Watch The Ben Show

The Ben Show is a sketch comedy series that aired on Comedy Central in 2013. The show was created by and starred comedian Ben Hoffman, who is most known for his work as a writer and producer on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. The series is divided into six episodes, with each episode following a different theme. The themes include topics such as relationships, money, race, and death. The sketches in each episode are loosely connected to the theme, but often take unexpected turns.

One of the unique aspects of The Ben Show is that each episode begins with Hoffman sitting down with an older version of himself, played by a different actor. The older Ben acts as a sort of mentor or advisor, giving Hoffman advice on how to live his life. These segments are often touching and introspective, providing a contrast to the more absurd comedy of the sketches.

The sketches themselves are a mix of character-driven and pop culture parody. Hoffman often plays exaggerated versions of himself, such as a narcissistic television host or an incompetent bouncer. He also takes on a variety of personas, such as a Southern preacher or a rapper with a funny accent.

One recurring character is "Crazy Craig," a man who runs a business where he inflates balloons with various gasses and inhales them for a high. The character is a parody of the idea that people will try anything to get high, and the sketches often involve Crazy Craig getting into increasingly dangerous situations.

Another frequent sketch revolves around Hoffman's relationship with his girlfriend, played by comedian Esther Povitsky. The two often bicker and argue, with Povitsky's character usually getting the better of Hoffman. These sketches explore the ups and downs of modern relationships, but with a healthy dose of absurdity thrown in.

The show also takes on more serious topics, such as racism and mental illness. In one sketch, Hoffman plays a white man who pretends to be black in order to get a job. The sketch highlights the absurdity of the concept of "acting black," but also comments on the difficulty people of color face in the job market. In another sketch, Hoffman portrays a man with OCD who obsessively washes his hands. The sketch is both funny and moving, and sheds light on the struggles people with mental illness face on a daily basis.

Overall, The Ben Show is a funny and inventive sketch comedy series that showcases Hoffman's talent for characters and satire. The show is not afraid to tackle serious topics, but always does so with a light touch. If you're a fan of offbeat comedy and enjoy seeing social norms and pop culture tropes subverted, The Ben Show is definitely worth checking out.

The Ben Show is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between February 28, 2013 and on Comedy Central