Impress Me

Impress Me is a half-hour scripted comedy series produced by SoulPancake, Rainn Wilson's production company. It originally aired on Pop TV in 2015 with a 10-episode run. The series is a unique blend of humor, drama, and impersonations that will unquestionably amuse those who appreciate a multifaceted approach to comedy.

The show features two of the world's leading celebrity impersonators: Ross Marquand known for his role in “The Walking Dead” and Jim Meskimen who audiences might recognize from “Parks and Recreation”. Both Marquand and Meskimen play fictionalized versions of themselves named Ross and Jim who strive to make a career change.

Ross and Jim are tired of playing the part of other people, literally. The duo makes the decision to retire from their profession as impersonators. They yearn to make it big as respect-worthy dramatic actors instead. This meta-concept serves as the primary plot of the television series and drives the various sub-plots throughout the season.

Impress Me centers around the duo's journey from being exceptional impersonators dreaming of a dramatic pivot. The premise essentially explores the challenges Ross and Jim face, their struggles and experiences on the path of redefining their careers, all the while showcasing their brilliant talent for impersonation.

The comedy is packed with celebrity impressions, with a regular showcase of their mimicking talents of personalities like Robert De Niro, Ian McKellen, Al Pacino, Gandalf, and many others. What makes the series stand out is its brilliant combination of extremely realistic portrayals with a unique narrative which makes you question the perception of one's own identity and the struggle of maintaining authenticity in a world that values fitting in.

Ross and Jim's best attempts to quit doing impressions and walking a whole new path inevitably backfire, leading to a series of comedic instances. The ultimate irony births from their evading engagement with an “Impressions Anonymous” support group which functions with a sole intention to stop people from speaking in other’s voices.

Adding to the mix, the series features a host of guest stars including Angela Kinsey from "The Office" fame who plays Jim's wife, Erika Christensen, "Parenthood", Josh Groban, singer-songwriter, and Matt Jones from "Breaking Bad". Each guest star helps to paint a larger picture of the impersonating world, while causing even more complexity in Ross and Jim's lives.

Impress Me is the brainchild of writer-director Ben Shelton. Known for his unique, character-driven storytelling, Shelton navigates through an intriguing narrative with a smart sense of humor, ensuring copious laughs throughout the episodes.

The show intentionally blurs the line between fiction and reality, as the actors bring certain elements of their celebrity impersonation background to their on-screen characters. It asks the audience to go beyond the laughter, to understand the plight of these actors who strive to be appreciated for their originality, rather than for their talent to mimic others.

Impress Me is not just a show about impressions; it is about the yearning for authenticity, the struggle to unveil one’s true personality in an industry that often demands otherwise. It delves into what it actually means to be an actor - is it merely mimicking emotions and expressions or relating to the characters and breathing life into them?

The program's use of celebrity impersonations as the thematic core adds to its unique appeal, but the real charm of the show comes from its exploration of human emotions, identity, dreams, and the pitfalls of fame. It's a series that makes you laugh, but also makes you think, evoking a sense of empathy and understanding towards the plight of its lead characters.

In conclusion, Impress Me serves as a fantastic platform for the world to see the talent of Marquand and Meskimen in impersonations while delivering a heartfelt and humorous narrative. From offering a whimsy view of the Hollywood impersonation business to dwelling on deeper themes of identity, aspiration, success, and personal transformation, the show encompasses a wide array of narratives making it a must-watch series for fans of comedy, drama, and everything in between.