TV Land is parting ways with Impastor. The single-camera comedy starring Michael Rosenbaum has been canceled after two seasons on the Viacom-owned cable network." NOW IF I SEE SOMETHING FROM "TV LAND or VIACOM I THINK TO MYSELF THESE ORGANISATIONS DO NOT REALLY CARE ABOUT THE CONSUMER, JUST THE BOTTOM LINE. NETWORKS AND COMPANIES NEED TO BUILD THEIR BRANDS BY PROVING THEY CAN BE TRUSTED TO GIVE CLOSURE ON THEIR TV SHOWS... as no problem if you need to cancel a show but do it in the right way as give the show 6+ more episodes to thank the loyal audience please.
If anyone wants a great new show then buy the rights to "impastor" if you can get the main actors on board, as this is a potential hit show if it is marketed correctly as after watching 2 seasons of this comedy I can tell you it is a truly great show.
Impastor 2015-2016 ought, IMO, to have extended way past two seasons....
EvanCunW8t13 October 2020
As second wave of covid-19 is upon us wherever we are around the world, some small comfort is access to online streaming that offers some small relief by way of a chance to binge out on shows that for some, like myself, had escaped our notice. This show is one of a number of streaming recommendations based around previous viewing and though I didn't care much for Michael as he portrayed the role of lex Luther in Smallville, I have to say this show really did seem to broaden his capabilities in his chosen profession.
I. For one, would not even want to attempt to pursue as it seems an arduous task; though I do admire all those involved (be it those on screen enlisted as characters for our entertainment or just as importantly all the other people involved in bringing these tv shows or big screen films to life in this field of work for they provide us ordinary folk the chance to u wind and escape from everyday life for short spells - thank you
Michale and Sarah Rue; a most enjoyable actor who I have been fortunate to watch on screen in a number of shows over the last couple of years have brought to life the characters of Impastor in a most comedic and IMO highly entertainingly funny format. You don't have to be a Christian person to appreciate the humour of the writers of the show but if you are then, if you have a modicum of humour, I'm sure that you'll find it even more entertaining.
There are other members of the cast, most of whom, I haven't come across before but I'm sure as my viewing habits increase, especially with Covid-19 limiting social interaction options, these actors will become familiar faces to me. Bonita is someone I recal from watching the hilarious 5 seasons of the tv show 'Chuck' ( not 'Chucky' that spook little ventriloquist doll) where she played, like Michael, a completely different character was just an good in this show.
Mircea monroe, David and Mike, I guess, are considered main supporting actors casted to help bring the show's characters to life (apologise for not being savvy about how the entertainment industry works - I just appreciate being able to enjoy moments of escapism) and, though I may not be familiar to their acting it was a joy to be introduced to them along with the whole team of actors (whose names I may not of mentioned sorry) involved in this tv show as those madcap half hour programmes have been great to watch.
Unfortunately there are only two seasons and I'm currently enjoying season two - disheartened to know the series wasn't carried on after 2017. If you want to escape to some comedic and light entertainment then tune into this show and enjoy the capers of Michael et al as, IMO, it's a highly entertaining programme.
I. For one, would not even want to attempt to pursue as it seems an arduous task; though I do admire all those involved (be it those on screen enlisted as characters for our entertainment or just as importantly all the other people involved in bringing these tv shows or big screen films to life in this field of work for they provide us ordinary folk the chance to u wind and escape from everyday life for short spells - thank you
Michale and Sarah Rue; a most enjoyable actor who I have been fortunate to watch on screen in a number of shows over the last couple of years have brought to life the characters of Impastor in a most comedic and IMO highly entertainingly funny format. You don't have to be a Christian person to appreciate the humour of the writers of the show but if you are then, if you have a modicum of humour, I'm sure that you'll find it even more entertaining.
