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'{{short description|American television series}} {{Use American English|date = December 2019}}{{Use mdy dates|date = December 2019}} {{Infobox television | image = Joe_Pera_Talks_With_You.jpg | caption = Season 2 poster | genre = {{plainlist|[[Comedy]]<br/>[[Slice of life]]<br/>[[Observational comedy|Observational]]}} | creator = [[Joe Pera]] | director = Marty Schousboe | presenter = | starring = {{ubl |[[Joe Pera]] |[[Jo Firestone]] |[[Conner O'Malley]] |Gene Kelly }} | narrated = | composer = Ryan Dann | country = United States | language = English | num_seasons = 3 | num_episodes = 32 | list_episodes = | runtime = 11 minutes | company = {{ubl| {{nowrap|Chestnut Walnut Unlimited}} |[[Cartoon Network Studios|Factual Productions, Inc.]] (season 1 + special) |[[Cartoon Network Studios|Alive and Kicking, Inc.]] (season 2) |[[Williams Street]] }} | network = [[Adult Swim]] | executive_producer = {{ubl |Joe Pera |Conner O'Malley |Marty Schousboe |Jo Firestone{{efn|name=JoProd|Firestone was co-producer in season one and executive producer in season two.}} |Mark Costa{{efn|name=EPF|Mark Costa is executive producer for Factual Productions, Inc. in season one and Alive and Kicking, Inc. in season two.}} |Paige Boudreaux{{efn|name=EPAK|Boudreaux and Roig are executive producers for Alive and Kicking, Inc. beginning in season three. Both also served as executive producers for "Relaxing Footage with Joe Pera" under Factual Productions, Inc.}} |Jonathan Roig{{efn|name=EPAK}} |[[Keith Crofford]]{{efn|name=EPWS|Crofford, Newman and Tang are executive producers for Williams Street, with Crofford serving during seasons one and two, Tang during season three, and Newman for the series' run.}} |Walter Newman{{efn|name=EPWS}} |Cameron Tang{{efn|name=EPWS}} }} | producer = {{ubl |Jonathan Roig{{efn|Roig is producer for season two.}} |Dan Licata{{efn|name=CoProd|Licata and Stone are co-producers in season two}} |Patrick Stone{{efn|name=CoProd}} |Jackie Stolfi{{efn|Stolfi was producer for season one.}} }} | editor = Whit Conway | picture_format = | first_aired = {{Start date|2018|5|20}} | last_aired = {{End date|2021|12|13}} }} '''''Joe Pera Talks with You''''' is an American [[comedy television series]] created by [[Joe Pera]] for [[Adult Swim]]. The show stars Joe Pera as a fictionalized version of himself, a mild mannered choir teacher in Michigan who directly addresses the audience about seemingly mundane, everyday topics such as dance, pancakes, minerals, etc. Diving into these topics, viewers get a introspective glimpse into his slowly changing life in the [[Upper Peninsula of Michigan|Upper Peninsula]] and the interaction with people around him. The series was produced by Pera’s Chestnut Walnut Unlimited, [[Cartoon Network Studios]]’ live-action division (Factual Productions, Inc, and Alive and Kicking, Inc.), and [[Williams Street]]. It entered development following the success of the 2016 [[Television special|specials]] ''Joe Pera Talks You to Sleep'', which was animated, and ''Joe Pera Helps You Find the Perfect Christmas Tree'', airing as part of ''[[Infomercials (TV specials)|Infomercials]],'' with the first season premiering on May 20, 2018. The second season premiered on December 6, 2019.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1169335958057234432|user=JosephPera|title= Big news I can finally share - season two of 'Joe Pera Talks With You' will be coming out this holiday season on @adultswim. |accessdate=2019-09-10|date=2019-09-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Joe Pera Shares More of His Lovable Wisdom in Season Two of "Joe Pera Talks with You"|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2019/11/05/joe-pera-shares-more-of-his-lovable-wisdom-in-season-two-of-joe-pera-talks-with-you-532514/20191105adultswim01/|work=[[The Futon Critic]]|date=November 5, 2019}}</ref> A third and final season aired from November to December 2021.<ref>{{cite web | last=Martin | first=Garrett | title=Joe Pera Talks With You's Third Season Comes to Adult Swim This Fall | website=Paste Magazine | date=August 4, 2021 | url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/comedy/joe-pera/joe-pera-talks-with-you-season-3/ | access-date=August 9, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|number=1447638169139269637|user=adultswim|title=Joe Pera Talks With You returns November 7th|accessdate=2021-10-12|date=2021-10-11}}</ref> In July 2022, Pera announced the show was canceled after three seasons.