Written by George Heftler
Over the last handful of years, alternative comedy has become more and more prevalent, slowly amassing a following. But if you missed Comedy Bang! Bang! in its glory or if Nathan For You means Nothing to You, there’s a chance you’re stuck in the past with Jeff Dunham and Larry the Cable Guy. Don’t fret! I’m here to get you in on the ground floor of a hip new show so you can relate to the college kids slowly infiltrating your office — Joe Pera Talks With You.
At first glance, the 15 minute episodes look more like they belong breaking up episodes of Antiques Roadshow on PBS than Adult Swim. After all, Joe Pera has the laconic speech pattern of your grandpa, he knows how to rock a sweater, and seems to lead a sepia-toned life. But JPTWY is a PBS show the same way Nathan For You is about improving small businesses and CBB is “just a chat show”; which is to say, only on the surface.
Instead, the premiere’s promise of a lesson about the geological makeup of northern Michigan becomes a man confronting change when a “for sale” sign shows up on his lawn and a family looking to view the house at his front door. There’s absurdist humor, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it physical jokes, and a quiet sincerity to the whole affair. And the episodes only get better as Joe talks to us about breakfast at his favorite restaurant, how to dance in an inoffensive way when you’re dateless at a coworker’s wedding, and more.
With caustic humor and apathy being the order of the day, it’s refreshing to see a subversive show like Joe Pera Talks With You. It’s slow paced and dignified, and it won’t appeal to Adult Swim fans looking for the next Rick and Morty. But that’s a good thing. This is a show about Joe’s passions, and he reminds us that it’s ok to look at life with a sense of wonder instead of cynicism.
We’re fourepisodes into this season. It’s not too late. Take an hour and catch up on this show. You’ll be glad you did. And who knows, you may just find yourself being the office tastemaker with your finger on the pulse of up-and-coming comedy.
New Joe Pera Talks With You episodes air on Adult Swim at midnight and 12:15 AM.
George Heftler is available to provide more comedy recommendations and talk ceaselessly about movies on Twitter @Georgehef.
