Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!

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Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!
Format Surreal sketch comedy
Created by Tim Heidecker
Eric Wareheim
Starring Tim Heidecker
Eric Wareheim
Country of origin Flag of the United States United States
No. of seasons 2
No. of episodes 20
Production
Running time 11 minutes
Broadcast
Original channel Flag of the United States Cartoon Network
(Adult Swim)

Flag of Canada The Comedy Network
Original run February 11, 2007 – present
Chronology
Preceded by Tom Goes To The Mayor
External links
IMDb profile
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Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! is an American television series, created by and starring Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim, which premiered February 11, 2007 on Adult Swim. The show, which expands on the live-action material featured in Heidecker and Wareheim's previous show, Tom Goes to the Mayor, consists of sketches, songs, and mock commercials. It features several characters and segments seen in Tom Goes to the Mayor, such as Gibbons, the "Channel 5 Married News Team", and the Cinco Corporation with its variety of useless products. New recurring characters and sketches include "Uncle Muscles Hour," a cable access variety program hosted by a gravelly-voiced "Weird Al" Yankovic and Channel 5 News Correspondent Dr. Steve Brule, played by John C. Reilly. The episodes are sold on iTunes and Xbox Live Marketplace, and can be viewed in their entirety on the Adult Swim website after initial airing (limited to certain countries).

The show features a variety of celebrity cameos from such actors and comedians as Maria Bamford, Michael Cera, David Cross, Will Forte, Zach Galifianakis, Neil Hamburger, David Liebe Hart, Tom Kenny, A.D. Miles, Bob Odenkirk, Brian Posehn, John C. Reilly, Paul Reubens, Fred Willard, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Jeff Goldblum, Rainn Wilson and Michael Q. Schmidt. The credits of the show include Tim Heidecker's father Rich saying, "Abso...lutely" at the end of each broadcast. This signoff for their projects and the name itself for "Absolutely" productions stems from the answer given by the senior Heidecker during a family vacation in 1991 when asked to sum it up in two words. The full clip can be found on their timanderic.com DVD and also on YouTube. [1]

Halfway through the broadcasting of the first season, Cartoon Network picked up Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! for another season ordering as many as 30 new episodes.[2] The second season began airing on November 18th, 2007, and recently finished airing. Season one was released on DVD in April 2008. According to the Adult Swim website, Season 3 Starts July 27th, 2008.[3]

Contents

[edit] Critical response

Some critics called the show absurd, hilarious, and ground-breaking[4], while others said the show's "skits seem aimless" and that "they settle for quick and inconsequential gags".[5]

[edit] Influences

A major influence on the comedy of Tim and Eric is that of Andy Kaufman. The offbeat, surreal nature of their skits and overall sense of humor is comparable to that of Kaufman throughout his career. Examples include glitches in video and faking deaths / fights between the two, among others. They have also named British comedy troupe Monty Python and director Christopher Guest as influences. Another major influence is Mr. Show. The surreal humor and spoofs on Tim and Eric are similar in feel to Mr. Show, perhaps due in part to the presence of Bob Odenkirk (who co-created Mr. Show with David Cross)as a "creative consultant".

[edit] Sketches

Many sketches on Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! spoof public access television, particularly the poor quality of its programming and the often deadpan, emotionless dialogue of its participants. Long periods of uncomfortable silence, over-the-top surrealism, gratuitous vomiting, and video glitches are commonplace events in Tim and Eric's sketches.

[edit] Production

Because of the short length of the episodes, each one is made by a very small crew. Tim has stated that he, Eric, and sometimes a few others do post-production work. On Tom Green Live, the team revealed that they own a large office space, half of which is taken up by props.

[edit] Spinoff

Using characters and skits from Awesome Show, Tim and Eric and Absolutely have created a show called Tim and Eric Nite Live which is a live and interactive streaming show on SuperDeluxe.com