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Maas |first1=Tyler |title='Joe Pera Talks With You' has been canceled "for now" |url=https://milwaukeerecord.com/comedy/joe-pera-talks-with-you-has-been-canceled-for-now/ |website=Milwaukee Record |access-date=July 7, 2022 |date=July 7, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=JPTWY |url=https://joepera.com/jptwy/ |access-date=2022-07-10 |website=Joe Pera |language=en-US}}</ref> Reruns aired on [[Cartoon Network]]'s [[ACME Night]] programming block starting from 2023. ''Joe Pera Talks with You'' received critical acclaim, with most praise going to its unique writing, slow-paced and earnest tone, and witty humor; the show's early cancellation similarly drew strong reactions and tributes from critics. [[Screen Rant]] compares the show's sincere tone favorably to [[Mister Rogers' Neighborhood]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-12-02 |title=Joe Pera Talks With You Is Adult Swim's Mister Rogers |url=https://screenrant.com/joe-pera-talks-you-show-mister-rogers/ |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref> while [[Vice News|Vice]] hailed the show as "the best thing Adult Swim has ever done".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Terry |first=Josh |date=2020-01-22 |title=‘Joe Pera Talks With You’ Is the Best Thing Adult Swim Has Ever Done |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/bvgmd5/joe-pera-talks-with-you-is-the-best-thing-adult-swim-has-ever-done |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=Vice |language=en}}</ref> ==Synopsis== The series stars comedian [[Joe Pera]] as a fictionalized version of himself, living in [[Marquette, Michigan]] and teaching choir at a local middle school. He talks directly to the viewer about everyday subject matter such as iron, Sunday breakfast, fall drives, and sleeping. Between these lessons, viewers get a glimpse into Pera's quiet life in the Upper Peninsula. The show is not heavily plot-driven, with each episode revolving around a single lesson; however, emotional arcs are built up over the season as the show goes on. In the first season, Pera met his new neighbors, the Melskis, and his girlfriend and workmate, Sarah, a staunch survivalist. As the two got to know each other better, Joe discovered that she was paranoid about the future's demise; she stays well prepared for any eventualities with a bunker filled with supplies to last her for years. During this season, Joe grapples with the reality that the world can be a scary, hard place. This realization goes against his optimistic view of life. ==Characters== * '''Joe Pera''' ([[Joe Pera]]) is a self-proclaimed "soft-handed choir teacher" from [[Marquette, Michigan|Marquette]]. Though he is very introspective, with a vast knowledge of specific concepts, he expresses naïveté in his social interactions. * '''Mike Melsky''' ([[Conner O'Malley]]) is Joe's neighbor. The two meet in the show's first episode, when Mike attempts to buy Joe's house after neighborhood kids place a For Sale sign in his yard as a prank. He is generally sarcastic, short-tempered, and incredulous towards Joe. * '''Sue Melsky''' (Jo Scott) is the wife of Mike Melsky. She is more friendly and accepting towards Joe. * '''Gene Gibson''' (Gene Kelly), Joe's best friend. He likes to help Joe teach his lessons, and often ends up giving Joe advice in the process. * '''Sarah Conner''' ([[Jo Firestone]]) is a new band teacher working at the same school as Joe. Many of her beliefs are rooted in conspiracies and fears for the future, as evidenced by her construction of a fortified basement below her house. She becomes Joe's love interest over the course of the first season. * '''"Nana" Josephine Pera''' (Nancy Cornell in season 1, Pat Vern Harris in season 2) is Joe's grandmother, based on his real grandmother of the same name. * '''Gus''' (Fitzgerald William) is Joe's lazy basset hound. ==Predecessors== The first Pera project to appear on Adult Swim was the animated short, ''Joe Pera Talks You to Sleep''. It was aired as part of the network's ''[[Infomercials (TV specials)|Infomercials]]'' series on March 21, 2016. The short was animated and directed by Kieran O'Hare, who had previously animated a Joe Pera comedy bit for his [[YouTube]] channel. O'Hare applied the same animation style to the Adult Swim special. On December 9, 2016,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/joe-pera-helps-you-find-the-perfect-christmas-tree-in-t-1798255176 |title=Joe Pera Helps You Find The Perfect Christmas Tree in this Adult Swim exclusive |date=December 8, 2016 |publisher=The A.V. Club |access-date=2021-12-15}}</ref> a second special, ''Joe Pera Helps You Find the Perfect Christmas Tree'', premiered on Adult Swim. The live-action special was more tonally similar to what would become Joe Pera Talks with You. Like the series, it was directed by Marty Schousboe and written by Pera alongside Dan Licata, and made by the same production team under the name [[Cartoon Network Studios|Rent Now Productions]]. It also takes place in the same location in Michigan where Pera works as a choir teacher. It features characters that would later appear in the series, such as Gene, the Melsky family and Joe's Nana Josephine. Differences include Joe's dog Gus being a black [[bloodhound]] (or possibly a [[black labrador|black lab]] mix) instead of a [[basset hound]] portrayed by Fitzgerald William, Joe living in a different house, and Joe's co-worker and love interest Sarah, portrayed in the series by [[Jo Firestone]], being absent entirely. These differences imply the special and series are not within the same continuity. Joe's Nana Josephine was also played by his real-life grandmother, Josephine Pera, who died in 2017.