:Mr. Show with Bob and David
{{Short description|Television series}}
{{about|the HBO series|the Netflix series|W/ Bob & David}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2021}}{{Infobox television
| image = Mrshow logo.gif
| caption =
| runtime = 30 minutes
| creator = Bob Odenkirk
David Cross
| starring = Bob Odenkirk
David Cross
John Ennis
Tom Kenny
Jill Talley
Jay Johnston
| executive_producer = David Cross
Troy Miller
Bob Odenkirk
John Moffitt
Dino Stamatopoulos
Brad Grey
Bernie Brillstein
| producer = Bill Odenkirk
Jay Johnston
| country = United States
| company = Brillstein-Grey Communications
Dakota North Entertainment
TriStar Television
(1995)
(season 1)
HBO
(1995)
(season 1)
HBO Original Programming
(1996–1998)
(seasons 2–4)
| theme_music_composer = Mark Rivers
| composer = Mark Rivers
Eban Schletter
| network = HBO
| first_aired = {{Start date|1995|11|03}}
| last_aired = {{End date|1998|12|28}}
| num_seasons = 4
| num_episodes = 30
| list_episodes =
}}
Mr. Show with Bob and David, also known as Mr. Show, is an American sketch comedy television series starring and hosted by Bob Odenkirk and David Cross. It aired on HBO from November 3, 1995, to December 28, 1998.
Cross and Odenkirk introduced most episodes as semi-fictionalized versions of themselves, before transitioning to a mixture of on-stage sketches performed in front of a live audience and pre-taped segments. The show featured a number of alternative comedians as both cast members and writers, including Sarah Silverman, Paul F. Tompkins, Jack Black, Karen Kilgariff, Tom Kenny, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Brian Posehn, Scott Adsit, Jill Talley, Scott Aukerman, Jerry Minor, Jay Johnston, and Dino Stamatopoulos.
It was nominated for four Primetime Emmy Awards, as well as a Golden Satellite Award. The show is currently available on Max.
Format
Each episode of Mr. Show consists of a series of sketches, at times surreal,{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/television/w-bob-david-a-revival-any-fan-of-mr-show-could-hope-for/article27234864/|title=W/ Bob & David: A revival any fan of Mr. Show could hope for|last=Hertz|first=Barry|date=November 12, 2015|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=January 16, 2016|archive-date=November 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109122521/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/television/w-bob-david-a-revival-any-fan-of-mr-show-could-hope-for/article27234864/|url-status=live}} each one transitioning to the next by a link in a manner reminiscent of Monty Python's Flying Circus or The State.{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2012/sep/13/your-next-boxset-mr-show | title=Your next box set: Mr Show with Bob and David | work=The Guardian | date=September 13, 2012 | access-date=May 1, 2014 | author=O'Neill, Phelim | archive-date=April 16, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416115051/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2012/sep/13/your-next-boxset-mr-show | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Show-Complete-Fourth-Season/dp/B0002ERXBS | title=Mr. Show - The Complete Fourth Season (2004) - Editorial Reviews | access-date=May 1, 2014 | author=Keogh, Tom | website=Amazon | archive-date=July 27, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727065028/https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Show-Complete-Fourth-Season/dp/B0002ERXBS | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.npr.org/2013/09/22/223352330/hollywood-said-no-but-mr-show-fans-said-yes | title='Hollywood Said No,' But 'Mr. Show' Fans Said Yes! | work=NPR | date=September 22, 2013 | access-date=May 1, 2014 | author=All Things Considered | archive-date=April 16, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416115819/https://www.npr.org/2013/09/22/223352330/hollywood-said-no-but-mr-show-fans-said-yes | url-status=live }} For example, a minor character in one sketch might return as the major character in the next. Often, common themes or storylines are returned to at different times throughout an episode. As a premium cable show, its audience was limited. DVD editions, however, opened the show to a broad new audience.{{cite book|author=Sacks, Mike.|year=2009|title=And Here's the Kicker: Conversations with 21 Top Humor Writers on Their Craft|publisher=Writer's Digest Books|isbn=978-1582975054}}{{cite journal|last=Spitz|first=Mark|year=2011|title=The Oral History of Mr. Show|journal=Spin|issue=April 2011}}
Every episode begins with an individual introducing the hosts. This role was filled by Mary Lynn Rajskub in the first two seasons. After her departure for personal reasons,{{cite book|last=Odenkirk|first=Naomi|page=52|year=2002 |title=Mr. Show: What Happened?! The Complete Story and Episode Guide|publisher=Squaresville Books|isbn=0971359784}} the introduction was made by a random character from that week's episode.
Episode titles were mostly quotes from the episode. For example, "Bush Is a Pussy" is written on a T-shirt worn by one of the characters. One of the exceptions is "Eat Rotten Fruit from a Shitty Tree", which is a line in a song within the episode that was eventually performed as an instrumental.
Certain lines of dialogue are often repeated by different characters during the course of a single show. For example there was "I was on the eighteenth hole!" in "The Biggest Failure in Broadway History" and "Who Let You In?" in the episode of the same name.
