Ty Watches "Muscles and Mayhem: An Unauthorized Story of American Gladiators"

Yesterday I finished the Netflix mini series , "Muscles and Mayhem". This five episode series is about the rise and fall of the excellent gameshow, "American Gladiators".

I loved this show as a kid. RD and I have mentioned the show many times on the podcast. I was hooked. I would watch every morning in the summer before heading out to hang with my friends. I craved this show. I loved the competition, the personalities and watching the wild and crazy games they created. "Muscles and Mayhem" goes very in depth about all of this, and so, so much more.

The series starts out introducing the viewer to the very early days of this show and just how out there this idea was. There were injuries, long set changes, crowds getting bored waiting, gladiators coming and going, all kinds of issues. But when they brought on the right people, the show thrived. The behind the scenes stories of the people behind the show, that was fascinating. There were some certified weirdos who made "American Gladiators" one of the top shows on TV in the early 90's. There were a bunch of smart people who knew what they were doing as well.

The show, as expected, spent most of its time talking to the former gladiators. This was very eye opening. This was something I'm glad 40 year old me watched. They talked sex, drugs, alcohol, steroids, HGH, sexuality, it was all there and all done very well I thought. I like hearing all the real stories from the real people behind it all. It is always good to get their side because they lived it. The way they went into steroid use was fascinating and very eye opening. I mean, we all knew they were using steroids, but to hear how they got them, how they hid it, how the network and sponsors dealt with it, that is the stuff I like when I watch docu series like these. I also liked to hear about the dating, or attempts to date, that each gladiator had with one another. I enjoyed seeing what they did when they tried to venture out from the world of "American Gladiators". It was great to see some of the original people fight for what they thought was rightfully theirs when it came to merchandising and the like. It was great to hear how the gladiators were raised, where they came from and how they ended up on that show. I liked seeing some of the gladiators I forgot about and remembering them for some of the wild stuff they did. I totally forgot about the live tour they went on. To see that come to fruition, and to see the behind the scenes stuff on the bus, that was some of the better content this whole series had. It was nice to meet some of the competitors and to hear their stories of how they ended up on the show and what it was like while there. I was also very pleased to see what they are all up to now, both competitors and gladiators.

This series felt like it was made for someone like me. I am very happy my dad told me about this and showed me some of the show when I was hanging out with him the other day. I cannot recommend this series enough, especially for people who watched this show when they were younger. It is an excellent watch. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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The Music is Just One Part of Why "The Bear" is Television Perfection

Last night I finished season two of "The Bear". That show is something special. It is as near perfection as there is on tv today. I know some people do not like that it is all released in one day. I don't care about that. I took a week to watch all ten episodes. You can find a way to watch weekly if that is how you want to consume it. TV is in a streaming age, for better or worse, and we have to adapt as viewers. But, as I stated above, I adore this show. I am not going to review season two today though. I'd rather talk about the music, and how they used it, this season.

I saw some other publication, I cannot remember which one right now, say something about the music, this was before I finished the season, and that was when I started to clock the music this season. It is pretty awesome, and it harkens back to the 90's for me. Growing up in a house with three older brothers, all of which had differing tastes in music, this season of the show brought me back to that time in my life. There is a good amount of REM this season. I am a recent convert of their music, but I know RD has listened to them for a while now. I believe our oldest brother listened to them too. So whenever there was a somber, or even moving moment this season, a song like "Strange Currencies" would start and I would reminisce hearing that song as a pre teen. And it would be used so perfectly in the show. They would play it at pivotal moments. It was the perfect drop in for the perfect scene. They also played an Eddie Vedder song at the end of an episode this season and it moved me. I kid you not, hearing the song and seeing what I just saw, it made me tear up. A show about opening a restaurant took this very good Eddie Vedder tune and used it at the exact proper moment, and it moved me.They used Wilco in this season. A one hit wonder band, Fine Young Cannibals, had the perfect moment to play their hit. Steve Earle was peppered in and out this season. The Pixies would show up and amplify an important scene. The episode dedicated to Richie's moment of realization had this epic Taylor Swift soundtrack, but it was just one song. AC/DC was used for multiple scenes while they were breaking down the old restaurant to build the new one. They used Nine Inch Nails in a very fitting way for a viewer such as myself. They had one of my favorite David Byrne songs, "Glass, Concrete and Stone" playing during a montage that I adored. The end credits for the family Christmas episode had the best button of music with the Weezer song "The Christmas Song". Crowded House was featured. They played some solo George Harrison. The Bodeans had a song in this season. The Replacements, who are criminally underrated, had one of their songs used. Squeeze was there for a hot second. The Psychedelic Furs were featured. The season had some bangers by very famous musicians, but they also brought out some of the coolest, lesser known bands from the late 90's and early 2000's for all of the viewers to hear, and I dug it.

This is a soundtrack I will listen to multiple times. This is a season that when I revisit I will be even more focused on the music and how it is used. This is just another example of what makes this show so damn good. Watch "The Bear" for how great it is. But stay to see the food they make and to hear the excellent music they use. I love it and you will too. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Ty Watches "Jury Duty"

Last night my wife and I finished "Jury Duty". I'm not going to say season one because I truly believe there is no way they can pull this off again. "Jury Duty" centers around one person, Ronald, who thinks he is going to be in a documentary about what it is like to be on a jury. What he doesn't know is that everyone else involved is an actor, and I mean everyone else. Every other person is a working actor, and they are all playing a character. Even James Marsden. Marsden plays a hyperized version of himself. To watch this show, to see how they pulled this off, to ask why Ronald never questioned anything, I was in awe.

Let me put this out here right now, this show was excellent. I will for sure be watching it again. I am endlessly fascinated that they pulled this elaborate prank off. This should go down in the record books. It was amazing. I loved how each juror that wasn't Ronald had some kind of backstory. Ken was from another land trying to figure stuff out. Todd was a tech geek who just needed a friend. Barb was an older lady who loved edibles. Vanessa was a true crime fan who thought the case was boring. Ross was the cool high school teacher that everyone loved. Pat was the gruff working man. Ravi was a secret genius. Noah was in over his head and just wanted a girlfriend. Jenine was down for anything. Inez wanted to be the leader but couldn't quite get it all together. Lonnie was the extra juror thrust into action. And all of these people were actors. None of them were these people they were portraying.

All along though, Ronald did his work and made friends and had fun. He had many opportunities to call this all out, even making comments about how it felt like a reality show, but never wavered. When thrust into a leadership role he didn't want, he ran with it. James Marsden wanted to run lines for a fake movie role, Ronald was his guy. Noah needed a wingman, Ronald was there. The judge told him to get the other jurors to shape up, he made sure he did it. Lonnie needed a confidant, Ronald was his guy. He could have said mean stuff, he could have talked behind people's backs, but he never did. There were multiple times when I would say to my wife, "there are still good, genuine people out there". His kindness, his sincerity, it was such a breath of fresh air. Through every twist and turn, Ronald kept plugging away and helping out anyway he could. It was remarkable. I am not going to spoil the ending, I will just say it was moving and Ronald got a nice prize. And the last episode made my wife tear up.

