Watch It's Garry Shandling's Show
- TV-14
- 1986
- 1 Season
-
7.7 (1,765)
It's Garry Shandling's Show is a comedic TV series created by Garry Shandling himself, which aired from 1986 to 1990. The show is a unique blend of a sitcom and a talk show, where Garry plays a fictional version of himself and constantly breaks the fourth wall by addressing the audience and acknowledging the fact that he's on a TV show. The show's format is highly unconventional, with segments that parody TV commercials and infomercials, celebrity guest appearances, and segments that depict Garry's personal life.
Garry Shandling's character is a struggling talk show host who opens each episode with a monologue before introducing the episode's theme. The opening monologues often delve into the character's personal issues, and the audience gets to know him and his personality quirks very well. Garry Shandling's character often discusses his personal life and relationships with his on-screen best friend Pete (played by Michael Tucci), his neighbor Nancy (played by Molly Cheek), and his agent Brad (played by Ian Buchanan). The characters are all unique, and their dynamics form the basis of much of the show's humor.
Throughout the show, the audience is introduced to several quirky characters who are part of Garry's life. Jessica Harper plays Garry's girlfriend Phoebe, who often appears on the show as a guest. Garry's best friend Pete is a hypochondriac who is constantly worried about his health. Nancy is a nosy and overbearing neighbor who always seems to be in the way. Garry's agent Brad is a sleazy, fast-talking agent who is always trying to get Garry a better deal. And then there's Garry's mother, played by Barbara Cason, who is always calling to discuss the problems of her personal life.
One of the show's defining features is Shandling's irreverent humor, which oscillates between satire, slapstick, and meta-humor. Garry Shandling tackles sensitive topics like infidelity, sexuality, and death with a light touch that borders on absurdist, and often throws the audience off balance with unexpected jokes and twists. The show's satire is far-reaching, taking on everything from advertising to social mores and celebrity culture, often with cutting humor.
The show's unique format allows for clever experimentation with humor, breaking down the fourth wall in a hilarious and exciting way. The show often features self-awareness and self-deprecation, with Garry and his best friend Pete often making fun of themselves and their own show. The audience always has a sense of being in on the joke, and Shandling's natural charm and sharp wit always shine through.
The show's quirky humor and unconventional format proved to be hugely popular with audiences, and It's Garry Shandling's Show garnered critical acclaim throughout its run. The show was a trailblazer that paved the way for future experimental comedies and influenced a generation of comedians. The show's seamless fusion of sitcom, talk show, and sketch comedy contains something for everyone, making it a timeless classic that is entertaining to this day.
In conclusion, It's Garry Shandling's Show is a unique and groundbreaking TV series created by the masterful comedian Garry Shandling. The show's format of blending sitcom, talk show, and sketch comedy into one cohesive whole is ambitious and executed to perfection. The show's humor is irreverent and irrepressible, and the characters are quirky and unforgettable. The show is a testament to Garry Shandling's comedic genius and his unerring ability to make his audience laugh. It's Garry Shandling's Show is a must-watch for any fan of comedy and remains relevant and entertaining to this day.
It's Garry Shandling's Show is a series that ran for 1 seasons (16 episodes) between September 10, 1986 and on Shout Factory