<ref name="Nana">{{cite web|url=https://buffalonews.com/2017/08/12/josephine-pera-93-unlikely-star-grandsons-comedy-videos/ |title=Josephine Pera, 93, unlikely star of grandson's comedy videos |publisher=Buffalonews.com |date=2017-08-12 |access-date=2020-01-17}}</ref> The character Gene Gibson is also present in the Christmas special, but not portrayed by real-life camera operator, Gene Kelly (not to be confused with [[Gene Kelly|the actor of the same name]]), as he was in the series. Pera appeared on local talk shows to promote the special.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUBO7dLRyJU |title=Christmas Tree Expert Joe Pera |publisher=YouTube |access-date=2019-11-29}}</ref> ==Episodes== {{Series overview | color1 = #b9d7da | link1 = #Season 1 (2018) | episodes1 = 9 | start1 = {{Start date|2018|5|20}} | end1 = {{End date|2018|6|17}} | color2 = #AE1C26 | link2 = #Season 2 (2019–20) | episodes2 = 13 | start2 = {{Start date|2019|12|6}} | end2 = {{End date|2020|1|31}} | color2S = #979797 | link2S = #Special (2020) | linkT2S = Special | start2S = {{Start date|2020|5|22}} | color3 = #7BAFD4 | link3 = #Season 3 (2021) | episodes3 = 9 | start3 = {{Start date|2021|11|8}} | end3 = {{End date|2021|12|13}} }} ===Season 1 (2018)=== {{Episode table |background=#b9d7da |overall= |season= |title= |director= |writer= |airdate= |country=US |viewers= |episodes= {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 1 | EpisodeNumber2 = 1 | Title = Joe Pera Shows You Iron | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = [[Joe Pera]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|5|20}} | Viewers = 0.631<ref name="tvbythenumbers 2018-05-20">{{cite web|last=Porter|first=Rick|title=Sunday cable ratings: 'Fear the Walking Dead' dips opposite NBA Playoffs|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/sunday-cable-ratings-may-20-2018/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523095315/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/sunday-cable-ratings-may-20-2018/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 23, 2018|work=[[TV by the Numbers]]|date=May 22, 2018|access-date=June 10, 2018}}</ref> | ShortSummary = Joe attempts to educate viewers on the rocks and minerals of his Michigan home, but is distracted by the thought that he might have to sell his house. | LineColor = b9d7da }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 2 | EpisodeNumber2 = 2 | Title = Joe Pera Takes You to Breakfast | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = [[Conner O'Malley]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|5|20}} | Viewers = 0.573<ref name="tvbythenumbers 2018-05-20"/> | ShortSummary = Joe teaches viewers about different ways people eat breakfast while trying to decide on his own breakfast choice. | LineColor = b9d7da }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 3 | EpisodeNumber2 = 3 | Title = Joe Pera Takes You on a Fall Drive | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = Conner O'Malley | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|5|27}} | Viewers = 0.631<ref name="tvbythenumbers 2018-05-27">{{cite web|last=Porter|first=Rick|title=Sunday cable ratings: ESPN gets huge numbers for Cavaliers-Celtics Game 7|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/sunday-cable-ratings-may-27-2018/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180602052012/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/sunday-cable-ratings-may-27-2018/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 2, 2018|work=[[TV by the Numbers]]|date=May 30, 2018|access-date=June 10, 2018}}</ref> | ShortSummary = Joe takes viewers on his annual fall drive, where he muses on fall and gives his jack-o-lantern a proper funeral. | LineColor = b9d7da }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 4 | EpisodeNumber2 = 4 | Title = Joe Pera Shows You How to Dance | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = [[Jo Firestone]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|5|27}} | Viewers = 0.549<ref name="tvbythenumbers 2018-05-27"/> | ShortSummary = Joe goes to a coworker's wedding, shows viewers how to dance, and gets to know his coworker Sarah better. | LineColor = b9d7da }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 5 | EpisodeNumber2 = 5 | Title = Joe Pera Talks You Back to Sleep | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = Amalia Levari | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|6|3}} | Viewers = 0.665<ref name="tvbythenumbers 2018-06-03">{{cite web|title=Sunday cable ratings: 'Westworld' rebounds a little, 'Pose' and 'Succession' start slowly|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/sunday-cable-ratings-june-3-2018/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608025136/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/sunday-cable-ratings-june-3-2018/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 8, 