At the end of each episode's credits, a random celebrity is listed in the "Special Thanks" section. Examples include Rick Dees in the first episode and Greg Maddux in the third.
Episodes
{{Series overview
| color1 = #bebe2d
| link1 = #Season 1 (1995)
| episodes1 = 4
| start1 = {{Start date|1995|11|3}}
| end1 = {{End date|1995|11|24}}
| color2 = #B88F65
| link2 = #Season 2 (1996)
| episodes2 = 6
| start2 = {{Start date|1996|11|15}}
| end2 = {{End date|1996|12|20}}
| color3 = #B11321
| link3 = #Season 3 (1997)
| episodes3 = 10
| start3 = {{Start date|1997|9|12}}
| end3 = {{End date|1997|12|5}}
| color4 = #2F9DE1
| link4 = #Season 4 (1998)
| episodes4 = 10
| start4 = {{Start date|1998|10|26}}
| end4 = {{End date|1998|12|28}}
}}
=Season 1 (1995)=
{{Episode table |background= #bebe2d |overall= |season= |title= |prodcode= |airdate= |country=U.S. |episodes=
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 1
| EpisodeNumber2 = 1
| ProdCode = 101
| Title = The Cry of a Hungry Baby
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|11|3}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Entitilitus (Cold Open), Hitler Sings / Guys In Audience (Open), Hit By Truck, Asshole At Party, Watching VCR (Link), Change For A Dollar, Ronnie Dobbs, Ronnie Dobbs Movie, Incubation Pants / Show Sponsor (Close)
| LineColor = bebe2d
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 2
| EpisodeNumber2 = 2
| ProdCode = 102
| Title = What to Think
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|11|10}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Arts Funding (Cold Open), Tracking Collar (Open), Old Swerdlow, Books For Seniors, Good News, Jesus & Marshal (The 13th Apostle), Announcements, Commercials Of The Future (Globo-Chem), The Joke: The Musical, Senator Tankerbell (Tag)
| LineColor = bebe2d
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 3
| EpisodeNumber2 = 3
| ProdCode = 103
| Title = We Regret to Inform You
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|11|17}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Letters (Dear Globo-Chem / Mail Order Bride) (Open), Kissing Booth, Gay Porn Titles (Link), Third Wheel, Writer In Audience, Skrewballz, Video Complaints, Borden Grote, Soul Singer (Larry Black), Supermodel Hotline, Film Festival (Close)
| LineColor = bebe2d
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 4
| EpisodeNumber2 = 4
| ProdCode = 104
| Title = Who Let You In?
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|11|24}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Watching Chase Of The Chaste (Open), Popemobile Chase / News, Dudes Arguing (Link), Nil's Guitar Shop, Imminent Death Syndrome, Trial Of The Millennium, Spank, Expert Truck, Founding Fathers, History Museum, Watching Murders (Close)
| LineColor = bebe2d
}}
}}
=Season 2 (1996)=
{{Episode table |background= #B88F65 |overall= |season= |title= |prodcode= |airdate= |country=U.S. |episodes=
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 5
| EpisodeNumber2 = 1
| ProdCode = 201
| Title = Now Who Wants Ice Cream?
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|11|15}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Cabin In Woods (Cold Open), Sovereign Nation (Open), Mountain Dougie (Part 1), Peterson Family News (KPFN), Miracles (Link), Thrilling Miracles, Ernie Flies, Mountain Dougie (Part 2), Shampoo, F.F. Woodycooks, Independent Nations Games, Old Man In House (Tag)
| LineColor = B88F65
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 6
| EpisodeNumber2 = 2
| ProdCode = 202
| Title = A Talking Junkie
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|11|22}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: David Acts English, Rap (Open), Talking Junkie, New Son, Red Balloon, Mom & Pop Porn Shop, Ewww Girl Video, Video Soul, Rap! The Musical, Homage Awards, Creepy Peeping Videos (Tag)
| LineColor = B88F65
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 7
| EpisodeNumber2 = 3
| ProdCode = 203
| Title = The Biggest Failure in Broadway History
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|11|29}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Beating Hippie (Open), No Adults Allowed, No Slackers, New KKK (Link), Ad Awards, Mob Chase (Link), Drunk Cops, Iguana, Pet Funeral (Link), Jeepers Creepers – Semi-Star, Hippie Pie (Close), Hippie Pie (Tag)
| LineColor = B88F65
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 8
| EpisodeNumber2 = 4
| ProdCode = 204
| Title = If You're Going to Write a Comedy Scene, You're Going to Have Some Rat Feces in There
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|12|6}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Mr. Show Corporation (Open), Child Labor Writers' Room, Van Hammersly, Gay Son, Major Stockholder Interrupts (Link), Grass Valley Greg, Downsizing, Big Boss (Link), Bhopal / Newsreel, New San Francisco, GVG Cleans, Bhopal (Tag) | LineColor = B88F65
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 9
