7.6 / 10 (based on 11728 reviews)
Two comedians, average nobodies, and celebrity guest stars perform bizarre low-budget comedy sketches.
Genre: Comedy, Music
Main Cast: Tim Heidecker, Eric Wareheim, Bob Odenkirk, John C. Reilly
Creators: Tim Heidecker, Eric Wareheim
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5 seasons, 56 episodes, 11-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! (2007)
Tim and Eric’s Bedtime Stories (2013)
7.8 / 10 (based on 2446 reviews)
Tim and Eric’s parody of horror anthology TV shows.
Genre: Comedy, Horror
Main Cast: Tim Heidecker, Eric Wareheim, Zach Galifianakis, Adam Cagley
Creators: Tim Heidecker, Eric Wareheim
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 17 episodes, 11.0-minute runtime
Decker (2014)
8.1 / 10 (based on 1444 reviews)
CIA agent Jack Decker has to save the United States from terrorists due to an incompetent president.
Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime, Thriller
Main Cast: Tim Heidecker, Joe Estevez, Gregg Turkington, James Mane Jr.
Creators: Tim Heidecker, Gregg Turkington
Directors:
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6 seasons, 49 episodes, 11.0-minute runtime
On Cinema (2012)
9.2 / 10 (based on 1533 reviews)
Tim Heidecker reviews the latest movies in theaters with a special guest.
Genre: Comedy, Talk-Show
Main Cast: Tim Heidecker, Gregg Turkington, Mark Proksch, Joe Estevez
Creators: Tim Heidecker, Gregg Turkington
Directors:
Writers:
12 seasons, 115 episodes
Beef House (2020)
7.1 / 10 (based on 860 reviews)
Five men – Tim Heidecker, Eric Wareheim, Ron Auster, Ben Hur, Tennessee Luke – and Eric’s wife Megan, all living under one roof.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Tim Heidecker, Eric Wareheim, Tennessee Luke
Creators: Tim Heidecker, Eric Wareheim
Directors:
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1 season, 6 episodes
The Eric Andre Show (2012)
8.6 / 10 (based on 19673 reviews)
Eric Andre tries to host a talk show in a bizarre environment, where he is sometimes the player of pranks and sometimes the victim.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Eric André, Hannibal Buress, Robert Smith, Tom Ato
Creators: Eric André
Directors:
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5 seasons, 59 episodes, 11.0-minute runtime
Tim’s Kitchen Tips (2013)
8.2 / 10 (based on 583 reviews)
Tim Heidecker takes you into the kitchen & teaches you how to make a variety of meals with some help from Eric Wareheim in “Tim’s Kitchen Tips”.
Genre: Short, Comedy, Talk-Show
Main Cast: Tim Heidecker, Eric Wareheim, Angela Mike
Creators:
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1 season, 5 episodes, 7.0-minute runtime
When discussing influential TV shows that have left a lasting impact on the landscape of comedy, “Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!” deserves a prominent mention. Created by Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim, this show broke the mold of traditional sketch comedy with its unique blend of surreal humor, public access television aesthetics, and unconventional editing techniques. This article aims to explore the show’s legacy, its key elements, and why it remains a cult favorite years after its original airing.
The Birth of a New Comedy Era
“Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!” first hit the airwaves in 2007 on Adult Swim, a network known for its boundary-pushing content. Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim, having already garnered a niche following with their earlier work, “Tom Goes to the Mayor,” brought their distinctive vision to a wider audience. The show ran for five seasons, concluding in 2010, but its influence persists.
What Made It Stand Out
At its core, the show was a sketch comedy series. However, calling it just that would be an understatement. It was a blend of live-action, animation, and musical performances, wrapped in a package that could only be described as ‘delightfully bizarre.’ From fake commercials to spoof public access shows, the content was as varied as it was unpredictable.
Unconventional Humor
The humor in “Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!” was not for everyone. It thrived on awkwardness, anti-humor, and surreal sketches that often left viewers bewildered. One memorable sketch, “Spagett,” featured a character attempting to scare people with poor disguises and timing, highlighting the show’s love for the absurd.
Editing and Aesthetics
The editing style was a character in its own right. Quick cuts, intentional misuse of special effects, and a general aesthetic that mimicked low-budget public access TV shows contributed to its unique charm. This approach not only set it apart from other sketch comedies of the time but also influenced a wave of content creators on platforms like YouTube.
Cultivating a Cult Following
Despite its niche appeal, or perhaps because of it, “Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!” cultivated a dedicated fan base. The show’s willingness to experiment and its disregard for conventional comedy norms resonated with viewers looking for something different.
Celebrity Cameos
Part of the show’s appeal was its surprising array of celebrity cameos. From established actors like John C. Reilly, who played the unforgettable Dr. Steve Brule, to musicians and even sports figures, these guest appearances added another layer of unpredictability. These cameos, often featuring the celebrities in bizarre or unflattering roles, showcased the wide-reaching influence and appeal of the show.
Influence on Modern Comedy
The show’s impact on comedy is undeniable. Its fingerprints can be seen in the rise of absurdist humor across various media, from internet memes to other television shows that embrace a similar aesthetic. It paved the way for a generation of comedians and content creators who value originality and the element of surprise in their work.
Legacy and Lasting Appeal
Years after its final episode aired, “Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!” continues to be a reference point for innovative comedy. Its legacy is evident in the continued success of Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim, who have gone on to create more content, both together and individually, always maintaining their unique voice.
A Show Ahead of Its Time
In many ways, “Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!” was ahead of its time. The early 2000s were a different landscape for television, with the internet not yet fully realized as a platform for content distribution. The show’s style, heavily influenced by the aesthetics of the internet and early video sharing sites, predicted the direction of online humor.
Enduring Fan Base
The show’s fan base remains active, sharing clips and memes across social media platforms. This enduring popularity speaks to the timeless quality of its humor and the deep connection it made with its audience. For many, “Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!” was more than just a TV show; it was a formative comedic experience.
Conclusion
“Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!” was not just a show; it was a phenomenon. It broke the mold, challenged viewers’ expectations, and left a lasting mark on the landscape of comedy. By embracing the absurd, experimenting with form, and always pushing the boundaries, Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim created something truly unique. As we look back on its influence and legacy, it’s clear that this was a show that not only defined an era but also pointed the way to the future of comedy. Whether you were a fan from the start or discovered it years later, there’s no denying the impact and enduring appeal of this groundbreaking series.