[edit] Popular sketches

  • Uncle Muscle's Hour: Casey Tatum and his (unnamed) Brother (portrayed by Heidecker and Wareheim) perform various live songs lampooning telethon musical acts. The skit is carried over from a series of promos for Tim and Eric's previous collaborative effort Tom Goes to the Mayor. Casey is portrayed as having a very bad case of eczema and is usually uncomfortable, easily overcome with extreme, debilitating stage fright, and often on the threshold of either crying or vomiting. Casey died in the second season in a "fiery" car crash at the age of 17. The titular host of the show is played by Weird Al Yankovic.
  • Pierre: A father-obsessed singer and dancer (played by Ron Austar) who appears in various instructional videos teaching children how to dance to hip-hop and meditate while expressing his desire to meet their dads. In episode 18, while hosting the "Channel 5 Dance Party," Pierre reveals that he once impregnated Casey's mother.
  • Beaver Boys: A pair of party boys (portrayed by Heidecker and Wareheim) who often prowl the beach for women. They are seen as having a penchant for shrimp and white wine, which is further emphasized in the lyrics to their accompanying theme song.
  • Spagett: A hyperactive overweight middle-aged man with a black ponytail and visible hair plugs who hides behind various objects and "spooks" people on his hidden camera television show. His hiding places are always in plain view and as a result, his victims are never taken by surprise; instead referring to the incidents as awkward or abnormal. Spagett is played by Tim Heidecker.
  • Channel 5 Married News Team: Jan and Wayne Skylar (portrayed by Heidecker and Wareheim) are television news anchors who are married to each other, and less than modest about displaying their affection for each other on air. This segment was also carried over from the duo's previous Adult Swim show, Tom Goes to the Mayor.
  • Brule's Rules with Dr Steve Brule: An inept news reporter (played by John C. Reilly) who often appears uncomfortable being on air. He is featured in a number of the sketches alongside the Channel 5 Married News Team. This segment lampoons the do-it-yourself segments featured on many local news stations. His catchphrase is "For Your Health!" which is said at the end of his segments.
  • Cinco: Carried over from Tom Goes to the Mayor, the Cinco Family/Corporation parodies the typical "evil corporations." Their cache consists of satirical objects marketed with the name "Cinco Chemicals and Toy Division." Companies owned by the Cinco Family include Cinco Dairy, Cinco Sweets, Cinco Home Entertainment, Cinco Banking, Cinco Insurance, Cinco Styles, Cinco Chemicals and Toy Division, and other canon and non-canon subsidiaries. The commercials and infomercials use green screen and special effects with the intent of mimicking the standard format of infomercials from the late 1980s and early 1990s, often using technology from the same era (such as the Cinco MIDI Organizer). Generally, the goods and services sold by Cinco companies are an assortment of seemingly useless products. The product names are often a play on words, resulting in very unappealing names such as T'ird (A feathered flying disc with the legs of a turtle), and B'ougar (a stuffed bear with the growl of a cougar).
  • Channel 5 Kid Break: A series of pseudo-educational musical segments in which two "children" (Heidecker and Wareheim) rap about personal hygiene and family situations.
  • I Love Movies: A Channel 5 series hosted by Danny Mothers (Bob Odenkirk) which features interviews with people who work in film. He is often inattentive to his guests and interrupts them mid-sentence.
  • James Quall: An actor/comedian known for his deliberately bad impressions of such celebrities as Jack Nicholson and Michael Jackson. His claim to fame is being a man of 12+ voices.

[edit] Episode list

[edit] Season 1: 2007

Title Airdate (Two days earlier on Adultswim.com) Episode # Production code
"Dads" February 11, 2007 1 101

Tim’s Dad sends Eric a gift basket wishing him luck on the new show. Leif and C-Boy square off in a hackey sack championship. Dr. Steve Brule reports on fruits and vegetables. Casey and his Brother perform "Time Travel" on The Uncle Muscles Hour. Tim and Eric revive the old "Waiting Room" sketch. A new Cinco toy, "B'owl," is advertised. Tim makes a call to pest control about his bees and his disappointing son, Spraynard Krugar. (John C. Reilly and Bob Odenkirk guest star)
"Friends" February 18, 2007 2 102

Cinco Insurance advertises their "Balls Insurance" plan. Eric sends Tim an ornamental hot dog after finding out he is dying of "Limp Lip." Dr. Steve Brule celebrates 10 years in broadcasting. Pierre teaches children how to dance and scolds them for allegedly possessing rotten meat. Tim and Eric write a jingle for Rolos. (Ron Lynch, Brian Posehn, and John C. Reilly guest star)
"Cats" February 25, 2007 3 103