There are other members of the cast, most of whom, I haven't come across before but I'm sure as my viewing habits increase, especially with Covid-19 limiting social interaction options, these actors will become familiar faces to me. Bonita is someone I recal from watching the hilarious 5 seasons of the tv show 'Chuck' ( not 'Chucky' that spook little ventriloquist doll) where she played, like Michael, a completely different character was just an good in this show.
Mircea monroe, David and Mike, I guess, are considered main supporting actors casted to help bring the show's characters to life (apologise for not being savvy about how the entertainment industry works - I just appreciate being able to enjoy moments of escapism) and, though I may not be familiar to their acting it was a joy to be introduced to them along with the whole team of actors (whose names I may not of mentioned sorry) involved in this tv show as those madcap half hour programmes have been great to watch.
Unfortunately there are only two seasons and I'm currently enjoying season two - disheartened to know the series wasn't carried on after 2017. If you want to escape to some comedic and light entertainment then tune into this show and enjoy the capers of Michael et al as, IMO, it's a highly entertaining programme.
Take with a Generous Laugh!
lisacarlson5015 September 2015
Original and Funny; Impastor airs Wednesday evenings on TV Land. Actor, Executive Producer Michael Rosenbaum poses as the main character who is a gay Lutheran Pastor. Most of the cast including him I haven't seen before but they enrich his entertaining performance. Theater, film and television actor David Rasche as the uptight Aiden Schmidt is perhaps the most familiar as he was in the sitcom Sledge Hammer. He has appeared in many shows over his long career. Growing up Lutheran many of the stories and characters ring right and are drawn with delightful exaggeration. In this day and age of a very present LGBT ambiance it's important to give viewers the credibility of gay characters regardless if they are serious or funny. Impastor succeeds in spades.
No doubt- it's the best comedy of 2015.
dansuper930 August 2015
this show has extremely funny and crazy plot. the acting is superb, especially Michael rosenbaum (lex Luther of "smallvile") that show us a great comic ability.
the craziness of impastor reminds me the show "my name is earl", (althought it's way better).
many high-concept-sitcoms started this year. comedies with ongoing plot, like the last man on earth, unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, galavant, etc. i believe that impastor is now the best show of this sub-genre.
in age when every half-hour dramas with one silly joke per episode pretend to be "comedy", it's refreshing to see show that have many laughs.
i found this show last week, tried the first episode, and just found myself binging the first 6 episodes. too bad it's on TV-land, so most people never heard of, or under impression that this show is like TV land's other crap. also, it's ashame that TV land didn't promoted this great show as it should be.
in conclusion: do yourself a favor and try to watch the best current comedy show.
the craziness of impastor reminds me the show "my name is earl", (althought it's way better).
many high-concept-sitcoms started this year. comedies with ongoing plot, like the last man on earth, unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, galavant, etc. i believe that impastor is now the best show of this sub-genre.
in age when every half-hour dramas with one silly joke per episode pretend to be "comedy", it's refreshing to see show that have many laughs.
i found this show last week, tried the first episode, and just found myself binging the first 6 episodes. too bad it's on TV-land, so most people never heard of, or under impression that this show is like TV land's other crap. also, it's ashame that TV land didn't promoted this great show as it should be.
in conclusion: do yourself a favor and try to watch the best current comedy show.
Awesome Comedy Series
rameeezasif2 November 2016
Impastor is one of my most favorite TV shows these days. I love all the characters and they are doing a mighty awesome job. The script, the acting and the characters are brilliant to say the least. Michael Rosenbaum, Sara Rue, Mircea Monroe etc every one is doing justice to their roles in the best way possible.
It's always funny to see Michael Rosenbaum trying to run away when he fears he is going to get caught but at the end he gets away easily. It's a must watch comedy show if you like comedy.
I am a huge fan of comedy shows/sitcoms and Impastor is one of those shows i would be sad to see ending in the future.
P.S: I hope this show doesn't get cancelled.
It's always funny to see Michael Rosenbaum trying to run away when he fears he is going to get caught but at the end he gets away easily. It's a must watch comedy show if you like comedy.
