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| Left to right: Jonah Ray and Kumail Nanjiani |
Welcome to a new column called Channel Surfing, in which I sporadically look at current TV shows and talk about them. These are not ones that I care to write weekly recaps for and are instead reflections either on the episode, the series, or particular moments. This will hopefully help to share personal opinions as well as discover entertainment on the outer pantheon that I feel is well worth checking out, or in some cases, shows that are weird enough to talk about, but should never be seen.
In a strange cyclone of events, the new Comedy Central program The Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail feels like the culmination of the podcast medium. It is impossible to think of the premiere episode without thinking of the medium. From the fact that it follows @ Midnight (hosted by podcast icon and The Nerdist host Chris Hardwick) to the fact that it takes place at a comic book store bought by Hardwick for tapings of The Nerdist podcast, this is an embrace of how the medium has united comedy fans and helped to turn Southern California into one of the meccas for alternative comedy. Even the hosts Jonah Ray (Jonah Raydio) and Kumail Nanjiani (The X-Files Files) have their own weekly podcasts as well as every single one of their guests at some point in their career.
Even if it is never brought up, it feels like this show's existence would be nothing without podcasts and fan interaction. This isn't to argue that it doesn't translate. The Meltdown follows in the same vein as almost all half hour comedy variety shows ranging from the old Rodney Dangerfield specials and the Young Comics to more contemporary sources like the Put Your Hands Together podcast. It almost seems easier than ever to connect between creator and buyer. That, in a sense, is the charm of the show, which plays almost specifically as a showcase for comics to perform stand-up routines.
The Meltdown works largely because of the confidence of the hosts, whose interaction with the audience allows for candid improv and the penchant awkward moments and pop culture references. It feels sort of low rent, but along with a "behind the scenes" aspect, it feels like a community program that anyone can get involved with. The jokes come fast and depending on your opinions of each performer, it is a very solid exposition for talent. The only limitation is that the half hour format keeps everything moving quickly, forcing it often to feel more like skits than elongated performances. This isn't a problem, as it has plenty on its mind.
In a strange cyclone of events, the new Comedy Central program The Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail feels like the culmination of the podcast medium. It is impossible to think of the premiere episode without thinking of the medium. From the fact that it follows @ Midnight (hosted by podcast icon and The Nerdist host Chris Hardwick) to the fact that it takes place at a comic book store bought by Hardwick for tapings of The Nerdist podcast, this is an embrace of how the medium has united comedy fans and helped to turn Southern California into one of the meccas for alternative comedy. Even the hosts Jonah Ray (Jonah Raydio) and Kumail Nanjiani (The X-Files Files) have their own weekly podcasts as well as every single one of their guests at some point in their career.
Even if it is never brought up, it feels like this show's existence would be nothing without podcasts and fan interaction. This isn't to argue that it doesn't translate. The Meltdown follows in the same vein as almost all half hour comedy variety shows ranging from the old Rodney Dangerfield specials and the Young Comics to more contemporary sources like the Put Your Hands Together podcast. It almost seems easier than ever to connect between creator and buyer. That, in a sense, is the charm of the show, which plays almost specifically as a showcase for comics to perform stand-up routines.
The Meltdown works largely because of the confidence of the hosts, whose interaction with the audience allows for candid improv and the penchant awkward moments and pop culture references. It feels sort of low rent, but along with a "behind the scenes" aspect, it feels like a community program that anyone can get involved with. The jokes come fast and depending on your opinions of each performer, it is a very solid exposition for talent. The only limitation is that the half hour format keeps everything moving quickly, forcing it often to feel more like skits than elongated performances. This isn't a problem, as it has plenty on its mind.
It also helps that The Meltdown location has been a popular location for close to four years now. Almost every comedy fan is aware of its existence and often serves as a pilgrimage to attend a showing. Anyone can stop by and the spontaneity translates to the episode rather effectively. Some parts feel hacky, but that is live comedy. It also helps if you're a fan of Ray and Nanjiani, whose podcasts remain consistent sources of quality content for the past few years. Its exploitative quality is the next best thing to actually attending a series. Also, given its 12:30 AM time slot, it is a great alternative to the lowbrow peers of original programming on Adult Swim.
Compared to a lot of other programming that Comedy Central has produced this year, it isn't the most essential. However, props must be paid to the network for continuing to grow their brand with modern talents getting their own programs. This is a well-deserved one that lives up to all expectations. It may seem cheap and disposable, but for a place like The Meltdown, which has become considered a prime spot for comedy, it is an excellent showcase that even if it is short lived with only eight episodes, it does an effective portrayal much like the long forgotten Benson Interruption. This is what podcasts have come to: connecting with audiences and defining a voice in ways that didn't seem as plausible prior. It is a community of friends coming together to produce content, and thankfully everyone in this is highly qualified.
Oh, and what podcasts has everyone hosted? Here's a rundown:
Jonah Ray (The Nerdist, Jonah Raydio)
Kumail Nanjiani (The Indoor Kids, The X-Files Files)
Natasha Leggero (The Lavender Hour -- now called The Duncan Trussell Family Hour)
Steve Agee (Uhhh)
Moshe Kasher (The Champs)
Neal Brennan (The Champs)
Emily V. Gordon (The Indoor Kids)
David Koechner (Love, Dad)
Adam Scott (U Talkin' U2 to Me?)
Compared to a lot of other programming that Comedy Central has produced this year, it isn't the most essential. However, props must be paid to the network for continuing to grow their brand with modern talents getting their own programs. This is a well-deserved one that lives up to all expectations. It may seem cheap and disposable, but for a place like The Meltdown, which has become considered a prime spot for comedy, it is an excellent showcase that even if it is short lived with only eight episodes, it does an effective portrayal much like the long forgotten Benson Interruption. This is what podcasts have come to: connecting with audiences and defining a voice in ways that didn't seem as plausible prior. It is a community of friends coming together to produce content, and thankfully everyone in this is highly qualified.
Oh, and what podcasts has everyone hosted? Here's a rundown:
Jonah Ray (The Nerdist, Jonah Raydio)
Kumail Nanjiani (The Indoor Kids, The X-Files Files)
Natasha Leggero (The Lavender Hour -- now called The Duncan Trussell Family Hour)
Steve Agee (Uhhh)
Moshe Kasher (The Champs)
Neal Brennan (The Champs)
Emily V. Gordon (The Indoor Kids)
David Koechner (Love, Dad)
Adam Scott (U Talkin' U2 to Me?)
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