Tim learns a new magic trick that runs him into some problems. “Kid Break” shows children that it’s okay to sit down while they pee. Tairy Greene teaches potential Gravy Robbers employees the best gravy robbing techniques. Tim draws free portraits on Hollywood Blvd. Jaime Stevens returns home from his summer abroad with newfound powers in “Kitty Cat Man.” (Michael Cera, Zach Galifianakis, and Paul Reubens guest star)
"Sitcom" March 4, 2007 4 104

Steve and Mike Mahanahan advertise their child-clowns and child-clown shoe rental services. David Liebe Hart and his puppet Jason sing about the Carinians and meeting in the light. Tim and Eric give a seminar on how to build a successful sitcom writing career. Tim and Eric's assistant, Simon, presents them various numbered elderly ladies in "Here She Comes." (David Liebe Hart, Bob Odenkirk, and "Weird Al" Yankovic guest star). This episode is titled "Sitcom" on the Season 1 DVD, but is also known as "Salame".
"Chunky" March 11, 2007 5 105

A keytar group plays a song about sports. Carol's secret love for her mean boss finally reaches a boiling point. A new Cinco toy, "T'ird," is advertised. Danny Mothers interviews Glen Tennis about his new film, "Crystal Shyps." Virgin performs ventriloquism with his potty-mouthed dummy, Horsey, with Richard Dunn on the drums. Eric pulls a prank on Tim involving spiderwebs. (A. D. Miles and Bob Odenkirk guest star)
"Slop" March 18, 2007 6 106

Tim and Eric’s replacements host the show. The Beaver Boys attempt to pick up some ladies, go clubbing, and enjoy shrimp and white wine. David Liebe Hart returns with a new puppet and a new song about staying in school. Tragg shows his viewers how to make some of his famous slop on his cooking show “Tragg’s Trough.” “Kid Break” returns with a rap about wearing Dad’s dirty socks. Surplus media distributor Ken Tulley advertises his series of “Fitness Can Be E-Z” tapes and throws in some huge deals along with them. (Ron Lynch and Fred Willard guest star)
"Abstinence" March 25, 2007 7 107

We get a glimpse of Pall Willeaux’s dreams as he appears in a Lazy Horse Mattress and Bedding Supply commercial. Tim & Eric discuss their plan of replacing their crew with elderly men. Tim and Eric beat box. David Cross sings about abstinence to a locker-room porn star in the pseudo-film “Pizza Boy.” Channel 5 provides live coverage of the “No Sex Hot Dog Parade” as part of “No Sex Week.” Maria Bamford talks about skin care and her abusive mother on her show “The New You.” Eric has some trouble with the computers at the “Cinco Personal Banking Center.” (Maria Bamford, Abbey Brooks, David Cross, and Will Forte guest star)
"Anniversary" April 1, 2007 8 109

“Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!” celebrates its 50th anniversary hosted by Pat Dudley, but Tim and Eric haven't spoken to each other since an unfortunate stairway incident. Pierre teaches children how to meditate and asks for their dads' email address. Bob Odenkirk advertises "E-Z Kreme," an all-natural diarrhea inducer. Richard Dunn appears in a flashback video, playing an improv game with himself on the show “Dunn-Prov.” Cinco advertises their handy “MIDI Organizer Filing System.” (Tom Kenny and Bob Odenkirk guest star)
"Hamburger" April 8, 2007 9 108

Tim and Eric are late in delivering the episode to the network and must rely on Hamburger Taxi to get the tape there on time. Dr. Steve Brule educates the Married News Team with a special report on stomach and digestion problems. Tim makes a call to a music store about his "uke’" that keeps falling on his computer. Two men get in a fight over a car crash and settle it with a dance-off using their miniature Tim and Eric dancers. Michael Q. Schmidt debuts his new "Raise My Roof" dance to win the Uncle Muscles Grand Championship. (Neil Hamburger, John C. Reilly, and "Weird Al" Yankovic guest star)
"Missing" April 15, 2007 10 110

The Uncle Muscle's Hour is disrupted when Casey wanders off and his brother is forced to adapt to life without him. Eric talks about his collection of rascals on "Nights with Tim Heidecker." Dr. Steve Brule delivers a report about modern fashion, resulting in some tension between Jan and Wayne Skylar. The new Cinco product, "B'ougar," turns imaginary fears into real ones. (John C. Reilly and "Weird Al" Yankovic guest star)

[edit] Season 2: 2007-2008

Guest stars this season include Bob Odenkirk, Zach Galifianakis, Patton Oswalt, David Cross, Rainn Wilson, John C. Reilly, Jeff Goldblum, A.D. Miles, Dave Navarro, Tom Skerritt, Maria Bamford, Will Forte, Fred Armisen, Michael Q. Schmidt and "Weird Al" Yankovic.

