Watch Michael and Michael Have Issues

Michael and Michael Have Issues is a comedy show that aired on Comedy Central in 2009. Starring Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter, the show follows the two comedians as they work through the issues they face while creating and producing a sketch comedy show.

The show-within-a-show format is similar to other comedies like The Larry Sanders Show, in which the behind-the-scenes drama serves as the main focus. However, Michael and Michael Have Issues adds a unique twist by incorporating the actual sketches the duo has created into the episode.

The show features Black and Showalter playing fictionalized versions of themselves, constantly bickering and arguing over the most minor details. They are often at odds with the show's producer, Jim Biederman, played by Josh Pais. Biederman is constantly trying to keep the show on track while dealing with the two Michaels' differing opinions and egos.

H. Jon Benjamin also makes appearances as himself, playing an exaggerated version of his deadpan and sarcastic persona.

The sketches featured on the show are often absurd and surreal, exploring themes such as office politics, relationships, and pop culture. One sketch, titled "Kitten Calendar," features Black and Showalter as office workers who create a calendar featuring pictures of kittens in provocative poses. The sketch pokes fun at corporate culture and the absurdity of office humor.

Another sketch, titled "Sloppy Sluts," features Black and Showalter as two college girls who are constantly making out and getting drunk. The sketch serves as a commentary on the double standards of male versus female sexuality in popular culture.

One of the notable aspects of the show is the seamless integration of the sketches and the behind-the-scenes drama. The Michaels often argue over the merits of the sketches, and viewers get to see the sketches in action before seeing the Michaels' reactions to them.

The show also features a unique visual style, incorporating animations and graphics in between scenes. These animations often serve as transitions between the sketches and the behind-the-scenes scenes.

Despite its critical acclaim and cult following, Michael and Michael Have Issues only aired for one season, with a total of seven episodes. The show's cancellation was attributed to low ratings, but fans continue to praise its unique blend of sketch comedy and meta-narrative.

In conclusion, Michael and Michael Have Issues is a hilarious and bizarre show that serves as a commentary on the world of sketch comedy and the egos involved in creating a show. With its absurd humor and unique visual style, the show remains a cult favorite among comedy fans.

Michael and Michael Have Issues is a series that ran for 1 seasons (7 episodes) between July 15, 2009 and on Comedy Central