Watch Impress Me
- 2015
- 1 Season
-
8.0 (176)
Impress Me is a comedic series that aired on Pop TV from March to April 2015, following the lives of two celebrity impressionists, Jim Meskimen and Ross Marquand, as they try to forge careers in Hollywood. The show consists of six half-hour episodes, and each episode is centered around a specific event or challenge that the two characters have to overcome in order to impress their audience or make a name for themselves in showbiz.
The show is structured like a sitcom, with a mix of scripted and improvised scenes that are interspersed with clips of the two impressionists performing their act. The main plot revolves around Jim and Ross trying to get bookings for their performances, as well as trying to make connections with industry insiders who might be able to help them land bigger gigs. Some of the challenges they face include performing at a Las Vegas casino, auditioning for a reality TV show, and trying to get noticed at a Hollywood party.
While the overall tone of the show is light and comedic, there are some more serious moments, especially when the characters are struggling to make ends meet or dealing with personal issues. Jim, in particular, is depicted as being somewhat of a washed-up has-been who is struggling to stay relevant in a world that has moved on from his particular brand of impressionism. Meanwhile, Ross is presented as being more of an up-and-comer, who is hungry to make a name for himself but often finds himself overshadowed by Jim's more established reputation.
One of the key strengths of Impress Me is the chemistry between its two leads. Jim and Ross have a great rapport and play off each other well, whether they are engaged in friendly banter or engaged in a full-fledged impression-off. Their dynamic is reminiscent of classic comedy duos like Abbott and Costello, and it's clear that the two actors have a deep respect and admiration for each other, both as performers and as people.
Another standout aspect of the show is the sheer number of impressions that are on display. Jim and Ross are both incredibly talented impressionists, and they pull out all the stops when it comes to mimicking celebrities and public figures from all walks of life. Some of the more impressive impressions include Jim's uncanny Jim Carrey, Robin Williams and George W. Bush impressions as well as Ross's Christopher Walken and Justin Timberlake impressions. The show never feels like it's simply a showcase for the actors' impersonation skills, however, as the impressions always serve a purpose within the context of the story.
In terms of production values, Impress Me is a relatively low-budget affair, with minimal sets and a small cast of recurring characters. However, the show makes up for this with its fast-paced editing and snappy dialogue, which keeps the action moving and the laughs coming. The show also benefits from a number of celebrity cameos, including appearances by Ariana Grande, Lisa Kudrow and Tom Arnold, among others.
Overall, Impress Me is a fun and engaging series that showcases the talents of two gifted impressionists. While the show may not have been groundbreaking or particularly groundbreaking, it was a solid piece of entertainment that offered a unique perspective on the world of comedy and showbiz. Despite its relatively short run, the show has gained a cult following and has helped to cement the reputations of both Jim Meskimen and Ross Marquand as some of the most talented impressionists working today.