| EpisodeNumber2 = 5
| ProdCode = 205
| Title = Operation Hell on Earth
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|12|13}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Young Superstar (Open), Old Folks' Home, Deprivation, Hate Group, News Family Anchors, Recruiters, Blame-A-Thon (Link), Fartin' Gary, Second Wind, Older Superstar (Close)
| LineColor = B88F65
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 10
| EpisodeNumber2 = 6
| ProdCode = 206
| Title = The Velveteen Touch of a Dandy Fop
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|12|20}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Charity / Blind Gary (Open), Subway, Donut Shop, Megaphone Crooners, Greenlight Gang (Movie Execs), Coupon: The Trial, Coupon: The Movie, Credits Testimonials (Close)
| LineColor = B88F65
}}
}}
=Season 3 (1997)=
{{Episode table |background= #B11321 |overall= |season= |title= |prodcode= |airdate= |country=U.S. |episodes=
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 11
| EpisodeNumber2 = 1
| ProdCode = 301
| Title = Heaven's Chimney
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1997|9|12}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Heaven's Chimney (Open), Deprogramming, Heaven Tour, Crazy Religious Beliefs, Watch Us Have Sex, Blatant Sexual Symbolism Montage (Link), The Devastator, Directions, Educational Film Festival (Link), Medieval Science Film, Hail Satan, Cartoon (Cold Tag)
| LineColor = B11321
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 12
| EpisodeNumber2 = 2
| ProdCode = 302
| Title = Peanut Butter, Eggs, and Dice
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1997|9|19}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Very Special Episode (Cold Open), David Comes Out As Bald (Open), Ratings Man Song / Map (Link), Santa's Workshop, Tatiana (Hermaphrodite Weathergirl) (Link), Cock Ring Warehouse, Marriage Announcement, Fuzz: The Musical, Terry Gets An Award / Fly By Awards (Link), The Dewey Awards, Bob Lamonta, Handing Out Awards (Close)
| LineColor = B11321
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 13
| EpisodeNumber2 = 3
| ProdCode = 303
| Title = Oh, You Men
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1997|10|3}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Banana / Mayor Of Television (Open), Entertainment 4 Every 1, Ventriloquists, People Watching TV / TV Guide (Link), The Hanged Man, DeLongpre Dannon Show, Sticky Pads, Lie Detector, TeeVee TV (Link), Time Caplet, Druggachusettes, Lose The Lost Episode (Close), Monkey / Outer Space (Cold Tag)
| LineColor = B11321
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 14
| EpisodeNumber2 = 4
| ProdCode = 304
| Title = Flat-Top Tony and the Purple Canoes
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1997|10|10}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Mr. Show Morning Graphic (Cold Open), Womyn's Solidarity Collective (Open), Black & White Film (Hard Day's Night), VTV (Smoosh, Norma Jean Monster), Break Thru Weekend, Young People & Companions, Newscast Bloopers (Link), Fashion Forecast, Fashion Documentary, Constant Chum High (Link), Indomitable Spirit, Apocalypse Drill, Smoosh On Moon (Cold Tag)
| LineColor = B11321
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 15
| EpisodeNumber2 = 5
| ProdCode = 305
| Title = Please Don't Kill Me
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1997|10|24}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Swearing Jar (Open), TV Ministry (Link), Swearing Preacher, Rolling In It / Ferrari Poster (Link), Landlords, Victor & Dylan, Fad Three, Hunger Strike, Mayostard / Mustardayonnaise, Evil Genius Telethon, Mustmayostardayonnaise (Cold Tag)
| LineColor = B11321
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 16
| EpisodeNumber2 = 6
| ProdCode = 306
| Title = Goin' on a Holiday
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1997|10|31}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Elderly (Open), Age War, Bills, Bills, Bills! (Link), Our Secret Love, Marriage Photo (Link), Photo Shop, Blowing Up The Moon, Spunk, Don Pratt, SMC / Streakers, Streak Dome '97, Elderly Taking Over (Link), Goin' On A Holiday
| LineColor = B11321
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 17
| EpisodeNumber2 = 7
| ProdCode = 307
| Title = Bush is a Pussy
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1997|11|7}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Kedzie Backstage (Cold Open), Kedzie Takes Over (Open), Worthington's Law (Link), Value Magazine, Ranking Monkey (Link), Siamese Twins, Bad News Breakers, Mafia Mathematicians, 24 Is The Highest Number / Marching Band (Link), Philouza, Mediocrity (Close), Dr. Katz (Cold Tag)
| LineColor = B11321
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 18
| EpisodeNumber2 = 8
| ProdCode = 308
| Title = It's a No-Brainer
