Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television

"Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television" is an ambitious, light-hearted show that cleverly combines action, comedy, and satire into a unique television experience. Rolling out through the YouTube Red platform between 2017 and 2019, the show threw itself into a challenge by intertwining television fiction with self-referential humor, creating a distinctive sitcom that stands out in a crowded field.

The show revolves around the central character Ryan Hansen, a playing himself as a quirky, fun-loving actor who becomes embroiled in a experimental law enforcement program. What's particularly interesting about "Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television" is how its premise comes to life. It takes on the concept of partnering actors with professional detectives to navigate crime scenes, detective work, and occasional bouts of chaos in the city of Los Angeles.

At the heart of the show is the odd couple pairing of Ryan Hansen, known for roles in renowned series like "Veronica Mars" and "Party Down", with Emmy nominated actress Samira Wiley, familiar for her roles in "The Handmaid's Tale" and "Orange is the New Black". Wiley portrays Jessica Mathers, a no-nonsense, seasoned detective who has to put up with Hansen's nonchalant and hiccup-prone composure. As Wiley's character Mathers is the complete opposite of Hansen's, their every interaction gives viewers comedy gold.

Under the creative helm of director Rawson Marshall Thurber, best known for "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story", "We're the Millers", and "Central Intelligence", the show effectively plays around in the hybrid genre. Its two seasons are packed with a mix of thrilling crime-solving mixed with comedic elements, breaking the fourth wall regularly in the process.

The show incorporates a meta-humor aspect, consciously acknowledging the fact that it's a web series aired on YouTube Red, now called YouTube Premium. The scripts are laced with digs altogether on actors, Hollywood, YouTube, crime shows, and even itself, holding nothing back in its comically sound roasts. It also drops several celebrity cameos – from stars like Joel McHale, Aly Michalka, and Eric Christian Olsen to Jon Cryer and even Peter Facinelli – adding yet another layer of humor and surprise.

What makes "Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television" intriguing is its innovative spin on the typical 'crime-solving' genre. It transitions from moment to moment, shifting between the actor's gaffes while trailing the detective, to fully fledged action scenes, before flipping back to Ryan's comic gags, witty asides, and absurd understatements about their precarious situations. This show is not just a comedic parody of standard police procedurals; it’s an inventive take on the self-aware narrative that has been turning heads in recent years.

The boldness of "Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television" stands revealed in its incessant self-awareness. However, it’s not just a spoof silently winking from the background; it's a front-and-center mockery of conventions and a lampoon of formalities in mainstream Hollywood narratives. At the same time, it shows genuine warmth towards its characters and is unafraid to stage large-scale action sequences.

The show's satirical style and comedic action not only keeps viewers engaged but also ensures a light-hearted, entertaining watch. Simultaneously, it serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the industry's structure, norms, and image, transmitted to the audience through careful humor and setup in each episode.

"Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television" uses the web series format to innovatively push boundaries, weaving together various themes and tones within its crime-solving framework. Its distinctive style and intriguing message make it a must-watch show on YouTube Red. It's a hearty, comedic, yet insightful blast for anyone who loves watching cop-show parodies crackling with wit and filled with surprising turns.