Flight of the Conchords (HBO)

About Flight of the Conchords (HBO)

Flight of the Conchords is a critically acclaimed television series from HBO that premiered in 2007. This offbeat comedy revolves around the experiences of a New Zealand folk band named Flight of the Conchords as they navigate life in New York City. Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie, the members of band, play fictionalized versions of themselves, exploring the ups and downs of making ends meet, searching for romance, and trying to succeed in the music industry.

Making / Production

The show is a brainchild of Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie. An adaptation of their highly successful BBC radio series, it was produced by HBO in partnership with Dakota Pictures and Comedy Arts Studios. New Zealand film director, Taika Waititi, also contributed to the writing and directing of episodes.

Actors

• Jemaine Clement plays a version of himself, bringing a quirky and charming humor to the role as well as his music.
• Bret McKenzie, the other half of the Conchords, complements Jemaine's character with his quiet yet hilarious comedic timing and his own musical talents.
• Rhys Darby as Murray Hewitt, the band's well-meaning but inept manager, whose tactics often lead the band into hilarious predicaments.
• Kristen Schaal plays Mel, the Conchords' sole fan and stalker, her absurdly affectionate obsessiveness is a constant source of laughs.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The show features cameos from several notable comedians like Aziz Ansari, Patton Oswalt and Art Garfunkel.
• Although set in New York, a significant portion of the show was actually filmed in Wellington, New Zealand.
• The show's creator, Jemaine Clement, is one-half of the real-life band Flight of the Conchords.

Quotes

• "We're like a novelty music act. We're not a proper band." - Bret
• "It may be that in the future, everyone will be famous for 15 minutes. I've had an hour and a half. I've had enough!" - Jemaine

Music, Soundtrack

• The show features original music from Bret and Jemaine, who write all songs performed in the series.
• Songs like "Inner City Pressure", "Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenoceros", and "Business Time" have become cult classics.
• The music of the show has been released on Sub Pop Records, and ultimately led to a Grammy win for Best Comedy Album in 2007 for "The Distant Future" EP.