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1997|11|14}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Li'l Devil Knee Socks (Cold Open), Protesters (Open), Protesters, On The Spot News, Lineup Room / VTV (Link), Culture Hunt, Frankly Anne, Europe Maps (Link), Jack Webber, Calendar (Link), Dream Of A Lifetime, Massage Cream Commercial, Anders' Press Conference / Sloppy (Close), Fishing (Cold Tag)
| LineColor = B11321
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 19
| EpisodeNumber2 = 9
| ProdCode = 309
| Title = A White Man Set Them Free
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1997|11|28}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Viewer Hate Mail / Cracker Barrel (Open), Bob And David Go To Mail Box, Sarcasmo, Marriage-Con And Boat Show, Map (Link), Biosphere, Humanimal / Ice Cream Flavors (Link), The Last Indian, Vietnam Helicopter (Link), Army Scene, Night Talk With The Senate Subcommittee, All-Star Salute To The Last Indian, Last Indian (Cold Tag)
| LineColor = B11321
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 20
| EpisodeNumber2 = 10
| ProdCode = 310
| Title = The Return of the Curse of the Creature's Ghost
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1997|12|5}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Moe Phelps (Open), Gus Kryzinski, Night Janitor, Local World News, Blowjob, Blowjobs (Link), Titannica, Music Video (Link), Pre-Taped Call-In Show, The Return Of The Curse Of The Creature's Ghost, Chip On Your Shoulder Club, Up Your Mother's Ass, Moe Phelps' Play (Close)
| LineColor = B11321
}}
}}
=Season 4 (1998)=
{{Episode table |background= #2F9DE1 |overall= |season= |title= |prodcode= |airdate= |country=U.S. |episodes=
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 21
| EpisodeNumber2 = 1
| ProdCode = 401
| Title = Life is Precious and God and the Bible
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|10|26}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Medical Marijuana (Open), Pharmacy, Electric Underwear (Link), Law School, Apple Butter (Link), Cloning Hitler, Lifeboat, Final Thought (Link), Scams & Flams, Weather (Close)
| LineColor = 2F9DE1
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 22
| EpisodeNumber2 = 2
| ProdCode = 402
| Title = Show Me Your Weenis!
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|11|2}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Rat Pack (Open), Mr. Show Boys' Club, Stealing News, Toenapper News Intro (Link), Toenapper, Underground Tapes, Wyckyd Sceptre, Butt Plugs (Link), Menocu Blind House, Racist In The Year 3000, Benny Hill (Close)
| LineColor = 2F9DE1
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 23
| EpisodeNumber2 = 3
| ProdCode = 403
| Title = Rudy Will Await Your Foundation
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|11|9}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Blooper (Open), Superstar Machine, Phone Sex, Dude's Dude (Link), Audition, Dad & You, Prenatal Pageant, The Burgundy Loaf, Frenchie Delivers (Close)
| LineColor = 2F9DE1
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 24
| EpisodeNumber2 = 4
| ProdCode = 404
| Title = The Story of Everest
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|11|16}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Lethal Logo (Cold Open), Sweetie Pie (Open), Family Of Five (Link), Rapist, Clumsy Waiter, Pallies, Food Ads (Fairsley Foods), Everest, Bumbling Fool (Close), Sweetie Pie (Cold Tag)
| LineColor = 2F9DE1
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 25
| EpisodeNumber2 = 5
| ProdCode = 405
| Title = It's Perfectly Understandishable
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|11|23}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Rehearsal (Open), Those Amazing Actors, Blind Girl, Emergency Psychic Hotline, Dalai Lama, Monk Academy, Chimp (Close)
| LineColor = 2F9DE1
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 26
| EpisodeNumber2 = 6
| ProdCode = 406
| Title = It's Insane, This Guy's Taint
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|11|30}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Dead Crew Guy (Cold Open), Speakers, Blind Date (Link), Intervention, Ka-Ching (Link), Stop, Change Thieves, Men's Club Of Allah (Link), Be Kind, Rewind, The Windbreaker, 'Taint, Dream Weaver (Close)
| LineColor = 2F9DE1
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 27
| EpisodeNumber2 = 7
| ProdCode = 407
| Title = Eat Rotten Fruit from a Shitty Tree
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|12|7}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Water Cooler (Open), Marty Farty, Date With Queen, Spite Marriage, Heaven's Gate (Link), God's Book-On-Tape, Monster Mash, Coffee Hunt (Close)
| LineColor = 2F9DE1
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 28
| EpisodeNumber2 = 8
| ProdCode = 408
| Title = Like Chickens...Delicious Chickens
