MovieChat Forums > It's Garry Shandling's Show. (1986) Discussion > My Thoughts, and Does anyone have this s...

My Thoughts, and Does anyone have this show??


Ok,
I just got through watching this on Youtube (I had the good luck of finding them on there) and I forgot just how funny this show was, and how it holds up today.

First off. The idea of him tearing down the fourth wall was in itself genius. I cannot recall another sitcom. In which, the host interacted with the audience so regularly. I watched all that I could find on Youtube. And, I don't recall laughing so hard.

Second of all. And, this is what I love most about the show. It wasn't one of those comdey's in which the jokes had to be explained. You either got them, or you didn't. It appealed to everyone, but it was a very intellegent sitcom as well. You for the most part had to be sharp in your intellegence to get it. And, even if you were not. The show appealed to everyone.

In a weird way it is kinda sad. Not, that such a brilliant show like that was made. Or, even that it was cancelled (Hey, they all have to get cut sooner, or later. As sad as it is) no, it is sad because, this show represents a piece of television history that we will most likely never see again.

For the most part. It seems as though top networks love to put any show that is too intellegent under that microscope. And, then have to creators of whatever show maybe dull it down. So, more people can understand it, only because they as Network executives don't.

This, in itself is a HUGE slap in in the faces to television viewers. A few examples are John Doe, Nowhere Man, and I am surprised Lost is still going. The networks insult us daily. With, the mindless reality tv, and silly game shows, that mostly teeny boppers flock to. Our society has taken a HUGE Dip on the intellegnce meter. With shows like The Simple Life, And, Survior for Godsakes (Yes, I know I will catch it for that. But, I HATE SURVIVOR!!!

In conclusion I want to add. That, this show desperatly needs a DVD release. However, the likelyhood of us getting it with the original music, and unedited scores is slim. Due, to artist that want their damn royalities for every little simple thing. But, the show is funny. The humor was on a level of such high quality. A standard that I fear will never be outdone.

If ANYONE Has this show. I will be willing to trade, or buy it. Let me know, and I also want to see peoples take on what I said about TV today. In my view, nearly 97% of the tv shows today. Will never come close to the shows like Garry Shandlings Show. And, sadly never will.

reply

[deleted]

well summed up. this show has always been a hit with me from when i first saw it in the 80's. i haven't watched it since, and am waiting for the dvd. some how i knew it was going to be something special when it got a couple of write ups, but the austalian network showing kept it in the great time-slot of 3.00 am on tuesdays!! thank god for vhs.

and now, thanks for dvd. can't wait!!!

reply

Well you certainly got your wish.

The DVD release for this (excellent) show is INCREDIBLE. And, although I don't have VHS tapes to directly compare with, I'm pretty sure the shows are presented EXACTLY as they originally aired on Showtime, with all originally used music included.

A perfect release. Thanks again to Shout! Factory.



------

Wait a minute... who am I here?

reply

Shows occasionally broke the 4th wall in the past, maybe as a brief scene or nod for one or two jokes but nobody had deliberately tore down the wall before.

Many shows have done so since, many that aren't even in comedy (the only format where 4th wall breaking actually works).

I liked the fact it didn't explain everything, one would eventually stumble on or figure out on one's own what they were riffing. The Mahjong episode opener with revamp of the theme was not just pure genius but a great example of not having, needing, or wanting to explain anything.

With the complete series DVD release now existing, I splurged. Given the $100 cost, I hope it is unedited. Other comments on the complete series review here seem to be lauded so hopefully there are few (if any) cuts.

reply