The Funniest New Show You’re Probably Not Watching

As part of my never ending quest to find good comedy on network TV, I started watching Talkshow with Spike Feresten on Fox. My expectations were very low, but I figured that at worst, I could rail on the show, and at best, I could happily embrace it and be that tool who acts like I was “in” on something before it catches on. Sure enough, I get to be the cocky jerk because the truth is that Talkshow with Spike Feresten is not only the most successful attempt Fox has made to create a late night talk show, but it’s also one of the funniest shows on network TV. I know that sounds a bit over the top, but honestly, when you’ve got The Class and ‘Til Death polluting up the airwaves, it’s not hard to rise to the top (not to denigrate Talkshow, even though I just did).

Nevertheless, I’ve watched all but one episode of Talkshow, and each installment has made me laugh out loud multiple times. The interview segments are still a bit questionable (and occasionally boring), but they’re generally short and painless. Plus, at a scant thirty minutes, the show doesn’t wear itself thin (I’m not sure if Spike Feresten, a former Seinfeld writer, would have the chops to support a whole hour). It’s really all about the skits, which already are funnier than anything Jay Leno’s put on the air in the past five years (I did watch “Headlines” last week though for the first time in ages. I feel ashamed). Of course, since this show is on Fox, it’s not receiving any promotion whatsoever (I still have yet to see one TV spot since it premiered several weeks ago). Chances are this show will be dead faster than you can say Andy Richter Controls the Universe. However, for those of you feeling particularly intrepid, check out this show, which airs once a week at the primo time-slot of midnight on Sundays (right after MadTV, check your local listings). Now that’s what I call high profile!

Oh, and because I dream of someday being quoted in an ad campaign, here are some nifty phrases that you can use, Fox: “Hi-larious!” “Drop everything and watch it!” “You will soil yourself over and over again!” “Spike Feresten is a genius!” “Finally, comedy is back!” “Julie Chen forever!” Maybe not that last one…