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|12|14}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Reparations (Open), Mississippi Fun Bucks, Bugged Drug Deal, America's Dumbest Juries (Link), Rich Guy Negative Ads, The Great Hemingway, Most Trusted News Team, Fat Survivor, 2000 lb. Old Man (Link), Civil War Reenactments, Pledge Drive (Close)
| LineColor = 2F9DE1
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 29
| EpisodeNumber2 = 9
| ProdCode = 409
| Title = Sad Songs Are Nature's Onions
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|12|21}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Ratings Child (Open), Debate, Music Offer, Inside The Actor, Lost Inside The Actor, Earth Shoes, Dying Planet (Link), Teardrop Awards, Shrunken Mr. Show (Close)
| LineColor = 2F9DE1
}}
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 30
| EpisodeNumber2 = 10
| ProdCode = 410
| Title = Patriotism, Pepper, and Professionalism
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|12|28}}
| ShortSummary = Sketches: Resort (Cold Open), Exec (Open), Money Warning, Warnings (Link), Weeklong Romance, Godyssey (Link), Marilyn Monster Pizza Parlours, Info Jimmy, Goodbye, Tombstone / Vendetta (Link), Vendetta, Info Jimmy (Close)
| LineColor = 2F9DE1
}}
}}
Production
Odenkirk and Cross had both been involved in the sketch show The Ben Stiller Show, with Odenkirk as one of the actors and Cross a writer. The two found a common sense of humor and tried their hand at taking some of the ideas that did not work well on the show to a local comedy club. Their routines were very successful, leading Odenkirk's manager Bernie Brillstein to try to find a means to make them into a television show. HBO had already been scouting the pair, given the two's past roles in other influential comedies, including The Larry Sanders Show, and quickly greenlit the show, providing enough funds for a two-episode order. They managed to stretch the budget of the two-episode order to cover four episodes for the first season.{{cite web | url = https://www.spin.com/2011/03/mr-show-oral-history/ | title = Mr. Show: The Oral History | first = Marc | last = Spitz | date = March 13, 2011 | access-date = February 5, 2021 | work = Spin }}
The show continued for three additional seasons. However, ahead of the fourth season, HBO rescheduled the show into a Monday midnight slot, which made it difficult to find, and resulted in poor ratings, leading HBO to cancel the show after the fourth season.{{cite web | url = https://www.wbur.org/npr/223352330/hollywood-said-no-but-mr-show-fans-said-yes | title = 'Hollywood Said No,' But 'Mr. Show' Fans Said Yes! | date = September 22, 2013 | access-date = February 4, 2021 | work = NPR }}
Contributors
Mr. Show's main cast for the entire run consisted of David Cross, John Ennis, Tom Kenny, Bob Odenkirk, and Jill Talley. Cross, Ennis, and Odenkirk appeared in each season. Kenny left the show after the third season, returning for one episode of season four. Talley appeared in all episodes except for four towards the end of the third season. Jay Johnston, a featured performer throughout the series, was credited as a member of the main cast for the final episode of the show.
=Main cast=
- David Cross
- Bob Odenkirk
- John Ennis
- Tom Kenny (seasons 1–3, and episode #402)
- Jill Talley
- Jay Johnston (main season 4, previously featured)
=Featured cast and frequent collaborators=
{{div col}}
- Scott Adsit (season 4)
- Scott Aukerman (season 2–4)
- Jack Black (seasons 1–2)
- Jay Johnston (seasons 1–4)
- Karen Kilgariff (seasons 3–4)
- Jerry Minor (episode #205, season 4)
- Theresa Mulligan (episode #204, season 3)
- Bill Odenkirk (seasons 1–4)
- Brett Paesel (seasons 2–4)
- B. J. Porter (episodes #205 and #307, season 4)
- Brian Posehn (seasons 1–4)
- Mary Lynn Rajskub (seasons 1–2)
- Mark Rivers (season 4)
- Sarah Silverman (episode #103, season 3)
- Dino Stamatopoulos (seasons 2–4)
- Becky Thyre (season 4)
- Paul F. Tompkins (seasons 1–4)
{{div col end}}
=Writing staff=
{{div col}}
- Bob Odenkirk (episode #101–#410)
- David Cross (episode #101–#410)
- Jay Johnston (episode #203–#410)
- Bill Odenkirk (episode #203–#410)
- Dino Stamatopoulos (episode #203, #206–#401, #403–#410)
- Paul F. Tompkins (episode #203–#310)
- Brian Posehn (episode #204–#205, #301–#408)
- Mike Stoyanov (episode #301–#305)
- Mike Upchurch (episode #301–#310)
- Scott Aukerman (episode #401–#410)
- Jerry Collins (episode #401–#407)
- B. J. Porter (episode #401–#410)
- Eric Hoffman (episode #406–#410)
{{div col end}}
=Contributing writers=
- Tom Kenny (episode #308)
- Brent Forrester (episode #308, #404)
- Brian Posehn (episode #410)
Reception
Mr. Show with Bob and David was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program at the 50th Primetime Emmy Awards, losing to Dennis Miller Live, and also received a nomination for the song "How High The Mountain" in the category of Outstanding Music and Lyrics. The following year it was renominated for Outstanding Writing, losing this time to The Chris Rock Show, and also received a Creative Arts Emmy Award nomination for lighting director Simon Miles.