This was such a lightning in a bottle idea and it worked. I don't want them to do it again because it won't carry the same weight that it did the first time around. There are other prank shows, like "Joe Millionaire" or "The Joe Schmo Show", that had great first seasons, but messed it up by trying to do it again. I hope "Jury Duty" is one and done. They gave us eight incredible episodes that will stay with me a long, long time. If you have not watched this show yet do yourself a favor and check it out. It is one of the better things on tv right now. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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"The Other Two" Deserves Many More Seasons

I read the other day that Max was canceling "The Other Two".

This bums me out. "The Other Two" is one of the best comedies on TV right now. The show is one of the near perfect things on TV. The writing, acting, directing, it is all top notch. I haven't been this into a comedy TV series in quite some time. I have two episodes left in this final season, but I know I am going to go back and watch this several more times. It will be one of the shows I watch for comfort. It will be a bedtime show for me.

Every episode has gotten better and better. The actors are taking more chances. The show has been going off in weird avant garde directions that have been a homerun. They had an entire episode this season where Brooke wasn't noticed by anyone when she left the entertainment industry. It was phenomenal. When Chase wanted to break up with his girlfriend, seeing all the disgust online was incredibly real. Drew Tarver and his boyfriend this season, who is always in character, is a great send up of those types of actors. Also, seeing Tarver vacillate between happy and sad for himself and his friends, who are also actors, feels like what I imagine the life of an actor is really like on a daily basis. "The Other Two" is too good of a show to let go now. They can go in so many other directions. They can take on more of the nightmare that is fame and Hollywood. I love Wanda Sykes on this show. This is, for me, her best role since "Curb". And on "Curb" she played herself. On this show she gets to play an industry person who is damn good at her job. She also gets to make joke after joke after joke. The writers here are second to none. You can tell they know the ins and outs of the world of fame. They were writers for "SNL" prior to landing this job. They have been around these types of people, and that comes off very clear when watching this show. That gives the creators a level up, due to being around so many hugely famous people at "SNL".

I just wish this show got more time. It more than deserved it. Every publication always seems to have it on their best of lists. I am near certain this final season will be on my best of 2023 list. But Max and a bunch of other networks are just giving up on these shows without giving them a real chance. "The Other Two" is gone. I read today that they canceled "A Black Lady's Sketch Show", another criminally underrated series. NBC let go of "Grand Crew" way too quick. Nothing seems to stick. "The Other Two" had the quality to stay around longer. All of these shows do, but "The Other Two" is on a whole other level. But Max is pulling the plug. They are not giving it any more chances. They are letting it go far too soon. Comedy Central had it first, so maybe they will revive it. Or maybe another streamer or network will pick it up. That would be ideal. But I just do not see that happening, especially with the writer's strike and the upcoming actor's strike. That is a true bummer. It earned much more time.

I am not thrilled that these really good shows are being cast aside to make more reality competition nonsense. The public needs to watch these original series or we will further delve into the world of "Idiocracy". I'm not ready for that life. I will miss this show. It was one of the better things on TV. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Ty Watches "The Bear" Season 2

Last year I was late to the scene on the tv show "The Bear". But when I found it, I devoured it. The show is one of the better shows currently streaming. I remember seeing it was eight episodes, so that meant four, maybe five days to finish. I watched it all in two days. I wanted more and after each episode, and with it all dropping on one day, that made it easier to watch more. So when they announced a second season I was excited. And hesitant. Sometimes these shows cannot duplicate the success of the first season. They have the "sophomore slump". It doesn't have the same feel as the first. All of this and many more contribute to these shows falling off.

Well, four episodes into the new season I can tell you that "The Bear" season 2 is as good as season 1. The show captures the same feeling. I get the same vibes. The actors, writers and creators have the same push and will to make the show great. They are all working their butts off and it shows. The second season picks up with the crew beginning to open the new restaurant. And it is as chaotic as everything in season 1. The show is fast paced, yet each episode tells a great story, sometimes two. Four episodes in and I have met Syndney's dad, been to Denmark with Marcus, met one of Carmy's old high school friends, seen Rich trying to be a better dad and person, watched Nat admit to being pregnant, seen Tina and Ebraheim attend culinary school and watched Neil and crew have fights over mold and rebuilding. Again, that is just four episodes in. So far my favorite half an hour has been in Denmark. Marcus is sent there to work with a pastry wiz, played by Will Poulter, and it is an excellent episode, with some of the coolest visuals I have seen on TV. The food looks amazing. The scenery is second to none. The houseboat is rad. Seeing Marcus help an injured bike rider was moving. Him dealing with his sick mom was relatable. It is a wonderful viewing. I cannot recommend it enough. But each episode so far has had its great moments. Seeing Richie talk to Carmy in the first episode about trying to be a better person is moving as hell. Watching Carmy, Sydney and Nat talk to Oliver Platt about being business partners is nerve wracking. Seeing Carmy and Sydney cook together is amazing. I wanted to eat all the food that Sydney was eating when trying to get a better handle on what to make. I also loved seeing her talk to each restaurant owner and employees about how they became successful. That was eye opening. Seeing Nat come on as project manager gives Abby Elliot so much more to do and uses her talents to perfection. Watching Richie talk to his daughter about becoming a better father was touching. This show gets it. Even Carmy running into an old high school chum was relatable. I love the scene between the two of them when she reveals she knows the name of his new restaurant.

"The Bear" is right up there with "Black Mirror" for great television. The people who work on these shows understand the assignment and they all nail it. If you are not watching this show, remedy that right now and do yourself a favor. It is a pure delight. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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"Black Mirror" Continues its Run as One of Television's Greatest Shows

My wife and I finished the newest season of "Black Mirror" last night. I was going to talk about the season today, but I don't want to spoil anything. The show is getting great ratings too, but I want everyone to watch this show. With that being said, today I want to heap praise on this show as a whole.

"Black Mirror" is the best thing TV has going for it right now. Not only is it the best streamer, it is the best overall. This show is a masterpiece. It is a bleak work or art. With every new season I get excited for what I am about to watch. Hell, with each new episode I know I am going to see something original, or a fresh take on an old classic, written, acted and directed by some of the best in the business. I was talking to my dad about this season today, he watches too, and no show in my TV watching history has stayed with me like some, most, episodes of "Black Mirror" do. I will sit on episodes for days, just thinking about everyone involved. And these are not true stories. These are not actual events that have happened in the real world. Yet. That is what I love about this show. Technology is a great thing. There are many good reasons to use modern technology. There are some who use it for the right reasons. But more so than not, most people use technology to escape or do wrong. That is the world "Black Mirror" takes on and they are doing it at a 100 percent hit rate at the moment.

