Watch The Birthday Boys

The Birthday Boys is a sketch comedy show that originally aired on IFC from 2013 to 2014. The series is created, written and starring the Los Angeles-based comedy troupe The Birthday Boys. The show premiered on October 17, 2013, and ran for two seasons. The Birthday Boys are composed of seven members: Jeff Dutton, Dave Ferguson, Mike Hanford, Tim Kalpakis, Matt Kowalick, Mike Mitchell, and Chris VanArtsdalen. The group has been performing together since 2007, but they gained national prominence when they appeared as guests on the Comedy Bang! Bang! podcast, which led to their collaboration with producer Bob Odenkirk to create a TV show.

The Birthday Boys is an absurd, offbeat, and at times surreal sketch show. It mixes humor with social commentary, pop culture references, and subversive elements. Each episode consists of a series of sketches, some of which are interconnected, while others are standalone.

The show's humor is innovative, witty, and often dark. The sketches range from a fake infomercial for a product called "Johnny's Ice Cream" to a parody of Occupy Wall Street, to a satire of behind-the-scenes documentaries about the making of a TV series. The show's writing is clever, and the performances from The Birthday Boys are joyfully silly and energetic.

One of the best things about The Birthday Boys is how each member of the troupe brings their unique comedic style to the table. Each cast member has a distinct comedic voice that adds to the diversity of the show's humor. From Jeff Dutton's deadpan delivery to Mike Mitchell's infectious energy, the cast's chemistry is what makes the show truly special.

One standout performer is Monica Ruiz, who joined the cast in the show's second season. Ruiz is a talented improviser and comedian in her own right and her addition to the cast is seamless. She brings a fresh perspective to the show and is a great foil for the rest of the group.

Another aspect of the show that is worth mentioning is the production value. The show's visual style is polished and inventive. The sketches are shot on location and in studio, and the show utilizes special effects and animation to enhance the comedy. The costumes and sets are all well-designed and add to the surreal quality of the show.

In addition to The Birthday Boys, the show features a bevy of guest stars, including Bob Odenkirk, Casey Wilson, Mary Lynn Rajskub, and Jack Black. These guest stars add to the show's already impressive roster of talent and bring their own unique comedic skills to the table.

Overall, The Birthday Boys is a hilarious and innovative sketch show that deserves to be remembered. It's a group of talented comedians at the top of their game, creating experimental and bold comedy that is sure to delight fans of the genre. If you're looking for a show that's weird, smart, and funny, this is definitely one to check out.

The Birthday Boys is a series that ran for 2 seasons (20 episodes) between October 18, 2013 and on IFC