At the 9th Golden Satellite Awards in 2004, the show's third season DVD set was nominated for "Best DVD Release of TV Shows."{{cite web | url= https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112084/awards | title= Awards for Mr. Show with Bob and David | access-date= 2013-06-02 | website= IMDb | archive-date= 2017-02-08 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170208064053/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112084/awards | url-status= live }}
In 2010, prompted by the announcement of IFC's plans to re-air Mr. Show, it was included in a short list of "TV's greatest cult comedy series" by The A.V. Club.{{cite web |url=https://www.avclub.com/ifc-adds-the-larry-sanders-show-mr-show-other-awesom-1798222907 |title=IFC adds The Larry Sanders Show, Mr. Show, other awesome shows |first=Sean |last=O'Neal |website=The A.V. Club |date=December 2, 2010 |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116171202/https://news.avclub.com/ifc-adds-the-larry-sanders-show-mr-show-other-awesom-1798222907 |url-status=live }}
Related projects
File:Mr._Show_at_Festival_Supreme.jpg in 2013{{Cite web|last=Brown|first=August|date=2013-10-17|title=Festival Supreme: A comedy Coachella on the Santa Monica Pier|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-tenacious-d-20131017-story.html|access-date=2021-06-02|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}}]]
=''Run Ronnie Run''=
{{Main|Run Ronnie Run!}}
Mr. Show also spawned a spin-off movie, Run Ronnie Run, which was shown at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival,{{cite web | url= http://history.sundance.org/films/2626/run_ronnie_run | year= 2002 | title= Run Ronnie Run! | publisher= Sundance Film Festival | access-date= 2013-06-02 | archive-date= 2020-11-16 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201116171150/http://history.sundance.org/films/2626/run_ronnie_run | url-status= live }} but went straight-to-DVD. In an April 2004 article in Chunklet magazine, Odenkirk noted numerous problems they had had with the film, blaming the film's director, Troy Miller, who "chose to freeze us out, hold us at arm's length and not let us influence the movie nearly on the scale that we should have."{{cite web| url=http://www.bobanddavid.com/interviews.asp?artID=116| archive-date= 2007-06-07| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070607210342/http://www.bobanddavid.com/interviews.asp?artID=116 | title= Is Run, Ronnie, Run Overrated? You bet. Here's why.|date= April 29, 2004|author=Bob Odenkirk (as told to Henry Owings)| work= Chunklet | access-date=2013-06-02| quote= Look, people are angry at New Line. Don't be angry at New Line. The only thing New Line did "wrong" was not defend us. But in their defense, they didn't know who we were! ... On the other hand, the person to blame is the director, who knew us, and knew how important we were to our own comedy, and chose to freeze us out, hold us at arm's length and not let us influence the movie nearly on the scale that we should have.}}
=''Mr. Show Live: Hooray for America!''=
In September 2002, original cast members Bob Odenkirk, David Cross, John Ennis, Brian Posehn and Stephanie Courtney toured in a show called Mr. Show: Hooray for America!!!. The two-month stint included "distillations" of some of Mr. Show's sketches, such as "The Burgundy Loaf", and new material.{{cite news|first=Sam|last=Adams|url=http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2002-09-19/artpicks4.shtml|title=Mr. Show: Hooray for America!|date=2002-09-19|access-date=2007-12-05|archive-date=2012-07-29|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729134243/http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2002-09-19/artpicks4.shtml|url-status=live}} In the stage show, the large fictitious mega-corporation Globo-Chem ("We own everything, so you don't have to!") sponsors David's stage persona to run for the presidency of the United States.{{cite news|first=James|last=Sullivan|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2002/10/03/DD176439.DTL|title='Mr. Show' time|date=2002-10-03|access-date=2007-12-05|work=The San Francisco Chronicle}}
The tour included 16 large cities and college towns in North America: San Diego, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, Boston, Ann Arbor, Chicago, Madison, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, Eugene, Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver.{{cite news|first=James|last=Sullivan|url=http://www.arthurmag.com/magpie/?p=221|title=Bob and David in 'Hooray for America!!'|date=June 30, 2002|access-date=2013-06-02|archive-date=2020-11-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116171142/https://arthurmag.com/2002/06/30/boband-david-in-hooray-for-america/|url-status=live}}
=''Hollywood Said No!''=
In September 2013, Grand Central Publishing released Hollywood Said No!: Orphaned Film Scripts, Bastard Scenes, and Abandoned Darlings from the Creators of Mr. Show, a book of rejected scripts and unused Mr. Show sketches. The audiobook version included full cast readings by former Mr. Show performers and writers. One of the rejected scripts is the original version of Hooray for America!, which had earlier been adapted as part of the Mr. Show Live tour.Odenkirk, Bob, David Cross and Brian Posehn. Hollywood Said No!: Orphaned Film Scripts, Bastard Scenes, and Abandoned Darlings from the Creators of Mr. Show (2013). Paris: Hachette Audio. Audio
=''Mr. Show Zoomtacular Annual Business Call for Charity''=
During the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020, Cross, Odenkirk and most of the show's supporting cast including Kenny, Talley, Johnston, Ennis, Aukerman, Posehn, Paesel, Rajskub, and Tompkins, created a Zoom-based streaming Mr. Show reunion event, the Mr. Show Zoomtacular Annual Business Call for Charity, with proceeds benefiting the LIFT charity. The event featured new sketches in the style of Mr. Show, as well as updates from the various cast members on their own current projects, and concluded with the cast and additional friends singing a cover of "Eat It" by "Weird Al" Yankovic, who also participated, that mocked a prior attempt to cover "Imagine" by Gal Gadot and other celebrities performed earlier.{{cite web | url = https://www.vulture.com/2020/05/bob-odenkirk-david-cross-mr-show-zoom-reunion.html | title = Bob Odenkirk and David Cross Reunite the Mr. Show Gang for a Night of New Sketches | first = Vikram | last = Murthi | date = May 14, 2020 | access-date = May 14, 2020 | work = Vulture | archive-date = November 16, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201116171208/https://www.vulture.com/2020/05/bob-odenkirk-david-cross-mr-show-zoom-reunion.html | url-status = live }}
Legacy
While the show was never viewed by a mass audience due to its premium cable broadcast, it remains a highly influential piece of American sketch comedy. Many involved with the show have gone on to become staples of the American comedy landscape.