My dad and I were talking about an episode from this season and devolved into him and I talking about an episode from an earlier season, "Smithereens". That episode is poetic. It takes on people who stare at their phones while they drive and all the downfall that can come from that. This gentleman in that episode loses his family because he was looking at a social media post. He then goes about trying to stop people from the company and he gets in way over his head. It is a work of art and uses music is one of the best possible ways ever. That is just one example.

"Black Mirror" has told stories about the importance of bees, how corrupt politics can be, the horror that is the military, infidelity, love while dying, online dating, cloning, the ills of a social media presence, trolling online, futuristic robot dogs and wild and outrageous video game lifestyles. And each episode is poignant, tells a familiar tale and sticks with you. The show can be funny, violent, gruesome, scary and true to life. Charlie Brooker has done something truly amazing. He and his team have created something that will be everlasting.

This show has also introduced me to some super famous actors. The first time I saw Daniel Kaluuya was in an episode titled "15 Million Merits". He is now an Oscar winner. I didn't know Toby Kebbell, who does motion capture as Godzilla now, until I watched him in "The Entire History of You". Jodie Whittaker, who is one of the Doctor's from "Doctor Who", was in the same episode. Hayley Atwell was in "Be Right Back", and it was my introduction to her. Wyatt Russell was in an episode and I did not know he was Hollywood royalty at the time. Gugu Mbatha Raw and Mackenzie Davis were kind of known before "San Junipero", but I bet that is what most people bring up now when they are interviewed. Letitia Wright and Christian Milioti were in two different episodes in season 4, and I had zero clue who they were when I saw them in this show. The list could go on and on.

What sets this show apart, what makes this show the best show on TV, is the writing. The stories they tell are amazing. They sit with you. You think about them over and over again. That couldn't be done without some brilliant minds bringing to the viewers. "Black Mirror" is the perfect sci-fi show. It is, like my buddy Kirk says, " a modern "Twilight Zone" ". I couldn't have said it better myself. No show that takes multiple years off and I still find myself excited to watch can pull this off, except for "Black Mirror". The fact that they took four years off and I didn’t even bat an eye shows how wonderful it truly is.

"Black Mirror" is the best of the best. If you are not watching it, correct that mistake right now and start watching it. It is amazing. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Ty Watches the New "Clone High"

Back in 2003, while living with RD in a townhouse, I stumbled upon a show called "Clone High". I didn't think much of it at the time, but it very quickly grew on me. I loved the show. I watched each week. I had to see it. It was a TV show on MTV that felt worth my time. When it was canceled after one, 13 episode season, I was bummed out. I thought the show could use more time. I thought it was going into more promising territory. I started to care about cartoon characters and their story arcs. But in an instant it was gone. There were always rumors that it may come back, but I never fully bought in.

The show was created by Lord and Miller, and they have clearly moved on to bigger things. But the show did come back. They officially announced it awhile back and I was amped. But then I kind of forgot that it was coming back. With HBO Max switching over to Max and announcing a ton of canceled shows, I just assumed "Clone High" would not be made. But it is back and I am loving it as much as I did before.

So far I have watched the first four episodes and I cannot get enough. It still has the feel of the original show. Everyone is back, except for Gandhi, and they have added new people. Gandhi was, quite possibly, the best part of the show, and I do not know why he isn't back, but the transition has been pretty seamless. Abe, Joan, JFK and Cleopatra are back. So is Professor Scudworth and his trusty robot assistant. They have added another evil shadow government villain, and a good amount of new students. Harriet Tubman, Frida Kahlo, Christopher Columbus and Confucius are here, and I have enjoyed all of them so far. They also have most of the original voice cast, and the actors cast to voice the new characters are great as well. I really like how they did the new premiere too, thawing out the old students and just setting them down at Clone High in 2023. I like how the show is taking on cancel culture and male toxicity. I have read that some people are calling the show "woke" and opining for"the good old days when you could tell real jokes' '. I hope those people realize that, in the second episode, they are who Topher Bus is being. He is a little shit online and hides behind a screen name. That is how all of those people bad mouthing the new direction of the show act and sound. They need something to complain about so they go on their computer in their parent's basement and gripe. Topher Bus' portrayal and the writer's portrayal is spot on. I like the new direction of the show. Things evolve. People grow up and change. The world changes. And the people behind the show have to have realized that it has been 20 years and they cannot say some stuff they did in the early aughts. That is a sign of maturity.

I'm all in on the "reboot" or second season or whatever we are calling it. I want it to stick around for longer than a season. They have a formula that works and works really well. If you liked the original version you have to watch the new version. It is a really decent throwback and I remembered instantly why I liked this show in the first place. Check it out. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

Come and support Ty and the podcast on Patreon.

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SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

Ty Watches "I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson" Season 3

I just finished season 3 of "I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson" and I'm going to give some instant reactions and quick thoughts. I could have finished last night but my wife was done with work and she did not want to watch the show. I only had one ep left so I knocked it out this morning. I also have it running in the background right now as I write this so I can get another look at it.

Instantly, I am fully in on the show. No other current TV show makes me laugh, like legitimately laugh out loud like "ITYSL" does. It has a near perfect hit rate for me. I like how absurd and abstract the writing is on the show. It feels like a sketch show written by people much smarter than me and my friends, but it also has that gonzo style. There is a lot of yelling this season, but that has always made me laugh. I also like when the people who have been yelling are confronted with a soft, smooth voice from someone else.

The guest stars are back and that makes this show even better. Fred Armisen, Tim Heidecker, Biff Wiff, Sam Richardson, they are all here, they are all game and they are all having fun. Seeing Biff Wiff do his thing now knowing he has cancer, it makes it so bittersweet. He has been a tremendous addition to this show.

What sets this show apart from other sketch shows, outside of the superb writing, is how real yet absurd each sketch gets. In every episode it feels like they up the ante and it totally works. I feel like this is a show that I can have on in multiple settings and find something new and funny with each watch. The show never feels stale. The sketches work on multiple levels. The actors and writers are giving it their all. I fully believe this is, hands down, the best comedy show on TV. "ITYSL" bypasses sketch comedy. It is in its own genre and it is something special.

I am part of a fan group for the show on Facebook, and the way people talk about this show on there is insane to me. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but it feels like some people just want to complain. Their expectations are so high that they will never be met and then they go online to gripe about it. But what makes these people complaining even worse, in about a month they will be back on the same page talking about how great season 3 is. They will forget all the mess they talked about the show in the moment, and then they will finally appreciate it. I am on board from the jump. There are others who feel the same.

