It's impossible to overestimate Garry Shandling's influence on the landscape of American television. Where his critically revered HBO series, The Larry Sanders Show, devised the formula for every verité-style mockumentary, from Trailer Park Boys to The Office, Shandling earlier redefined the boundaries of the sitcom with It's Garry Shandling's Show. Starring Shandling as, well, comedian Garry Shandling; the fourth-wall shattering It's Garry Shandling's Show was playfully post-modern before playfully post-modern was the norm. From its opening theme ― a jaunty, Randy Newman-esque number announcing "This is the theme to Garry's show/the opening theme to Garry's show" ― to Shandling directly addressing the audience or donning an apron reading "It's Garry Shandling's Apron" to celebrities appearing as themselves, It's Garry Shandling's Show's 72 episodes play out like a mix of Newhart, Seinfeld and a Tonight Show monologue. Anticipating Seinfeld, the episodes loosely tackle the issues of the working comedian, with each episode more-or-less unravelling as a digression from a problem described in the opening monologue. Shandling is typically hilarious as the vain, neurotic version of himself, and the show's mix of monologues, ad-libbing and sitcom convention complement the comic strengths of its star. Though beautifully packaged in a 16-disc set by Shout! Factory, watching It's Garry Shandling's Show on DVD can be a bit of schlep ― sitting through four straight hours of camera-winking and industry in-jokes can be a bit straining. Nonetheless, with an excellent supporting cast, including Michael Tucci, Paul Willson and Jessica Harper, a motley procession of guest stars (Tom Petty may pop in to describe an acid flashback or Rob Reiner to wash dishes) and a mandate to consistently confound expectations, It's Garry Shandling's Show remains a compelling watch. This box set also includes a wealth of bonus features, including ample commentary and interviews by Shandling and co-creator Alan Zweibel, which shed light on not only the creation of this show,but of Shandling's early career as struggling stand-up comedian, TV writer and Tonight Show guest host.
(Shout! Factory)It's Garry Shandling's Show: The Complete Series
BY John SemleyPublished Oct 13, 2009