The Sarah Silverman Program was written by and stars Sarah Silverman, and features Jay Johnston and Brian Posehn. Arrested Development features David Cross as regular character Tobias Fünke; the series also had guest spots filled by Mr. Show alumni, such as Bob Odenkirk as a marriage counselor, Jerry Minor and Jay Johnston as gay cops, and John Ennis as a mall security guard. Jack Black had supporting roles in Mr. Show. Cross and Odenkirk would go on to work with Black on producing a show for HBO for the comedy band Tenacious D which would also feature Mr. Show alumnus Paul F. Tompkins.
In January 2011, IFC began airing 90-minute blocks of Mr. Show, The Ben Stiller Show, Action and The Larry Sanders Show three times per week. The programming block was often hosted by Mr. Show writer and actor Scott Aukerman, who also conducted new interviews with the shows' contributors and younger comedians who have been influenced by the shows. The song "Adam's Song" by American pop punk band Blink-182 got its name as a tribute/reference to a sketch from the show about a band that writes a song by the same name with similar lyrical content. This was confirmed by Cross in an interview, who said "They were fans of the show and that was a knowing tribute that I thought was pretty cool."{{cite news|title=Monsters of Mock: David Cross on the Music of "Mr. Show"|date=July 23, 2015|publisher=Pitchfork Media|author=Berman, Stuart|access-date=March 24, 2016|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/interview/9690-monsters-of-mock-david-cross-on-the-music-of-mr-show/|archive-date=November 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116171147/https://pitchfork.com/features/interview/9690-monsters-of-mock-david-cross-on-the-music-of-mr-show/|url-status=live}}
=''David's Situation''=
Odenkirk and Cross reunited in 2008 to create the HBO pilot David's Situation, which was shot but never aired.Vanity Fair article: "[https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2008/04/david-cross-and Mr. Pilot!: An Interview with Bob Odenkirk and David Cross] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116171142/https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2008/04/david-cross-and |date=2020-11-16 }}."The A.V. Club article: "[https://www.avclub.com/david-cross-1798221900 David Cross] ." The network gave the pair $400,000 to shoot a pilot (which was shot on the Everybody Loves Raymond soundstage), which appeared to go well during the taping; however, while Cross and Odenkirk were editing the episode, they felt it failed to "capture that same energy on screen."Vanity Fair article: "[https://www.vanityfair.com/online/oscars/2010/10/david-cross-says-he-is-not-angry-or-bitter.html David Cross Pleads Mercy for Insulting Your Best Friend Jesus] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116171130/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2010/10/david-cross-says-he-is-not-angry-or-bitter |date=2020-11-16 }}." In an interview with Vanity Fair, Cross said, "We told them that we didn't want to do this show, we'd rather do Mr. Show 2.0. And they were like, 'Yeah, O.K., that's great, but the thing is, we don't have any more money for this year. But we'll figure out something next year.' And we never heard from them again."
=Comedians and shows inspired by ''Mr. Show''=
Comedy duo Tim & Eric have said their program Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! was highly inspired by Mr. Show.Cracked article: "[http://www.cracked.com/article_15258_5-funniest-mr-show-sketches.html 5 of the Funniest Mr. Show Sketches] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116171211/https://www.cracked.com/article_15258_5-funniest-mr-show-sketches.html |date=2020-11-16 }}." Odenkirk served as the producer on Awesome Show as well as Tom Goes to the Mayor and The Birthday Boys.