I am a huge fan of comedy shows/sitcoms and Impastor is one of those shows i would be sad to see ending in the future.
P.S: I hope this show doesn't get cancelled.
Funny enough for me
deloudelouvain1 December 2016
I have to admit I was a bit skeptical when I saw it was on TV-Land. Even the good ratings on IMDb don't mean much to me because there are plenty of examples where I totally disagree with the ratings. But that's fine because everybody is entitled to his own opinion. Nevertheless I was surprised by Impastor, and even pleasantly surprised. Impastor is a series that will make you laugh unless you have no sense of humor at all. As an atheist I even enjoyed it more because I know there will be some tight-up religious people that will get offended by this mild humor. Michael Rosenbaum is funny to watch. His character as the fake gay pastor has enough potential to keep this show going for several seasons. Hopefully they do because we all need a bit of laughter every now and then.
Easy and Funny Watching
ajds488429 May 2020
I love this show!!!
sargentpwinkle9 April 2017
I loved this show!! I can't believe it got canceled. it was thrilling and the last episode was a cliff hanger (well all of the shows are like that) They actually canceled this show so they can add in that stupid cringey "Throwing shade" & that "Nobodies" show (those shows are complete poo, they won't last long)
The stressed out fast comedy here is genuine and so laughable ... if stayed on the same rhythm i'm expecting a huge possibility of renewals ..
Aktham_Tashtush23 July 2015
Nice Sitcom by TV Land ,, and honestly i kinda expected it to be the minute i knew it's a TV Land series ,, they are getting a near 100% success on their Sitcoms in the last 5 years.
The Idea of the series is new and genuinely fresh, the plot is perfectly flowing ,, and the comedy is organised, direct and so spot on . and sure presenting a dangerously stressed out fast comedy by "Buddy" is really laughable and worth giving attention to..all of these tangled scams he makes !!! i literally could watch a whole season in one day and not even pause for a second.
The casting is good, Michael Rosenbaum is really funny haven't seen him on TV since "Breaking In" three years ago and he's known from "Smallville" but in the movie industry he wasn't that active "thank god for that" so we could see him here.. Sara Rue, Mircea Monroe, David Rasche and everyone in the cast they all had an applaudable pilot.
Overall,, as the pilot went fine and here i'm also done with the second episode and it is staying strongly on the same level of hilariousness , so i'm expecting a really boosting season with great possibility of renewal for a multi-seasons.
The Idea of the series is new and genuinely fresh, the plot is perfectly flowing ,, and the comedy is organised, direct and so spot on . and sure presenting a dangerously stressed out fast comedy by "Buddy" is really laughable and worth giving attention to..all of these tangled scams he makes !!! i literally could watch a whole season in one day and not even pause for a second.
The casting is good, Michael Rosenbaum is really funny haven't seen him on TV since "Breaking In" three years ago and he's known from "Smallville" but in the movie industry he wasn't that active "thank god for that" so we could see him here.. Sara Rue, Mircea Monroe, David Rasche and everyone in the cast they all had an applaudable pilot.
Overall,, as the pilot went fine and here i'm also done with the second episode and it is staying strongly on the same level of hilariousness , so i'm expecting a really boosting season with great possibility of renewal for a multi-seasons.
Excellent Comedy !
rapha_aube13 July 2015
This show is a flawless comedy from the start to the end. I have never seen a pilot that was that perfect ! Michael Rosenbaum is AWESOME as Buddy ! The whole cast is great ! Watch this show if you want to laugh and have a great time ! I watched the pilot already 6 times and I show it to everyone I know, and they all loved it ! The premise on paper may not sound like a great story, but after watching the pilot, you will love it if you have a good sense of humor. Also, unlike what some people say, IT IS NOT AGAINST THE CHRISTIANS ! It's an inoffensive comedy that you can enjoy alone or with friends. I am encouraging you to embrace the show and see it as what it is : a T.V. show.
