Watch Nick Swardson's Pretend Time

Nick Swardson's Pretend Time was a sketch comedy show that aired on Comedy Central from 2010 to 2011. The show was created by and starred Nick Swardson, who is known for his work on shows like Reno 911! and movies like Grandma's Boy and The Benchwarmers. The show's format was similar to other sketch comedy shows like Chappelle's Show and Key & Peele, in that each episode consisted of a series of short comedic sketches. However, what set Pretend Time apart from other sketch shows was its irreverent and absurdist humor.

Many of the sketches on the show were centered around Swardson's own life experiences and interests, such as video games and partying. For example, one recurring sketch featured Swardson playing a character named Terry who hosts a party talk show called "Party Time." In each episode of "Party Time," Terry interviews guests like a werewolf or a magician, and the interviews always devolve into chaos.

Another recurring character on the show was Gay Robot, a robot who is programmed to be gay and constantly flirts with men. Gay Robot appeared in several sketches throughout the show's run, including one in which he starts a relationship with Swardson's character.

In addition to the recurring characters, there were also plenty of one-off sketches that allowed Swardson and his writers to explore a wide range of comedic concepts. Some of the most memorable sketches from the show's run include "Wheelchair Cat," in which a cat and a wheelchair are fused together, and "Makin' Cookies," in which Swardson plays an overly enthusiastic chef who prepares cookie dough with the help of a chainsaw.

One of the things that made Pretend Time stand out from other sketch shows was its use of animation. Several sketches were animated using different styles, which allowed the show's writers to tell stories that couldn't be told with live-action alone. For example, one sketch called "S'Go" was a parody of the video game Grand Theft Auto, but featured animated versions of Swardson and his co-stars committing absurd crimes like stealing a baby and robbing a sperm bank.

Despite its cult following and critical acclaim, Pretend Time only lasted for two seasons on Comedy Central. The show's irreverent humor and absurdist sensibility may have been too niche for some viewers, and it was never able to find the mainstream success of other sketch shows like Saturday Night Live or MADtv. However, for those who appreciated its unique brand of comedy, Pretend Time remains a beloved cult classic.

Nick Swardson's Pretend Time is a series that ran for 2 seasons (15 episodes) between October 12, 2010 and on Comedy Central