Other sketch comedy shows whose creators have cited Mr. Show as an influence include Portlandia, Key & Peele, Kroll Show, The Whitest Kids U' Know, People's Emergency Guide and Human Giant.{{cite web |last=Evans |first=Bradford |date=June 20, 2014 |title=Diving Deep Into the Legendary 'Mr. Show' Season 3 Writing Staff |url=https://www.vulture.com/2014/06/writing-staff-breakdown-mr-show-season-3.html |work=Vulture}} After winning a Golden Globe for Abbott Elementary, creator/star Quinta Brunson named Mr. Show as an inspiration and personally thanked fellow nominee Bob Odenkirk.{{Citation |title=Abbott Elementary Wins Best Musical/Comedy Television Series {{!}} 2023 Golden Globe Awards on NBC |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okd7GQ2Zm7I |access-date=2023-07-05 |language=en}}
Revival
{{Main|W/ Bob & David}}
In April 2015, Netflix acquired Mr. Show and put in an order for four half-hour episodes and one hour-long "making-of" special.{{cite magazine |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |url=https://deadline.com/2015/04/bob-odenkirk-david-cross-sketch-comedy-series-netflix-1201403256/ |title=Netflix Orders Sketch Series From 'Mr. Show's Bob Odenkirk & David Cross |magazine=Deadline |date=2015-04-02 |access-date=2015-12-24 |archive-date=2019-05-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190519185130/https://deadline.com/2015/04/bob-odenkirk-david-cross-sketch-comedy-series-netflix-1201403256/ |url-status=live }} The announcement was a followup to a Twitter post from Paul F. Tompkins teasing about "something new coming from the Mr. Show gang in the new year."{{cite magazine |url=https://deadline.com/2014/12/mr-show-reunion-paul-f-tompkins-david-cross-bob-odenkirk-1201339149/ |title='Mr Show' Reunion In 2015? Paul F. Tompkins Teases With Tweet |magazine=Deadline |date=2014-12-31 |access-date=2015-12-24 |archive-date=2016-03-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330191700/http://deadline.com/2014/12/mr-show-reunion-paul-f-tompkins-david-cross-bob-odenkirk-1201339149/ |url-status=dead }} W/ Bob & David premiered on November 13, 2015.{{cite web |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/02/bob-odenkirk-david-cross-netflix_n_6994374.html |title=Bob Odenkirk & David Cross Are Reuniting For A Netflix Series |last=Whitney |first=Erin |date=April 2, 2015 |website=The Huffington Post |publisher=Arianna Huffington |access-date=April 6, 2015 |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116171132/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/bob-odenkirk-david-cross-netflix_n_6994374 |url-status=live }}
Characters
{{More citations needed section|date=June 2013}}
Odenkirk and Cross mostly avoided using recurring characters a la Saturday Night Live,{{cite book|author=Odenkirk, Naomi.|page=72|year=2002|title=Mr. Show: What Happened?! The Complete Story and Episode Guide|publisher=Squaresville Books|isbn=0971359784}} but some characters made repeat appearances:
| class="wikitable sortable" | ||
| Character
! Actor ! class="unsortable" | Description | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ronnie Dobbs | David Cross | A white trash habitual petty criminal, regularly caught in the act on Fuzz, a COPS-like program. Known for the catchphrases "Y'all are brutalizing me" and "Let's have us a champagne jam!". Sketch also launched Maynard James Keenan's band Puscifer. |
| Grass Valley Greg | David Cross | An eccentric billionaire computer genius who invented the delete key, loves vegan sweets and retarded goats. |
| Dylan | David Cross | A pretentious man clad in a long scarf, even in hot weather, and friend of Droopy. He shuns popular American culture and modern technology.In audio commentary,{{specify|date=June 2013}} castmates describe Cross's first impression on them being reminiscent of Dylan. |
| Terry Twillstein | Bob Odenkirk | British television producer who discovers Ronnie Dobbs and tries to utilize him in a West End-like fashion. |
| Sen. Howell Tankerbell | Bob Odenkirk | An ultra-conservative Georgia Dixiecrat Senator |
| Blueberry Head | David Cross | A blue-haired comedian who serves as a parody of Carrot Top known for his use of nonsensical props |
| Fancy Pants | Bill Odenkirk | A dandy who makes occasional silent, walk-ons. First seen clad in Edwardian garb he makes his second appearance in a more Elizabethan style. |
| Droopy | Bob Odenkirk | A twenty-something slacker. He wants to work at a local museum, though he has few qualifications. He never went by any name during the show. |
| Three Times One Minus One | David Cross and Bob Odenkirk | An R&B duo from Scarsdale made up of Pootie T. (Cross) and Wolfgang Amadeus Thelonius Von Funkenmeister the XIX 3/4 (Odenkirk). They are sponsored by The WPCBCN ("White People Co-opting Black Culture Network"). |
| Kedzie Matthews | Tom Kenny | A hyperactive comedian whose humor is overblown. |
| Famous Mortimer | Patton Oswalt | A director known for his documentary "Naked Ambition" and "Coupon: The Movie." Son of, among others, recently divorced newscast members. |
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{wikiquote}}
- {{IMDb title | id=0112084 | title= Mr. Show }}
{{Bob Odenkirk}}
{{David Cross}}
{{HBONetwork Shows}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mister Show with Bob and David}}
Category:1995 American television series debuts
Category:1998 American television series endings
Category:1990s American sketch comedy television series
Category:1990s American surreal comedy television series
Category:American English-language television shows
Category:HBO original programming
Category:1995 establishments in California