This show is otherworldly and highly hilarious. They are doing what they want, how they want and where they want and it all works. The fact that "SNL" didn't use Tim Robinson properly might have been a good thing because it led to "Detroiters", which is massively underrated, and then to "ITYSL", which is the best comedy on TV. I love this show. I adore the actors and the writers. Go watch this masterpiece of comedy. It is next level in all the best ways. What an achievement. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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I Miss "MTV Unplugged"

Recently I have gotten into watching old clips of bands I like playing their songs acoustically. I have always liked acoustic music, and to hear a song that is normally done electrically acoustically has always been something I enjoy.

This new passion has sent me down a Spotify rabbit hole that I am totally here for. I am being reintroduced to music that I used to listen to and adore. I heard some stuff from Alice in Chains, a band I don't even like, Nirvana, Tracy Chapman and Lauryn Hill. I have gone back and rewatched Blind Melon and Jay Z do their acoustic stuff. Hell, another band I don't like, Linkin Park, has some dope acoustic stuff. This all led me back to "MTV's Unplugged".

"MTV's Unplugged" one of the better shows that has ever existed. I used to live for this show. I would scout the TV Guide or the channel to see when the next "Unplugged" was coming. This was the best it got, especially after Nirvana showed how great this could be.  This begs the question, why did they stop doing this show? I know that MTV does not show videos anymore. Hell, they don't even show music anymore. Neither does MTV 2 or VH1 or any other "music channel". All these channels are all about reality shows. That is where they get their viewers. There is not a moment when I turn on MTV now and Rob Drydek's goofy internet show is on. VH1 seems to only feature shows about artists or athletes' wives. I don't even know what MTV2 shows anymore. So why not bring back "Unplugged" now? I would have to imagine it would be a humongous hit. When they did Jay Z unplugged it was a massive hit. And they sold a ton of records. They could pounce on the streaming numbers and make vinyls out of these shows featuring some big time artists. Taylor Swift could make a killing doing her new record acoustically. She already has the chops and millions of people would tune in. There are plenty of popular country artists that my wife listens to, and she loves acoustic music, so why not get some of them to do it? I would watch the hell out of someone like The Black Keys or Kendrick Lamar doing an unplugged set. That would be rad. You could even bring some older other artists to do it. I would love to see Talking Heads, or David Byrne, do one of these shows. Get David Gilmour an acoustic and let him rock some Pink Floyd. Foo Fighters would be a massive get, and Dave Grohl already knows how to deal with the whole unplugged thing. Get someone like Tobe Nwigwe to go out there and perform. He would crush. The opportunities are endless. I bet they could also get a bunch of artists to do it for charities they support. That would be cool and helpful. There is no shortage of options to book people to do it. Add on the fact that retro stuff is back in now, people, especially people from my generation, would eat this up. I mentioned making vinyls of these performances, I know all three of my brothers would buy the vinyl of the bands they like doing unplugged shows. I would be interested in the art work involved. The production of the show would be even better now due to advancements in technology. I cannot find a reason not to pursue this.

Bring "Unplugged" back. It would crush and be one of the coolest things MTV has ever done. It would also force them to revert back to music. The timing is perfect. Make it happen. It would be rad. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Ty Watches "Grand Crew" Season Two Finale and You Should Too

Season two of "Grand Crew" wrapped up last Friday. I watched the last two episodes of the season last night. Let’s discuss.

I really enjoyed how they closed out the second season. All the characters were given good arcs this season, I liked where everyone ended up and I would like to watch more. I really hope this show gets picked up for a third season. I feel like it is finding its stride right now. The show got consistently better from the pilot to now. Each actor is really nailing it, they do a wonderful job giving this ensemble separate storylines and the actors make this show so much fun to watch. I have written about the show before and it truly is a really solid throwback to sitcoms from the 90's. There are a plethora of jokes. The writing is top notch. The camaraderie on set seems genuine. I was overly impressed by what I watched last night, and for this whole second season quite frankly. And if it was still the 90's, there wouldn't be any doubt that it would be coming back for a third season.

"Grand Crew" is so much better than a good amount of shows that had multiple seasons in the 90's. But I fear not enough people are watching this show. I also fear people are catching it too late to matter when it streams on Peacock. I fully understand that that is what these networks want, but "Grand Crew" has the ability to have a long run. It is already a better show, in my opinion, than shows like "Young Sheldon" or pretty much anything on CBS. I truly believe it is NBC's best show right now. It is so much better than any reality show or dating show or gameshow. It is only outdone by shows on FX or premium cable. And those shows have free rein.

What makes "Grand Crew" a cut above is the fact they are pulling off so many jokes on a major network. Sitcoms usually do not get all the stuff off that they want. "Grand Crew" is seemingly doing what they want and that rules. I also love that they are giving more, lesser known, comedy people a shot on the show. Jacquis Neal had a two episode run this season. Colton Dunn was excellent in his run. Ronnie Adrian has been one of the funniest people on the whole show. They are giving funny, younger, unheard actors a real shot, and these actors are proving to be more than up to the task. As for the main characters, each and everyone of them is exceptional. They add so much to each other. They seem to like working with one another. They can play off one another. They can make joke after joke that hits each and every time. This is a stellar ensemble who can do great things with more chances.

"Grand Crew" is an excellent show. It is a throwback yet original show in every sense of the words. I hope it gets another season. The show has shown it deserves it. Go watch this show right now on Peacock. It is awesome and you will love it. I know I sure do. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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"Love is Blind" Is No Longer Worth Your Time

My wife is very much into the show "Love is Blind". I used to be into it as well, but the last season was boring, dull and filled with all the cliche things that dating shows now have. I barely watched any of this new season. My wife would put it on and I'd sink into my phone or the Switch or would just read. I would pop in and out to give a rude remark, but I stopped doing that after a while because it was no good for anyone.

This newest season came and went without much of any impact on, or even my wife honestly. She seemed into the season, but not like she was before. But she was ready for the reunion. A lot of people were. She set up her whole night so we could watch this live event at 7pm our time. We ate dinner early. She got cleaned up early. I got the kids cleaned up and sent them downstairs to watch tv together so they wouldn't bother my wife. She sat down, started to do her nails and went to turn on the livestream a little before 7pm.

There was a problem. I'm sure most of you know about the problem that occured. Netflix's live stream crashed. People couldn't get on the stream. Twitter was ablaze, so was Facebook. People were angry. For real angry. My wife was annoyed, but not so angry. But it kept stopping right at 25 percent. We saw the number on the screen and the spinning red circle and it never got past 25 percent. After a while my wife gave up. She waited about an hour and called it. I respect that about her. She wasn't going nuts, yelling about it, going online to complain. She waited as long as she deemed necessary and then watched other shows. She was content to wait until Monday. I didn't care either way. I got to watch the NBA playoffs, so I was pumped about that. But I did promise I'd watch the reunion with her on Monday.

And we did.