Unfinished
JennySmuts-SA25 December 2021
A comedy that's not funny
Sean_Biggins5 February 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I have a sneaking suspicion the reviewers who gave this a 10 are from friends and relatives that worked on the show and are just hoping to fool network execs into keeping the paychecks coming in. To be fair, I'm sure the cast could have done a better job had they been given something to work with but there's just very little there.
Actually this show reminds me of Corner Gas, it's the same kind of humour. Personally I never understood the appeal of Corner Gas and always felt the 'joke' was that you're such a loser you'll watch pretty much anything, even a comedy that's not funny. I was told that people in rural areas of Canada liked Corner Gas because it reminded them of their own boring communities. As an example, here's my version of a Corner Gas joke, and if you find this funny, then I'm sure you'll find Impastor a real hoot.
John: Hey Bob, how's the coffee today?..... Bob: Luke warm...... John: Huh, well then at least it'll be better than yesterday
Actually this show reminds me of Corner Gas, it's the same kind of humour. Personally I never understood the appeal of Corner Gas and always felt the 'joke' was that you're such a loser you'll watch pretty much anything, even a comedy that's not funny. I was told that people in rural areas of Canada liked Corner Gas because it reminded them of their own boring communities. As an example, here's my version of a Corner Gas joke, and if you find this funny, then I'm sure you'll find Impastor a real hoot.
John: Hey Bob, how's the coffee today?..... Bob: Luke warm...... John: Huh, well then at least it'll be better than yesterday
Don't Miss This Great New Comedy!
ramonaridgewell16 July 2015
I loved the premiere of Impastor, an edgy, fast-paced comedy about a low-life con man who steals the identity of a gay pastor. Thirty seconds into it, I was already laughing. It packed a huge amount of story into 23 minutes, with several sub-plots pushing the story along. Not only is it a great comedy, but there's action, drama and suspense. It's nice the show is set up with a season-long story arc and not just self-contained, discreet episodes—it left me wanting to see what would happen next.
Michael Rosenbaum is a good choice for the lead character, Buddy Dobbs. He captures the essence of the role as a reluctant impostor trying to make the best of his situation by pretending to be something he clearly knows nothing about. Rosenbaum's timing couldn't be more spot on, especially his comedic delivery.
The whole cast is able to convincingly develop their characters' personalities in the brief time they have on screen. Overall, this is well-cast, with Aimee Garcia playing the no-nonsense girlfriend, LeeAnne, that Buddy has to leave behind; Sara Rue as eager-to-please assistant, Dora; Mircea Monroe as sexy treasurer, Alexa, who has the hots for the new pastor; Mike Kosinski as the obviously gay secretary, Russell, who is very excited by Buddy's arrival; and David Rasche as the suspicious church president, Alden.
I'm really looking forward to the next episodes to see how the story unfolds. I would highly recommend this to adults, but probably only to mature teens, especially due to the use of strong language and some mature sexual themes.
Michael Rosenbaum is a good choice for the lead character, Buddy Dobbs. He captures the essence of the role as a reluctant impostor trying to make the best of his situation by pretending to be something he clearly knows nothing about. Rosenbaum's timing couldn't be more spot on, especially his comedic delivery.
The whole cast is able to convincingly develop their characters' personalities in the brief time they have on screen. Overall, this is well-cast, with Aimee Garcia playing the no-nonsense girlfriend, LeeAnne, that Buddy has to leave behind; Sara Rue as eager-to-please assistant, Dora; Mircea Monroe as sexy treasurer, Alexa, who has the hots for the new pastor; Mike Kosinski as the obviously gay secretary, Russell, who is very excited by Buddy's arrival; and David Rasche as the suspicious church president, Alden.
I'm really looking forward to the next episodes to see how the story unfolds. I would highly recommend this to adults, but probably only to mature teens, especially due to the use of strong language and some mature sexual themes.
Very funny show, Great cast, Totally worth watching.
shortcharlie25 August 2015
This is a very funny show, with excellent actors and great writing.