Title Airdate (Two days earlier on Adultswim.com) Episode # Production code
"Live in Vegas" November 15, 2007 10.5 200

To celebrate the start of their second season, Tim and Eric Awesome Show goes live to Las Vegas with a 90 minute show as part of The Comedy Festival sponsored by HBO. Performances are given by Casey and his brother, Ron Austar, David Liebe Hart, James Quall, Michael Q. Schmidt, Neil Hamburger, Ron Lynch, and Doug Lussenhop as DJ Douggpound. [1]
"Vacation" November 18, 2007 11 201

Casey's fate is revealed. Eric returns from vacation with a video created by his new best friend, Raz detailing their exploits. Comedy performance by James Quall. Bradley Michael Fahrtz advertises the Poop Tube. Raz's presence on the Tim and Eric set instigates awkward jealousy. Magician Gregory hosts "Trick My Trick". Uncle Muscles introduces a clip from the Casey vault, "Hamburgers and Hotdogs". Celebrity impressions by James Quall. Tim tries to spite Eric by showing him a video of his vacation with his new best friend, Tony. (Bob Odenkirk and "Weird Al" Yankovic guest star)
"Dad's Off" November 25, 2007 12 202

Drama ensues when Eric has to compete for his children's respect, against the coolness of the Heidecker family. “Kid Break” returns with a rap about kissing your sister. The newest Cinco product, "Thocks" combines the thong and the sock into one piece of clothing that will spice up your wardrobe. Spagett attempts to spook and surprise people on his hidden camera show. Eric looks for his Chippy in a Thanksgiving dinner. David Liebe Hart sings about his love for one of his puppets.
"Dolls" December 2, 2007 13 204

The show "See My Goatee" turns beards and stubble into goatees. Tim and Eric check out the new line of Tim and Eric dolls to promote the show, but there is something wrong with Tim's doll. Steve Brule introduces you to his new technique of self-defense: Last Resort Fighting. Palmer Scott sings a song about sitting on you. "Tiny Hats" advertises their line of miniature hats for small men, babies, and dolls. The Beaver Boys are rushed to the emergency room when the level of shrimp in their systems becomes dangerously high. (John C. Reilly and Patton Oswalt guest star)
"Coma" December 9, 2007 14 205

Tim announces he's having a birthday party on Saturday and Eric is invited. Cinco advertises their new life-like grandfather doll called "My New Pep-Pep". Ruth Carr sings a song about cheating on her husband with her sexy neighbor entitled "Come Over". Jeff Goldblum advertises the miracle wonder drug "WaitMate" that allows you to sleep through waiting periods. Eric takes WaitMate so he doesn't have to wait any longer for Tim's birthday; but when he overdoses and his memory is erased he requires the help of a rehabilitation expert named Zan to help him get to Tim's party. James Quall sings his song "Beach Blast". Ron Stark interviews Ron Stark for the program "Stark on Stark". (Jeff Goldblum guest stars with credit music from Doug Martsch of Built to Spill)
"Forest" December 16, 2007 15 203

While Tim is taking nature photos he is attacked by Chippy's mother. Dr. Steve Brule gives a report on his favorite video game but forgets the title of it. Tim is rescued and rehabilitated from his attack by a mysterious man known only as "The Snuggler". Uncle Muscles shows a classic clip from 1993 of Casey and his Brother performing "Horse And Buggy Ride". Greg explains why he would be a good lover on the "Video Match" dating service but admits he has petite feet which often make people confuse the sound of his footsteps with that of a lady. The Snuggler mourns the loss of his furry friend, Michael J. (John C. Reilly, "Weird Al" Yankovic, and Zach Galifianakis guest star)
"Carol" December 23, 2007 16 207

Dr. Steve Brule gives hygiene advice. Carol's boss taunts her and screens a private sexy video tape intended for his eyes only. Cinco advertises their new edible toy product "Candy Tails," including a tie-in cartoon. Glen Tennis peddles "Crystal Shyps" novelty items on Shopping Indoors. David Liebe Hart replaces Chip The Black Boy. Eric wakes Tim up. (John C. Reilly and A.D. Miles guest star with music by Aimee Mann)
"Robin" January 6, 2008 17 206