We watched for about an hour. The reunion special, this supposed massive live event that was riddled with problems, was 90 minutes long. That is far, far too long for any reality dating show reunion. None of these people are that important and the advice that they give out is god awful. I mean, why would any reasonable person take advice from these numbskulls is beyond me. But the people on the internet promised this reunion was "the most explosive one yet" and "incredibly revealing" and "endlessly watchable". It was none of that. And this is not just cynical old me talking. My wife kept stating how bored she felt. She kept asking for more. She wanted the tea to be spilled. She likes that stuff when it comes to reality shows. None of that happened. There was nothing shocking or explosive or revealing. It was dummies talking to other dummies about nonsense. I also find it disgusting that the people who go on these shows always complain about being filmed constantly and that things are taken out of proportion. They agreed to be on this show. Hell, they auditioned for it. They wanted the screen time, the supposed fame that comes with reality tv. They did not have to do this at all. Millions of people a day do not go on reality dating shows. So I have zero sympathy when they complain about how they look on tv. I have zero time for that.

I think what was most annoying about this whole "reunion event" was how boring and simple it was. There was no levity to it. There was nothing shocking or explosive. I cannot believe this is what crashed Netflix. Reality dating shows are a waste of time. I am getting to a point where most reality shows are of no consequence at all. They don't hold the weight they once did. I guess all of us are a bit more cynical now. But this "live" reunion was an absolute waste of time.

I want that 90 minutes back. It is my fault for watching I suppose. But, if you haven't watched, don't waste your time. It is nothing. Nothing but a bore.  

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Ty Watches "Dave": Season Three Premier

Season three of "Dave" premiered last week. I have not watched the newest episode yet, but I am here to say that this show is still at the top of its game. I was trying to figure out what FX was going to do with "Atlanta" going off the air. That was their hit show that was weird but still wonderful. It was able to toe the line. "Legion" took it too far. "DEVS" didn't get more than one season. "Boy Meets Girl" was canceled too soon. I watched parts of all of these shows, but "Atlanta" was the only one that really nailed it. They crushed it from start to finish. But after watching the season 3 premiere of "Dave", I am confident that FX has found their next show to really give their all too.

They are letting Dave Burd and all of his creative people around him do what they want how they want and it is really working out in their favor. The first season was surprisingly good and, at times, dramatic. I didn't see that coming, but it hooked me right away. I was here for it, and then some. The second season was filmed at the height of COVID, and it showed, but they pulled it off. The second season was odd. They had wild storylines. They had crazy and cool guest stars. And in the end, it all worked out really well. I still think about the Benny Blanco episode. I go back and rewatch the Rick Rubin episode, it wasn't really Rick Rubin, a bunch. And the episode with Dave's manager where he argues about trash can placement in the street, that was golden. But I was curious about this new season. I really wanted to know which direction they were going to go in.

When the premiere showed them on tour, I was stoked. The second season ended with Dave and GaTa going on tour together. The third season picks up on that tour, with Lil Dicky being the headliner. The first episode of season three was great. It was all about Dave trying to find real, true love. He is with a fan at the start and it goes well until it doesn't. GaTa tries to tell him to enjoy it. His manager is focused on the tour. His friend is filming a documentary about the tour. Dave explains to all of them that he wants true love, and we are off. They go to a party in small town Texas where Dave meets fans and, eventually, a possible partner. He likes this girl. She claims to not know who he is, that she just went to the show with a friend. Dave is interested and spends the rest of the night with her and her friends. It all turns out very weird and ends up with Dave telling all of the people about life on tour. He gets real with them. He tells him about it all, mainly all the warts. They don't care. They want to party. He eventually bounces when he realizes the girl is a true fan and that her friends are taking advantage of him. The ending of the premiere is great because of how odd it is. I loved it.

There was a second episode. This one was even better. Dave is filming a music video, and as always, he is wound extra tight. The whole episode is kind of chaotic and nuts. There is constant movement and tons of stuff happening. It is anxiety ridden in the best possible way. The episode unfolds and we find out that Dave is making a video about his first true love, who shows up and plays herself in the video. But it gets much deeper than that. Dave and the crush get into it. We find out things about each of their pasts. And the way they figure out the video, and how it all comes together is what I love about this show. Like I said, the whole episode is fast paced and moving, but it ends with grace. It is fitting. I was moved by what I saw.

"Dave" is a very good, very well made show. I love that FX has, seemingly, given the creators full reign to do what they want how they want. I highly recommend watching. They are doing something special here. Now I'm going to watch the third episode because I am so stoked to see where it goes from here. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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The Paintball Episode of "Community" is Still Classic Comedy

I've been rewatching "Community" in my down time lately. The show holds up. It is just as funny as the first time I saw it. The writing is top notch. The acting is great. The people this show introduced me to are pretty wonderful. I knew of, barely, Donald Glover. He is now one of my favorite pop culture icons. I also knew of Joel McHale. He really shines in this show. This was the perfect way to use his talents. Chevy Chase is Chevy Chase, but he too has his moments here. The show gave me my intro to Alison Brie, Gillian Jacobs, Yvette Nicole Brown and Danny Pudi. They are all excellent in their own way, and they have all gone on to do some pretty great things. Oh, and please don't let me forget Ken Jeong. He is a revelation here.

Anyway, the other day while watching the initial paintball episode came on. I remembered this episode fondly. But I thought maybe it was just a different time in the world and maybe the more cynical side of me was going to rear its ugly head. I am here to say, this episode absolutely, 100 percent holds up. I found myself just as engrossed as I was the first time. Certain things would happen and it would flood back as a great memory. The episode works so well and it comes on so sudden.

The ep starts out like most "Community" episodes, but it delves into something so much different and amazing. When Jeff, McHale, goes to his car to nap, and then it says "1 hour later", it becomes something completely different. The show has the feel of a post-apocalyptic half hour. The camera changes. It looks dimmer and darker. When Jeff is walking around campus we all see people splattered with paint. He speaks to a student and the student fills him in on what has happened in the past hour. It is an amazing monologue from a bit actor on the show. From here on out it follows post-apocalyptic cliches, but does it so much better than most shows that are actually in that genre. Troy and Abed find him and take him in. They have a great talk off about what they should do. They also act like they are going to turn on one another, but never do. It is classic, but it is also hilarious. Troy and Abed are an excellent duo and they riff off one another so well. This episode is one of the best examples of their chemistry. When they meet up with the ladies in the bathroom it just gets better from there. From Troy trying to team up with Shirley, to Abed living his life through TV, to them using Pierce to get away from some intruders, to Britta and Jeff vying to help Shirley and then hooking up. It is all there and it all works to perfection. Even in the end, when everyone is out of the game except for Jeff, he doesn't have some epic speech about winning, he goes to the dean's office and demands to know why he did what he did and kind of goes nuts. It is too perfect. I also enjoyed the hell out of the way he got the dean with a paintball to the head and the dean didn't even flinch. When they see everyone cleaning up the day after the paintball game the camera goes back to normal and everything seems all normal again, except for the tension between Britta and Jeff.