Michael Rosenbaum is quite good as Buddy Dobbs but it is the rest of the cast that really shines and brings this show together. All of the characters are very funny and interesting in their own ways and are portrayed perfectly by all the actors involved.
Keep in mind this is a light-hearted comedy with lots of crazy coincidences which require a slight suspension of belief in order to really get into the story.
Admittedly I had low expectations for this show from reading the premise but I was pleasantly surprised.
This is my first review on IMDb and just wanted to spread some awareness of how good this show is before it gets canceled undeservedly.
This show might not deserve 10/10 but I believe it is a solid 8/10.
Michael Rosenbaum is quite good as Buddy Dobbs but it is the rest of the cast that really shines and brings this show together. All of the characters are very funny and interesting in their own ways and are portrayed perfectly by all the actors involved.
Keep in mind this is a light-hearted comedy with lots of crazy coincidences which require a slight suspension of belief in order to really get into the story.
Admittedly I had low expectations for this show from reading the premise but I was pleasantly surprised.
This is my first review on IMDb and just wanted to spread some awareness of how good this show is before it gets canceled undeservedly.
This show might not deserve 10/10 but I believe it is a solid 8/10.
Simply Amazing, can't wait for the next episodes
jhonathaperes1 August 2015
I gotta say I'm a huge Michael fan and when I heard about this show I was so curious that I couldn't even imagine how would it go. First of all, the acting is nice, all the cast has good chemistry together, and there a lot of funny scenes. But what I love more about this whole show is the way it makes me feel, like how difficult it is to keep up with a lie, specially a huge one like the one in the show,for so long. Second of all, it is just brilliant the way everything is happening, it is very well architected, creating a very nice atmosphere, leaving us curious and wanting for more. I definitely hope this show stick for a few long years, because it is surely something unique, different from everything else regarding comedy nowadays.
I give a 10 out of 10, because it really made my day :)
I give a 10 out of 10, because it really made my day :)
Hidden gem
Bryan-12 March 2018
This is one of the funniest shows you've never seen. When I read the synopsis I thought I was going to hate this. A gay pastor? Thankfully the writers have some balls. There are weed and sex jokes. It has Sledge Hammer! What more needs to be said? I'm really upset this only got 2 seasons, but it's better than no seasons I guess.
Just okay
cherold17 December 2016
What's with all these 10-star reviews? I mean, seriously, is this a cult or something? It's perfectly fine, I can see people liking it, but 10 stars? Really brilliant comedies don't do this well on IMDb.
Anyway, some guy on the run winds up taking on the identity of a dead gay pastor and finds himself running the church in a small town. It's a cute idea. He's trying to cover up his past, figure out his life, and dealing with a gay guy and a straight woman who are both hot for him.
After the first episode, I thought it had some potential. Not a lot, but some. But after a second episode I decided that it was one of these watchable series that wasn't funny or involving enough to take me away from the many series I enjoy more.
Honestly, I didn't have much to say about this series and wasn't planning to write a review, but after seeing all these inexplicable 10- star reviews I thought I needed to offer some balance.
Anyway, some guy on the run winds up taking on the identity of a dead gay pastor and finds himself running the church in a small town. It's a cute idea. He's trying to cover up his past, figure out his life, and dealing with a gay guy and a straight woman who are both hot for him.
After the first episode, I thought it had some potential. Not a lot, but some. But after a second episode I decided that it was one of these watchable series that wasn't funny or involving enough to take me away from the many series I enjoy more.
Honestly, I didn't have much to say about this series and wasn't planning to write a review, but after seeing all these inexplicable 10- star reviews I thought I needed to offer some balance.
Extremely funny and unusual dark comedy
madfashionista19 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
************** SPOILERS!! **********
The initial premise--a horny heterosexual lowlife impersonating a dead gay pastor--was funny. But I wondered how it could sustain an entire show. Fortunately, the other characters have been rounded out since the cartoony first episode. They have also been given their own subplots, most of which work. And the actors have settled down since the first two episodes, after trying way too hard.