Dress to impress designs a man's weekend wear. Eric gives Tim his own Robin Williams as a gift, but it soon becomes uncontrollable and runs away right before their two man improv show. The Cinco Library advertises their new Encyclopedia of Numbers. Richard Dunn hosts his own talk show "DUNNGEON" with special guests Dave Navarro and Zwei Dunkel Jungen. Tim and Eric hold auditions for their new film, "Demons". (Will Forte, Rainn Wilson, and Dave Navarro guest star)
"Innernette" January 13, 2008 18 208

Jeff Goldblum advertises the encore presentation of The Jeff GoldBluMan Group. Tim and Eric advertise Cinco's new product "The Innernette", which packs all of the magic of the internet onto one tiny CD-ROM. Another Uncle Muscles Hour Classic is unearthed, in which Casey sings a song asking his mommy to come home, with his Brother on the saxophone. A new method of making art using your housecat, called "Pussy Doodles", is advertised. Dr. Steve Brule gives a special report on tips for single life that make it not so awful. Behind the scenes, the "Pussy Doodles" commercial falls apart. David Liebe Hart gives a message on the ethics of the computer. Pierre hosts the "Channel 5 Dance Party" and some familiar faces show up to get their groove on & do some "Sad Dad Dancing". (Jeff Goldblum, David Cross, John C. Reilly, and Bob Odenkirk guest star)
"Pepperoni" January 20, 2008 19 209

The Mayor and Roy have a disagreement as Tom watches. In the documentary "Breadheads" by T. Howard, two middle-aged mothers are obsessed with a children's singer. K.J Nutt hosts the show "Hobby Holes". Dr. Steve Brule gives health advice on the protein found in ants. Tim and Eric make a jingle for actor Tom Skerritt. Kids Break Teen Edition debuts, and Tim decides not to wipe his butt for the environment. The Shins perform "Never Gonna Wipe My Butt" during the end credits. (Rainn Wilson, Tom Skerritt, Harout Pamboukjian, John C. Reilly, and Fred Armisen guest star)
"Embarrassed" January 27, 2008 20 210

"D'ump," the latest in digital umpires is now available from Cinco. Eric shares a naked baby picture of Tim with the audience. Angry and humiliated, Tim later confronts Eric in the parking lot, which leads to a violent confrontation and, ultimately, Tim's death. Tim and Eric perform a music bit about "Pumpers" and follow-up with a song, "Tumblers are better than pumpers." Dr. Steve Brule reports on the latest trends from the region's hottest vineyards and becomes extremely intoxicated in the process. Tim's dad, who is unable to attend his son's funeral because "things came up," says his farewells in a video taped message. Eric turns his cell phone off, which triggers a ring tone featuring the word "good bye" spoken in several languages. (John C. Reilly and Rich Heidecker guest star)

[edit] Season 3: 2008-2009

Is Set To premiere on July 27, 2008.

[edit] Merchandise

A Tim and Eric Tour Shirt was released on the Williams Street Shop for the Awesome Tour. A CD featuring the show's musical numbers entitled Awesome Record, Great Songs! Volume One was released on May 6, 2008, and included cover versions by The Shins, Built to Spill, and other music groups, plus original songs by David Liebe Hart, David Cross, James Quall, and others.

[edit] DVD releases

DVD Name Cover Release Date Ep # Additional Information
Season 1 April 22, 2008 10 -Commentary on each episode
-How'd Dey Do Dat?? ["Making Of" Featurette]
-Lost Gems and Deleted Scenes
-Awesomecon
-Oops and ding Dongs [Bloopers]
-Promos
-GREAT! (But Not Great Enough): Extended Scenes and Missing Moments [6]

[edit] References

  1. ^ On Youtube: The inspiration for the name 0f Absolutely productions
  2. ^ SuicideGirls Interview with Tim and Eric. Retrieved on 2007-04-09.
  3. ^ Adult Swim Schedule. Retrieved on 2008-05-22.
  4. ^ TV Squad - Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! series premiere. Retrieved on 2007-04-30.
  5. ^ The Hollywood Reporter - Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!; Saul of the Mole Men. Retrieved on 2008-05-15.
  6. ^ Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job Official Website. Retrieved on 2007-12-05.

[edit] External links

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