This episode is so wonderful and so perfect and hits all the right notes. I actually feel like it is kind of underrated now. When it first came out it was this instant internet classic. People kept it in the consciousness for a bit, but I haven't heard much about it anymore. I'm here to try and change that the best way I can. Go watch this episode. In fact, go watch the entire series, well maybe up until Donald Glover leaves, and remind yourself how dope this show was. "Community" is a classic and it should be revered as such. And this paintball episode is perfect.

Ty

 Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Ty Watches "Grand Crew" Season Two

When "Grand Crew" came out last year with its first season I really liked it. It is a funny, quick witted and very well made show. I enjoy the actors and the writers. They all come from stuff that I listen to or watch, so I was predisposed to like the show.

The first season came and went and it was great. I enjoyed every bit of it. It got better and better as it went on. That is the sign of a very good show. When they announced a second season I was stoked. I waited and waited and it premiered at the beginning of this month. The move to Friday night worried me, but in the age of streaming the day a show comes out on a network is not as important as it once was.

I got caught up on the first four episodes of season two yesterday, and I am here to say that season two is even better than the first. The show feels sharper. The writing is even funnier. The relationships are wonderfully crafted. The cast and crew seems to really be vibing off one another. The show works. But what I noticed, the highest compliment I can give a show that I watch, it feels comfortable. Watching "Grand Crew" in this second season is like wrapping a nice warm blanket around myself in the dead of winter. The show is engaging. The storylines with all the characters are funny and thoughtful. The love connections all work. The guest stars are wonderful and people that come from other comedy things I consume. The show feels like a throwback in the best possible way. I grew up with sitcoms in the house. My parents loved and watched shows like "Seinfeld", "The Simpsons", "Curb Your Enthusiasm". These are classic sitcoms that all work in their own way. I go back and watch these shows when I want to relax and go back to that time in my life. Watching "Grand Crew" yesterday gave me that feeling. I was sitting on the love seat and I just felt comfortable with each passing episode. I never grew tired. I didn't look down at my phone. I was engaged. I was focused. And I was completely relaxed. This show is thriving. They are doing pretty much everything right. Even with classic sitcom tropes, they nail it. They went to a psychic in an episode I watched and when it turned out she was a con artist, I didn't roll my eyes. Instead I found myself laughing. I liked the route they went with the story. I liked how they involved all the characters and showed their arc's in 22 minutes. It was a new interpretation of a classic sitcom story. And that is how every episode has felt to this point. The people behind "Grand Crew" seem to have a vast knowledge of what they are doing and they are putting it to use in the best way possible.

I want this show to stick around. I want these actors to keep acting together in this scenario this show has created. I want to see more and more stuff like this on a modern sitcom. "Grand Crew" needs to stay on TV. This is a good show with a fresh take on old classic tropes. The writers are exceptional. I am going to continue to sing this show's praises because it more than deserves it. Go watch. I bet you will all enjoy it as much as I do. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Ty Watches "The Last of Us" Episode 3 "Long, Long Time"

Spoilers for anyone that has not seen the third episode of “The Last of Us”

We have started to watch "Last of Us" in my home. Many people have told us to watch and we are finally doing it. This show is incredible, but my goodness is it depressing and too close to reality. I fully believe something like this could happen, especially after how unprepared we were for COVID. I find myself depressed at times watching it because it feels too real. All that aside, the show is very well done, well written and well acted.

The first two episodes were a great way to get us into this universe, I guess it is based off a video game I have never played, but the third episode was something special. I had heard from the same people telling me and my wife to watch that this was the episode that would get us, both in good and bad ways. I also saw all the headlines when it initially aired and the hype was through the roof for me. The third episode exceeded my own personal hype, and then some.

This was a magical hour of television. I was in awe of what I was watching. I could not believe how they achieved their goal, and then took it even further. When the episode finished I told my wife that it was the best thing I have seen on tv in my entire life. We are two days removed from watching it and my feelings have not changed.

Nick Offerman played this doomsday prepper who wasn't going to leave his home when everything went down. He had a plan and he stuck to it. He had a fence around his property, he set up booby traps, he got what he needed to survive and he was living a quiet life by himself. Four years into everything a man trips and falls into one of his traps. Murray Bartlett, from "The White Lotus" and "Flight of the Conchords", played Frank. He was the person that fell. Bill, Offerman's character, helps him when he realizes he isn't infected, and expects him to leave by that night.

Frank ended up staying for the next 16 years. They fell in love. They had ups and downs like every couple. They showed each other things they had never seen before. They helped each other do things they had never done before. They made friends over the radio, most notably with Joel and Tess, the two main people from the Boston Quarantine Zone. They took care of one another. They exercised together. They painted and kept a garden together. They painted and played piano together. When Bill gets shot, Frank tends to his needs. When Frank grew ill, not infected, that needs to be said when talking about this show, Bill took care of him. They had this wonderful life together in this crazy time that this show and video game created. They found each other and they made it work. They seemed destined to find each other.

I was watching the episode and I couldn't believe how well they were showing true love. This is love. There are going to be fights, squabbles and arguments. Those will be resolved and laughed at later in life. There are going to be times when one partner has to take care of the other. They showed this masterfully in this episode. Couples are going to have their own personal preferences and styles and the way they showed them melding together was tremendous. I have never, in my life, seen a better version of true love portrayed on any medium. This was perfection.

This hour-long episode made me feel things I have never felt while engaged in pop culture. I laughed, I sobbed and I felt like it ended the best way it could have. My wife and I were puddles of emotion when it was over, but we loved what they had done. My wife can cry pretty easily at stuff like this, but it takes a lot to get me. This one got me and held me the entire time. I was consistently wiping tears from my face. My wife went through a ton of tissues. I was moved by this episode. This was perfection.

I do not know that anything will ever live up to what "Last of Us" did with their third episode. Shows like "Breaking Bad", "Better Call Saul", "The Simpsons" and "The Wire" may end up being better overall in the long run, but this episode of "Last of Us" might be the greatest episode of television that will ever exist. Even if you don't want to watch the show, or are a superfan of the video game and don't want to see a tv show about it, watch this episode. This is not in the video game, this is its own separate story and it is a masterclass in tv making history. My wife and I both said, and my dad for that matter as well, that Murray Bartlett and Nick Offerman, and the writers of this episode, should win every single tv award that they possibly can for this. This was a masterpiece and I am so thankful and grateful that I got to see.

What an absolutely wonderful hour of tv. Wow, just wow. My hat is off to you all. Thank you. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Ty Watches "Party Down" Season Three

My wife and I just got caught up on "Party Down". We watched the series when it first premiered and loved it. When they announced this reboot or remake or re imagining or whatever you call it, I was a little skeptical. The main characters on the show have all gone on to have pretty solid careers. They are all working in show business in some form, mostly acting. But when the crew gets back together, good things usually happen. That was what happened with "The Simpsons Movie", and while "Party Down" is no "Simpsons", it is not a bad idea to have the original cast and crew come together.