The humor is much darker than I expected, which makes me very happy! Michael Rosenbaum's Buddy is a fantastic scumbag. All of his choices are bad ones. He doesn't care about anyone but himself. Except for Dora, his overly sweet/inwardly raging assistant, none of the characters care much about anything except themselves. It's bracingly unsympathetic and doesn't try to make you care about the characters. Surprisingly, you do.
The best laughs come from the most outrageous gags. Such as Buddy's internal monologue as he slips his hand into a corpse's cleavage when her necklace drops into it. (long story) Narration: "Nip...old nip...old dead nip..." (Although Buddy's narration tends to hammer home the comedy too hard. )
In the same episode, to get his gullible assistant Dora to give up the necklace after Buddy accidentally presented it to her, he has his hooker accomplice impersonate a dying cancer patient in a wheelchair. With an oxygen mask, no less. The woman incoherently pleads with Dora for the necklace, as a dying wish. The brazen inhumanity of the joke is brilliant.
I'm only sorry this comedy is on TVLand. It deserves so much better than that.
The initial premise--a horny heterosexual lowlife impersonating a dead gay pastor--was funny. But I wondered how it could sustain an entire show. Fortunately, the other characters have been rounded out since the cartoony first episode. They have also been given their own subplots, most of which work. And the actors have settled down since the first two episodes, after trying way too hard.
The humor is much darker than I expected, which makes me very happy! Michael Rosenbaum's Buddy is a fantastic scumbag. All of his choices are bad ones. He doesn't care about anyone but himself. Except for Dora, his overly sweet/inwardly raging assistant, none of the characters care much about anything except themselves. It's bracingly unsympathetic and doesn't try to make you care about the characters. Surprisingly, you do.
The best laughs come from the most outrageous gags. Such as Buddy's internal monologue as he slips his hand into a corpse's cleavage when her necklace drops into it. (long story) Narration: "Nip...old nip...old dead nip..." (Although Buddy's narration tends to hammer home the comedy too hard. )
In the same episode, to get his gullible assistant Dora to give up the necklace after Buddy accidentally presented it to her, he has his hooker accomplice impersonate a dying cancer patient in a wheelchair. With an oxygen mask, no less. The woman incoherently pleads with Dora for the necklace, as a dying wish. The brazen inhumanity of the joke is brilliant.
I'm only sorry this comedy is on TVLand. It deserves so much better than that.
Very good series
karthikkadajji22 April 2017
The show is really funny and i don't know why there is not much rating for this. I hope they don't stop the series. The show is well scripted and the making is good. I love this pastor and he has a very good sense of humor. It is funny the way he gets into trouble and in the end finally gets it fixed. Despite so many deaths in the episodes, it is awesome.
Worst Show Ever
jfs-8774918 July 2015
This thing is so bad on so many levels, it's hard to know where to start. I gave it one star only because zero stars wasn't an option. It should be for this monstrosity. It's lewd, rude, crude, offensive and -- worst of all -- just not funny. It's got a cast filled with annoying one- dimensional cartoon characters among which there is absolutely no chemistry. The only potential bright spot is Sara Rue, but as competent as she is, she seems to have very little luck picking a winner to work in. Unfortunately, she's picked another major loser here. The good news is that if Ms. Rue's track record is any indication, this thing won't last beyond its first season. If TV Land was hoping that this mess would be a worthy successor to Hot In Cleveland or a stablemate for The Exes, they're delusional. It's hard to believe the network is so hard up for content that they actually bought this turd. They should be ashamed of themselves. What a total waste of time.
oh my god they weren't plants
micahhircsh8 June 2021
I watched this show cos i was reading the negative reviews about how all the 10 star reviews are friends of the show etc but i.. it is GOOD. It is so much fun. And the characters are fun. And relationships are cute and the jokes are GOOD. And michael rosenbaum is a naturally endearing dude - which goes along way for the absolute a-hole his character is. It got cancelled after two seasons cos god has to keep us humble.
