Mr. Show: A Comprehensive Overview

About Mr. Show

"Mr. Show with Bob and David", often referred to as "Mr. Show", is an American sketch comedy series that aired on HBO from November 3, 1995, to December 28, 1998. The show was created by comedians Bob Odenkirk and David Cross, who also starred as main characters in the series. "Mr. Show" is renowned for its offbeat humor, innovative sketches, and unique presentation, with each episode seamlessly blending one sketch into the other.

Making / Production

The production of "Mr. Show" was unconventional for its time. Sketches were not performed in front of an audience, but instead all scenes were shot on stage or on location and then edited together. This allowed for more complex sketches and seamless transitions. The show was executive produced by Odenkirk, Cross, Dino Stamatopoulos, and Naomi Odenkirk.

Actors

• Bob Odenkirk - Played a variety of characters in the series. With his versatile acting, he brought to life a range of eccentric and offbeat characters, paving the way for his future success.
• David Cross - Played a multitude of roles in the series. Cross's comedic timing and ability to embody diverse characters played a crucial role in the success of the show.
• Tom Kenny - Known for his voice work, Kenny brought a unique comedic flair to the various characters he portrayed in the series.
• Jill Talley - Played various roles in the series with her energetic performance and voice-over work adding an essential dynamic to the show's cast.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The title "Mr. Show" is derived from a joke about an unaired TV program called "Mr. Show with Liberty and Justice for UK Only."
• "Mr. Show" is one of the first TV shows to transition one sketch into another. This technique is now widely used in modern sketch comedy.
• Many successful comedians, including Sarah Silverman and Paul F. Tompkins, had early appearances on "Mr. Show."

Awards

Despite the critical acclaim, "Mr. Show" did not receive major awards during its run. Its unique style and presentation were, however, hugely influential in the realm of sketch comedy.

Quotes

• "You're wasting your life." - David
• "Ever wonder why you haven't won a Peabody?" - Bob
• "I'm not here to make friends, I have too many friends." - David

Music, Soundtrack

• The theme for "Mr. Show" was composed by the show's music director, Eban Schletter.
• Throughout its run, the series featured numerous original songs, including "The Greatest Love in History" and "Monk Academy".