What I liked so much about the original run of the show was the slow burn comedy style they put forth. Some episodes would go almost all the way to the end before revealing the biggest joke, and it always hit. The writers of this show have an incredible hit rate when it comes to joke writing. But they did not have to hit you over the head with joke after joke after joke. Sometimes that works, "30 Rock", but sometimes I like to wait for it and be stoked when it happens. That is where "Party Down" succeeds.

Luckily they have done the same with the first three episodes of the new season so far. There are jokes, but you really have to wait. The third episode has a great joke that ends the episode, and the wait totally paid off. I was cackling when it landed. And the actors are still doing a bang up job here in the revival, or whatever. Adam Scott is perfect in his role. I cannot picture anyone else playing this character. He is so good at it and crushes when on screen. Ken Marino may be even better, returning as Ron Donald. He is so put upon and pathetic and plays it to perfection. He is the clear comic star here and he is crushing it. Megan Mullaly and Jane Lynch have been on here and there, but when they are on they are great. They have both moved on from the catering company for different reasons, but the writers have found a wonderful way to include them here. Ryan Hansen is still crushing it as the wannabe star who is a little more dopey than he realizes. His journey so far this season has been a joy to watch. Martin Starr hasn't done too much yet, but you can tell it is coming, and the stuff he has had to work with so far he has nailed. Lizzy Caplan didn't come back for this, but the people they got to replace her have been doing very good work. Tyrel Jackson Williams is great as the person trying to be the next viral video star. He is a very funny actor and is doing great work here. And Zoe Chao is excellent as the pretentious chef who makes the craziest food I have ever heard of in my life. We also have Jennifer Garner who is superb and doing some of the best work in her career in my opinion. She is excellent in this role.

The show still has the overall feel of the original, it is just updated to modern times. They have touched on the pandemic and proud boys and superhero movies, among other things, and it has all worked to this point. After we finished the third episode last night I told my wife that I was thrilled it was back on and not much has changed. She agreed and we both said that the third episode made us even excited for what is to come.

"Party Down" was a great, underrated show when it first aired. Now it is back and as good as it was before. I'm stoked and I recommend this show for anyone. It is as well written and acted as any show on TV right now. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Ty Watches "History of the World: Part II"

I'm a Mel Brooks fan so I was stoked to watch "History of the World: Part 2" this week. I have now watched six of the first eight episodes, I will finish it off tonight, and I have some thoughts.

I went back and rewatched "History of the World: Part 1" about a week ago. There is some problematic language and stuff in that movie, as with most stuff from that era of tv and movies, but damn it did it make me laugh. Brooks may be the funniest film maker of all time. There is no other comedy director who has made me laugh as consistently as him. Even his not so good stuff, "Robin Hood: Men in Tights", has its moments. But, I was a little hesitant going into this sequel, so many years later. I also read some stuff recently that said it felt "neutered" and called it a "let down". I have gotten none of that from the first six episodes. I have been laughing very hard at what I have seen so far. It has kept my attention. I have not found myself going to my phone at all while I watch the series. I also like that they have made it a series and not a movie sequel. That was the right move.

Also, when you have Nick Kroll, Ike Barinholtz and Wanda Sykes as the leads, that is top notch comedy for me. I am a fan of all three of these people and really enjoy their other work. The writing staff is full of comedy people that I hear on many podcasts every week. I feel like this new series was made for a comedy fan like myself. The jokes are rapid fire and funny. There are very few sketches that don't make me laugh. And the ones that don't hit as hard with me still work in the flow of the show.

The other actors that they got for this are big time people, Jack Black, Pamela Adlon, Tim Baltz, Dove Cameron, Jay Ellis, Zahn McClarnon, JB Smoove, Tyler James Williams, Johnny Knoxville, his "Jackass" co stars, Mitra Jouhari, James Adomian, Zazie Beetz, Ronny Chieng, Rob Corddry, Colton Dunn, Richard Kind, and so many, many more that I could name.That is a pretty hefty cast list. It has the big names I mentioned, and also some names of people who are about to hit big. Brooks, Barinholtz, Sykes and Kroll really wanted to get some of their friends in this, and their friends are giving wonderful performances.

I am also a fan of the whole sketch thing. I think this keeps my attention even more. Some of the sketches are long running. They evolve from each episode. But I appreciate the fact that they give each sketch about five to six minutes and move on. And the sketches that they shorten are explosions of comedy. There is this commercial bit about statues that is tremendous. It has made me laugh harder than most of the stuff on the show. But it all works for me.

As I said before, this feels like it is a comedic show made for my comedic sensibilities. I feel like they decided to make this show for my generation. I don't know many other 40 year olds that have seen the original "History of the World", but I know a bunch of 40 year olds who like this show. It has the same sensibility as the original, but it is all new sketches. Mel Brooks came on the first episode and said he wouldn't do this if it was just a remake. That was a smart, smart move.

I say ignore the critics and watch this show. Each episode is about 27 minutes long and they are packed with jokes. It is very good and I hope they make more. I am a fan. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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"Between Two Ferns" Is Still Comedy Gold

Recently I have been going back and watching a ton of older "Between Two Ferns" shorts. I watched most when they came out and I have seen the movie multiple times.

I am a longtime fan of this little talk show. I think it was the fact that Zack Galifinakis was the host and that Scott Aukerman had his hand in a lot of the business, even directing the movie. It also had a ton of comedy people I really like attached to it. And add on the fact that it was a Funny or Die product, it felt like it was made with my comic sensibility in mind. Earlier today I was watching a blooper reel of some of the stuff from the movie and it made me laugh even harder. It also made me sit back and think about how much fun this show had to be to make.

For people that may not know, "Between Two Ferns" was a talk show that Galifinakis hosted on public syndication in a small town in North Carolina. He got celebrities to come in and he would roast them with his questions. The movie was the same thing with a story that the viewer followed. It is a simple yet hilarious premise. And when I say Galifinakis would roast the guests, I mean he ROASTS them. There is some very, very funny stuff that has happened on this show. Go back and watch the Paul Rudd stuff from the movie. It is classic. You can go back and watch the show when it first started and look at the way they go after Jon Hamm. The Matthew McCoungahy stuff is gold. When they had Barack Obama on he roasted Galifinakis more than he could roast him. They did a full sit down with Oscar nominees one year and the stuff that came out of that is genius. I love it all. The movie was a great way to get a bunch of people on and do what felt like a "best of" as well. It was a good decision to let them make a movie so you could pack in all kinds of new interviews that would for sure go viral.