Also, seriously, what is wrong with people who didn't like this? Did parks and rec give them brain damage?
Also, seriously, what is wrong with people who didn't like this? Did parks and rec give them brain damage?
A smart comedy with a new idea
danjer-3766216 July 2015
If you've watched it, remember how "The Last Man on Earth" started off with a bang? That particular series took a totally new concept, and made the pilot episode exceptional by utilizing a brand of comedy that's both genre-savvy and satirically realistic. Well, the pilot episode of "Impastor", starring (and produced by) Michael Rosenbaum, achieves the same effect. The situation the main character (Buddy Dobbs) finds himself in is just as wacky as what happened with The Last Man on Earth, and just like it, keeps its characters grounded in realistic personalities and reactions. This serves to make Impastor's characters both believable and relatable. Now all Impastor has to do is to avoid doing what "The Last Man on Earth" did after two episodes: devolving into yet another sub-par sitcom with copious amounts of hammy overacting and clichéd lines. I just hope the Nielsen ratings system gives this series a chance.
So wrong... In all the right ways
angiebee-789069 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
An excellent cast, an interesting premise, great sets and nice editing can only go so far. What makes or breaks a movie or television series is in large part due to the writing. I'm going to be honest with you and say Impastor is not for everyone. This show is actually targeting a very niche audience, which dislikes political correctness. Impastor has thrown all that out. Its got jokes about religion, homosexuality, sex, drugs, suicide, death, sickness and even... Scooby Doo! You name it, it's there. That said, I personally don't think the show is banging us over the head with anything or trying too hard (I think it's hysterical). It does require a BIG sense of humor about touchy subjects and, even so, the writers aren't attacking certain groups, but rather making fun in a playful manner. For example, in episode two, we learn that Lutherans don't pray for the dead. When Buddy, the atheist con man, hears Alden say that, he replies, "They're dead f-them." Can't handle a joke like that? Move along... The show also requires the viewers to have some suspension of disbelief, but then again, what doesn't? Think of how many books, movies, TV series wouldn't exist if the audience couldn't do that...So, yes, Buddy gets to live in a nice home, free. It's just a perk of the job. If none of the things I've mentioned before bothered you, I think you'll dig the show. It's refreshing and not only because of the subject matter, but the way the writers go about it, too. They found a sweet combination that is somehow dark, morbid, raunchy/gross out humor with stuff that is much more light and cute. Impastor is also not typical sitcom where the jokes are set up. It's very much character driven, so the jokes come naturally. In addition to that, the show is more serialized than other sitcoms. Each episode ends with a cliffhanger and there is a big story to be told. Now, I don't know about you, but I'm going along for the ride.
Finally!!
indiedavid23 July 2015
I was skeptical about this show since the promos were terrible and TVLAND has never produced an original series worth watching. However, I loved the premise so I gave it a chance and I am so glad I did. Over the past two decades, sitcoms have become a formulaic mess. They have all become platforms for stand up comedians or actors to walk through the motions of poorly written vaudeville material. "Set up...punchline, set up...punchline, predictable conclusion". The only shows that have attempted to use a true situational comedy format didn't last long (i.e. the brilliant "Don't Trust the B in Apt. 23). A true comedy features characters who are not trying to get laughs unlike the other garbage on TVLAND like "Hot in Cleveland" and "The Exes" (which might be the worst show ever to last more than one season) where each character tells a series of jokes completely unrelated to the story. I can only deduct that American audiences don't have the intellectual capacity to appreciate true comedy anymore so the networks have adopted the dummy format. Fortunately, somebody took a chance on this brilliant concept and they hit a home run. Every character is well thought out and highly effective. I am curious to see how the writers keep the story running since it lends itself to a quick conclusion. I have no doubt they will figure it out and I will be tuned in to watch it unfold.
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