Too Funny to Fail

Too Funny to Fail is a hilarious deep-dive into one of television's most catastrophic, yet legendary, failures - The Dana Carvey Show. Directed by Josh Greenbaum and presented as a documentary film, it hilariously revisits the spectacular failure of Carvey's ambitious attempt in creating a primetime sketch comedy show. It delves into the reasons why the show tanked, while lifting the lid on some of the unseen and best sketches that were born out of this ambitious project.

Dana Carvey, a renowned American comedian, is well-known for his spell on the legendary sketch show, Saturday Night Live (SNL), propelling him to meteoric heights in the comedy world. As a beloved cast member known for his unforgettable impersonations, Carvey was a fan favorite. With this stature, in 1996, he took a leap of faith into the world of network television with his brainchild project, The Dana Carvey Show.

In Too Funny to Fail, Carvey himself, along with the show's core creative team (including Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Robert Smigel, and Louis C.K.) take us through the tumultuous journey of what was supposed to be a comedy milestone but instead led to an unprecedented disaster. Featuring interviews of these comedy stalwarts, the documentary peels back the curtain on this crucial moment in television history that was chock-full of talent but painfully short-lived.

The documentary does an incredible job of showcasing the comedic genius gathered on and off the show's set. It brings to life the exciting beginnings, the increasingly problematic production issues, the extreme network censorship, and the eventual cancellation after just seven episodes. It remarkably uncovers the creative risks they took, the challenge of incorporating originality in face of intense pressure, and brutally critical reviews. The film also provides a tantalizing 'what might have been' look at the never-broadcast final episode.

Carvey's original vision for the show was an edgy, ground-breaking comedy spectacle that would challenge the standard primetime television narrative. But the show was famously known for its over-the-top sketches, bizarre humor, and celebrity impersonations, which were markedly different from the conventional comedy sketches of its time. This stark contrast to mainstream comedy, the lack of suitable time slot, and the prime-time audience who were not expecting such audacious content, culminated in its rapid downfall.

Nonetheless, the impact of The Dana Carvey Show has been significant, serving as a launchpad for a score of heavy-hitters in the comedy world. Too Funny to Fail highlights well how this short-lived venture fostered the careers of future stars such as Steve Carell and Stephen Colbert. It also explores how the show influenced later popular and successful comedy projects that its creators and core team went on to work on.

Bill Hader, the narrator of the documentary, adds an additional flavor to the narrative with his witty commentary and distinctive comical style. He smoothly guides the audience through the timeline of the show, using humor and insightful narration to engage with the audience and bring the whole tale into perspective.

While Too Funny to Fail can be seen as a cautionary tale of pushing the envelope too far, too fast, it also serves as an homage to the courage of the creators to experiment and stretch the boundaries of humor. Despite the catastrophic outcome, the documentary celebrates the spirit of creativity, risk-taking, and laughter that powered this group of comedic geniuses.

As a comedy documentary, Too Funny to Fail perfectly balances incredible humor, in-depth revelations, and a layer of heartfelt nostalgia for a show destined for oblivion, yet leaving a lasting impact. The legacy of The Dana Carvey Show survives, in the successful careers it launched and within the comedy community where it is lovingly remembered as an audacious experiment that dared to defy expectations.