That is what made me sit back today and look at the brilliance of the show this afternoon. To be able to get these questions off and keep a straight face has to be nearly impossible. I cannot even fathom how many takes just to get through a short interview. The blooper I saw with McCoungahy today featured him laughing the entire time. They had another on with David Letterman where neither he nor Galifinakis could keep it together. So to be able to do a show like this, to get something that is ready to view for the public and that comes off like there were not multiple takes, that takes a good amount of work and it impresses me very much. I love going back now and watching the older episodes and thinking about how much fun it was to make them. The Jerry Seinfeld and Cardi B episode is great. Seinfeld gets made fun of over and over and over again and just sits there taking it. And then Cardi B comes on and Galifinakis is sweet and nice. He makes Seinfeld the butt of even more jokes. Seinfeld is one of the world;s best stand ups and he is such a pro that he knows how to not mess up on film. The same could be said for the Steve Carrell episode. Even when he acts like he is mad and goes hard at Galifinakis, Galifinakis gives it right back to him and they were able to get enough to make a full episode. That is amazing. I love the Brie Larson interview and how uncomfortable it gets. But then you watch outtakes and you can see Larson is having a damn good time. I guess it impresses me when these comedy people get together and make something wonderful while having the time of their lives. I know it isn't something I could do so I like watching people more talented than me pull it off like the pros they are.

I am glad that "Between Two Ferns" is back in my life. Go watch it if you haven't yet. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

Come and support Ty and the podcast on Patreon.

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Ty Watches "The White Lotus" Seasons 1 and 2

Over the past couple weeks my wife and I have been watching "White Lotus". A bunch of people we know have told us to watch and we finally decided it was time. The show is very good. It is worth the hype. It is all very well deserved. I look forward to watching a new episode every night. We are almost caught up and that bums me out. We are going to watch "Last of Us" next, but I still find myself wanting more "White Lotus". Everything about the show works very well but the one thing I want to point out today is the cringe factor that makes this show next level awesome. I will be spoiler free, don't worry, but the time has come for me to talk about this show in some kind of form, and this, the cringe factor, is perfect.

We have two episodes left in season 2. We are just about caught up. What I noticed last night when we watched was a conversation between two of the couples in season 2 talking at dinner. They were talking about sexual escapades of the past and the whole time I was uncomfortable. I'm not a prude, not by a long stretch. But to see how this whole conversation unfolded, I looked over at my wife and said how uncomfortable I was just watching this all go down. There was alcohol involved, some indiscretions were alluded to and the way the husband of one couple and the wife of the other were batting the words back and forth was a masterclass in cringe. The way they spoke made me shudder. The way the husband was rubbing her leg under the table made me turn away. When she smiled at him after pulling her leg away made me wildly uncomfortable. Everything about it made me want to stop watching. But I couldn't stop. I am so into it that I do not care how uncomfortable it makes me feel. I want to see how this all gets wrapped up. I want to see what happens next. I want to see how this resolves.

The cringe is a credit to this writing staff and the creators of this show. They take these glamorous areas of the world and put these supposedly happy and glamorous people in there, and they make it get very, very weird. It takes me aback to see how miserable and crummy these beautiful people can be. It shows their true colors. I know this is a fictional show but I have fully given in and look at them as real people. The way Aubrey Plaza handled this as Harper, her character on the show, is a wonderful example of how great an actor she is. And it is not just her character this season. This show has been doing this for two seasons now. Everytime Jennifer Coolidge speaks I get queasy. She is amazing on this show and she is the shining star. But everytime she speaks with Jon Gries, or Belinda from season 1, or Portia or the friends she made in Italy, she is the cringiest of cringe. And it is wonderful and uncomfortable to watch. The stuff with Albie and his dad and the sex worker this season is an achievement in making the viewer uncomfortable. To know what they know about each other is wild. Michael Imperioli and F Murray Abraham have some of the worst father son conversations in the history of talking. Every interaction in season one with the newly married couple is wildly hard to watch, especially when his mom shows up on their honeymoon. Steve Zahn does a masterclass in cringe factor throughout season one. Murray Bartlett is my favorite character to date and his whole journey in season 1 is wildy uncomfortable. The stuff with Albie and Portia makes me terribly uncomfortable. I could go on and on and on. But I think this is my favorite part about this show.

The show is amazing and everyone should be watching it, especially for the cringe factor. I'm in awe of how they put this across on screen and I cannot wait to watch more tonight. "White Lotus" is an achievement in making cringe television and it should be celebrated for that, among many other things. What a great television show. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

Come and support Ty and the podcast on Patreon.

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SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

"Aqua Teen Hunger Force" is Still Comedy Heaven

I read recently that the show "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" may be coming back. I'm excited by this news because I loved that show so very much. When I first moved out and moved in with my brother I watched a good amount of Adult Swim because I had sleeping issues. Adult Swim used to calm me down and I found some great stuff on there. "Aqua Teen" hit differently though. It spoke to me more than any other show I had watched to that point. I loved the absurdity and weirdness of the show. I also liked how darkly comedic it got at times too.

As the show went on the creators went further and further with their comedy. I even saw the movie they made in theaters on opening weekend. Ask my wife. I took her, more liked begged her, to see it that weekend. I loved it, she was not as big a fan. Then I kind of just forgot about the show. Life happened really. I got married, bought a home and we started to have kids. I was either too tired or too busy to stay up and watch Adult Swim anymore.

Then the news that it may be coming back had me trying to find "Aqua Teen" streaming somewhere. Luckily for me I have HBO Max and they have all the Adult Swim stuff. I have been going through "Aqua Teen" all over again for the past week. I'm currently on season 2 and I am here to say that this show holds the hell up. It is still as absurd as I remember it being. The characters hold the same weight for me as they did back then. Master Shake is still as loud and arrogant and hilarious as before. Meatwad is tiny and silly and loves to dance, and still cracks me up. Frylock is smart and runs the house, but he also has his moments. Frylock is more of the dark comedy that I enjoy so much about this show. And Karl is still, by a wide margin, the funniest one on the show. I often think the writers decided to write how they would act if they grew up in New Jersey and lived next to this madness. Like, they got over the fact that they live by food that is sentient and the character of Karl has just accepted his fate. It is one of the best written TV characters of all time. Full stop. I will debate this with anyone anytime at any place.

Then we have the auxiliary characters. These are the ones that show up from time to time but are not regulars like Karl. The Mooninites are rude and mean and are a bad influence on Meatwad. Wayne the Brain is one of the best one off TV characters. I adore characters like Rabbot, the leprechauns that are not actually leprechauns, Ol Drippy, Dr Weird, MC Pee Pants and Sir Loin, Happy Time Harry and Oog, among many, many more.

I also like the animation of the show. It is old school and modern with how they went about creating it and the characters. I like how smooth it all looks. I think it is hilarious and well written and a very well done show. I know it is odd and not for everyone, but it is definitely right up my alley.

I am so glad I found it streaming, that it still holds up and that they may be making new episodes. I know there is a newer movie, which I will be watching soon enough, but I want to get caught up on all the old episodes. I recommend you do the same too, if you can. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

Come and support Ty and the podcast on Patreon.

Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.