Watch Middleditch & Schwartz

Middleditch & Schwartz is a Netflix comedy series that premiered in April 2020. The show consists of three episodes, each featuring two comedians, Thomas Middleditch and Ben Schwartz performing a completely improvised 60-minute live comedy show. The series is based on the popular live performances of the duo, who have been delighting audiences with their quick-witted banter and spontaneous comedy for years.

Each episode of the show is a masterclass in improvisation. Middleditch and Schwartz often begin with a suggestion from the audience, such as an odd job or a location. They then use this prompt to launch into a hilarious and entirely spontaneous series of scenes, weaving together characters and stories on the fly.

One of the most impressive things about Middleditch & Schwartz is the way the two comedians seamlessly build on each other's ideas. They have an obvious chemistry that makes for a delightful viewing experience. Whether they're playing exaggerated versions of themselves or diving into fictional scenarios, they play off each other's energy exceptionally well.

The first episode of the show, entitled "Dream Job," sees the duo taking on a series of absurd jobs suggested by the audience. From a pair of parents who run a restaurant out of their living room to a traveling dentist who specializes in cleaning the teeth of exotic animals, Middleditch and Schwartz take these odd scenarios and turn them into comic gold.

The second episode, "Law School Magic," starts off with a suggestion from the audience for a location, which leads Middleditch and Schwartz to play a host of bizarre characters in an even stranger, alternate universe. They build on this world with snippets of stories and re-appearances of the characters throughout the episode. They also riff on the concept of magic, turning it into the centerpiece of a legal system that is both ridiculous and hilarious.

Finally, the third episode, "Parking Lot Wedding," is all about wedding shenanigans. After a few minutes of the duo playing exaggerated versions of themselves, they throw themselves into the role of wedding planners. They come up with various ludicrous scenarios and scenes, including a surprise visit from "The Harry Potter of Chicago" and a self-proclaimed "food priest."

Throughout the series, Middleditch and Schwartz have a palpable love of improv and a willingness to push boundaries that makes the show both hilarious and thrilling. They take risks and embrace the unexpected, which leads to some comic high points that are genuinely surprising.

What makes Middleditch & Schwartz special is the way that it captures the essence of live comedy so well. Watching these two comedians create something from scratch is an exciting and entertaining experience that makes for a good distraction from the mundane. It's a testament to their skill and talent that they're able to keep the audience entertained and laughing throughout the entirety of each episode.

In summary, Middleditch & Schwartz is a must-watch for fans of improv and anyone who loves a good laugh. The series showcases the unique talent of its two leads in a way that is both skillful and entertaining, and the result is a show that is sure to please.

Middleditch & Schwartz is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between April 21, 2020 and on Netflix