The Jeff Dunham Show
| The Jeff Dunham Show | |
|---|---|
 The series intertitle. | |
| Genre | Sketch comedy Reality show |
| Created by | Jeff Dunham |
| Written by | Jeff Dunham Ross McCall Aaron Peters Jeff Rothpan Michael Dugan Ian Busch Jason Mayland CeCe Pleasants Matt Price |
| Directed by | Manny Rodriguez |
| Starring | Jeff Dunham |
| Composers | Brian Haner Synyster Gates |
| Country of origin | USA |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 7 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | Jeff Dunham Ross McCall Aaron Peters Judi Brown-Marmel Robert Hartmann Stu Schreiberg |
| Producer | Cathy A. Cambria |
| Production location | Los Angeles, CA |
| Running time | approx. 22 minutes |
| Production companies | Levity Productions, Whiteboard Entertainment |
| Original release | |
| Network | Comedy Central |
| Release | October 22 – December 10, 2009 |
The Jeff Dunham Show was a sketch comedy television series starring comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham, that aired on the American cable television network Comedy Central. It premiered on October 22, 2009, and featured Dunham interacting with the characters that he uses in his ventriloquism act, such as Walter, Achmed the Dead Terrorist, Peanut, Bubba J and José Jalapeño on a Stick. The series' final episode aired on December 10, 2009.[1]
On December 29, 2009, it was announced that The Jeff Dunham Show would not return for a second season, despite having higher average ratings than other Comedy Central shows, with Nellie Andreeva of The Live Feed citing its higher production cost as a factor.[2][3]
Overview
The show, which has been described as "broader and cleaner" than Dunham's standup act,[4] combines segments with Dunham and his characters onstage in front of a live audience with segments where the characters visit real people and places around Los Angeles. In the pilot episode, Walter and Jeff visit a licensed psychologist to help them with their personal conflict, Bubba J visits a real rifle range, Peanut meets pop singer and reality TV star Brooke Hogan, and Achmed stars in a stand-up comedy DVD.
Production
The series is part of a multi-platform deal Dunham signed in March 2009 that includes further stand-up specials, DVDs, a consumer product partnership, and an upcoming tour.[1] It was canceled. After 1 season
Ratings and critical reception
The show opened to universally unfavorable reviews. It scored a 20 out of 100 on Metacritic, based on 7 reviews by critics,[5] most of whom either questioned the wisdom of the series’ concept, or conceded a prejudice against Dunham, his previous Comedy Central specials, or ventriloquism itself.[6][7][8][9] Others, like The Hollywood Reporter’s Randee Dawn, criticized the puppets as “racist caricatures”.[10]
The show's premiere episode drew 5.3 million viewers, making it the highest Comedy Central premiere of all time,[11] but in its second week, saw a 55% decrease, drawing 2.3 million viewers, a drop that was partially attributed to the World Series drawing sports fans from the show.[12]
On December 29, 2009, TV Guide reported that the Jeff Dunham show would not be renewed for a second season, noting that despite the strong premiere, the series' ratings had dropped sharply by the season finale.[13]
References
- ^ a b "Jeff Dunham and friends have found a home at Comedy Central signing a multi-platform deal to encompass all areas of entertainment" Comedy Central; March 23, 2009
- ^ Hibberd, James (December 29, 2009). "Comedy Central: 'No plans' to renew Jeff Dunham". The Live Feed.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ Weprin, Alex (December 29, 2009). "Comedy Central Cancels 'Jeff Dunham Show'". Broadcasting & Cable.
- ^ Mooallem, Jon (2009-10-29). "Comedy for Dummies". New York Times Magazine.
- ^ The Jeff Dunham Show at Metacritic
- ^ McLaren, Richard. "‘Dunham Show’ laughs are strictly for dummies" The Boston Globe October 22, 2009
- ^ Wiser, Paige. "TV Review: Comedy Central's 'The Jeff Dunham Show'" Chicago Sun-Times; October 22, 2009
- ^ Stuever, Hank. "Jeff Dunham's laugh-free zone" The Washington Post October 22, 2009
- ^ Lowry, Brian. "The Jeff Dunham Show" Daily Variety October 20, 2009
- ^ Dawn, Randee. "The Jeff Dunham Show -- TV Review" The Hollywood Reporter; October 20, 2009
- ^ "Jeff Dunham show sets records for Comedy Central"; October 23, 2009
- ^ "Jeff Dunham drops 55% in Week 2" The Live Feed; October 30, 2009
- ^ "The Jeff Dunham Show Not Returning for Second Season" TVGuide.com; December 29, 2009