W/ Bob & David

W/ Bob & David is an innovative sketch comedy series from Netflix that aired in 2015. This creative, offbeat project is the brainchild of famous comic talents Bob Odenkirk and David Cross, who both have a rich history of television and film work. Both have written, produced, and starred in a number of critically acclaimed comedies and theaters. Odenkirk has a venerable acting career and is well-known for his role in the drama series "Breaking Bad" and its spin-off "Better Call Saul", while Cross is renowned for his performances in "Arrested Development" and "The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret". Their combined talents lend a unique flavor to W/ Bob & David, making it a must-see for comedy enthusiasts.

W/ Bob & David exists in the tradition of sketch shows like "Saturday Night Live" or “Monty Python’s Flying Circus”, but its creators Odenkirk and Cross bring their own distinctive style to this genre. The series is a spiritual successor to their much-beloved 90's HBO sketch show, "Mr. Show with Bob and David", gaining a cult following for its groundbreaking humor and inventive sketches. W/ Bob & David continues this legacy and introduces it to a new generation, but feels very much like its own entity, new and distinct yet inherently familiar to fans of "Mr. Show".

The format of W/ Bob & David can best be described as fluid with episodes typically beginning in a standard way and then transcending into bewilderingly hilarious situations. The world of each sketch is intricately connected to the next, making the transition from one sketch to another seamless but in an unpredictable and exciting way. Peppered with celebrity cameos and eccentric characters, the show dives into a potpourri of sketches that satirize a variety of topics including pop culture, politics, and human behavior. It offers a variety of comic flavors with an abundance of absurd situations, misdirection, parody, and social commentary that constantly challenge the viewers.

The genius of W/ Bob & David lies in its engaging writing and unexpected turns that jump in and out of traditional comedy structure. Each 30-minute episode is packed with sharp humor, wit, observational comedy, and unique character work that enhances the full flavor of multi-faceted humor. It is raw, often absurd, yet incisive, always challenging expectations and drawing the audience in with each unexpected twist and turn.

Odenkirk and Cross both perform multiple roles in the series, displaying their versatility and providing a platform to showcase their wide-ranging talents. They are the heart of the series, but they're not the only critical talents involved. The show features an impressive supporting cast of talented comedians and actors, some of whom have worked previously with Odenkirk and Cross on "Mr. Show", and they bring their unique comic voices to contribute to the rich tapestry of W/ Bob & David.

What makes W/ Bob & David stand out is perhaps its unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and taking risks in its comedy. It can be surreal, crude, whimsical, and dark all in one go, but consistently funny and engaging, with the kind of humor that provokes thought as much as it elicits laughter. The series often takes an unconventional or non-linear approach, jumping across genres and styles with ease, making it a dynamic viewing experience.

Fans of sketch comedy and absurd humor will feel right at home with W/ Bob & David. Though it may take comedic leaps that not everyone will always land on, it is an undeniable treasure for those who appreciate innovative sketch comedy. It benefits from the powerful combination of Odenkirk and Cross, whose unmistakable chemistry infuses every sketch with a sense of excitement and unpredictability.

Despite only having a single season with just a handful of episodes on Netflix, W/ Bob & David has managed to create a palpable impact. With its bold and unapologetic humor, it is a unique offering that comedy enthusiasts will find both challenging and rewarding at the same time. Patriotically, W/ Bob & David could be described as a fascinating, wild excursion through some of the most inventive comedy that can be found on television.