2018|work=[[TV by the Numbers]]|date=June 5, 2018|access-date=June 10, 2018}}</ref> | ShortSummary = Joe muses on topics to help viewers go back to sleep after being awakened by thunder. | LineColor = b9d7da }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 6 | EpisodeNumber2 = 6 | Title = Joe Pera Reads You the Church Announcements | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = Dan Licata | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|6|3}} | Viewers = 0.556<ref name="showbuzz 2018-06-03">{{cite web|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|title=Updated: Showbuzzdaily's top 150 sunday cable originals & network finals: 6.3.2018|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-sunday-cable-originals-network-finals-6-3-2018.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180610034324/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-sunday-cable-originals-network-finals-6-3-2018.html|archive-date=June 10, 2018|work=Showbuzz Daily|date=June 5, 2018|access-date=June 29, 2018}}</ref> | ShortSummary = Joe attempts to read out the church announcements, but is distracted by his recent hearing of "[[Baba O'Riley]]" by [[The Who]] for the first time. | LineColor = b9d7da }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 7 | EpisodeNumber2 = 7 | Title = Joe Pera Lights Up the Night with You | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = Dan Licata | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|6|10}} | Viewers = 0.523<ref name="showbuzz 2018-06-10">{{cite web|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|title=Updated: Showbuzzdaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 6.10.2018|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-sunday-cable-originals-network-finals-6-10-2018.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612163628/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-sunday-cable-originals-network-finals-6-10-2018.html|archive-date=June 12, 2018|work=Showbuzz Daily|date=June 12, 2018|access-date=June 29, 2018}}</ref> | ShortSummary = Joe babysits his neighbor's daughter for New Year's. | LineColor = b9d7da }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 8 | EpisodeNumber2 = 8 | Title = Joe Pera Talks to You About the Rat Wars of Alberta, Canada (1950–Present Day) | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = Jo Firestone | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|6|10}} | Viewers = 0.459<ref name="showbuzz 2018-06-10"/> | ShortSummary = Joe and Sarah try to put on a musical about the [[Brown rat#Alberta|Rat Wars]] of [[Alberta, Canada]], but their relationship gets in the way. | LineColor = b9d7da }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 9 | EpisodeNumber2 = 9 | Title = Joe Pera Answers Your Questions About Cold Weather Sports | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = {{StoryTeleplay|s= Joe Pera and Amalia Levari|t= Joe Pera}} | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|6|17}} | Viewers = 0.516<ref name="showbuzz 2018-06-17">{{cite web|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|title=Updated: Showbuzzdaily's top 150 sunday cable originals & network finals: 6.17.2018|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-sunday-cable-originals-network-finals-6-17-2018.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619163553/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-sunday-cable-originals-network-finals-6-17-2018.html|archive-date=June 19, 2018|work=Showbuzz Daily|date=June 19, 2018|access-date=June 29, 2018}}</ref> | ShortSummary = Joe and Sarah learn to like each other despite their differences. '''Notes:''' Double-length episode | LineColor = b9d7da }} }} ===Season 2 (2019–20)=== {{Episode table |background=#AE1C26 |overall= |season= |title= |director= |writer= |airdate= |country=US |viewers= |episodes= {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 10 | EpisodeNumber2 = 1 | Title = Joe Pera Talks with You About Beans | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = [[Joe Pera]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2019|12|6}} | Viewers = 0.517<ref name="zap2it2">{{cite web|last=Rejent |first=Joseph |url=https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/friday-cable-ratings-december-6-2019/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209223536/https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/friday-cable-ratings-december-6-2019/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2019-12-09 |title=Friday cable ratings: Lakers vs. Portland edges out the competition, 'Gold Rush' falls |publisher=Tvbythenumbers |date=2019-12-09 |access-date=2019-12-12}}</ref> | ShortSummary = Joe constructs a bean arch in his backyard, and invites his neighbors and his new girlfriend Sarah over to see it. | LineColor = AE1C26 }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 11 | EpisodeNumber2 = 2 | Title = Joe Pera Takes You on a Hike | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = Nathan Min | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2019|12|6}} | Viewers = 0.479<ref name="zap2it2"/> | ShortSummary = Joe and Sarah go on a hike up Sugarloaf Mountain while contemplating how the rest of the school staff is reacting to their relationship. | LineColor = AE1C26 }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 12 | EpisodeNumber2 = 3 | Title = Joe Pera Waits with You | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = Katie Dolan | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2019|12|13}} | Viewers = 0.592<ref name="zap2it3">{{cite web|last=Welch |first=Alex |url=https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/friday-cable-ratings-dec-13-2019/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217031713/https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/friday-cable-ratings-dec-13-2019/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2019-12-17 |title=Friday cable ratings: NBA wins again, 'Live PD' stays even |publisher=Tvbythenumbers |date=2019-12-16 |access-date=2019-12-21}}</ref> | ShortSummary = Joe sits and waits for his Nana to finish her appointment at the hair salon before they both go out to eat fried fish. | LineColor = AE1C26 }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 13 | EpisodeNumber2 = 4 | Title = Joe Pera Guides You Through the Dark | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = Marty Schousboe | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2019|12|13}} | Viewers = 0.484<ref name="zap2it3"/> | ShortSummary = When the power goes out in Joe's neighborhood, he visits the Melskys to see how they're dealing with it. | LineColor = AE1C26 }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 14 | EpisodeNumber2 = 5 | Title = Joe Pera Takes You to the Grocery Store | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = [[Conner O'Malley]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|1|3}} | Viewers = 0.527<ref name="zap2it4">{{cite web|last=Welch |first=Alex |url=https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/friday-cable-ratings-jan-3-2020/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108032727/https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/friday-cable-ratings-jan-3-2020/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2020-01-08 |title=Friday cable ratings: NBA comes out on top, 'Live PD' improves |publisher=Tvbythenumbers |date=2020-01-07 |access-date=2019-01-10}}</ref> | ShortSummary = Joe takes the viewers on his weekly trip to the grocery store. | LineColor = AE1C26 }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 15 | EpisodeNumber2 = 6 | Title = Joe Pera Goes to Dave Wojcek's Bachelor Party with You | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = Dan Licata | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|1|3}} | Viewers = 0.444<ref name="zap2it4"/> | ShortSummary = At Sue Melsky's request, Joe goes to her brother Dave's bachelor party in the woods with Mike, where Mike reveals that Sue kicked him out of the house. Afterwards, the Melskys' kids join Joe and Sarah for dinner. | LineColor = AE1C26 }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 16 | EpisodeNumber2 = 7 | Title = Joe Pera Gives You Piano Lessons | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = [[Jo Firestone]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|1|10}} | Viewers = 0.486<ref name="zap2it5">{{cite web|last=Welch |first=Alex |url=https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/friday-cable-ratings-jan-10-2020/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114024113/https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/friday-cable-ratings-jan-10-2020/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2020-01-14 |title=Friday cable ratings: NBA leads again, 'Gold Rush' ticks down |publisher=Tvbythenumbers |date=2020-01-13 |access-date=2020-01-17}}</ref> | ShortSummary = Joe teaches Lulu Gibson how to play the piano in time for her 40th anniversary with Gene. | LineColor = AE1C26 }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 17 | EpisodeNumber2 = 8 | Title = Joe Pera Watches Internet Videos with You | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = Nathan Min | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|1|10}} | Viewers = 0.408<ref name="zap2it5"/> | ShortSummary = Joe and Sarah sit in bed and scroll through various videos on their phone all night, before discovering that Joe's bean arch has fully grown. Guest stars [[Janeane Garofalo]] and [[John Ventimiglia]]. | LineColor = AE1C26 }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 18 | EpisodeNumber2 = 9 | Title = Joe Pera Has a Surprise for You | RTitle = | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = Dan Licata | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|1|17}} | Viewers = 0.489<ref name="zap2it6">{{cite web|last=Welch |first=Alex |url=https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/friday-cable-ratings-jan-17-2020/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122090853/https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/friday-cable-ratings-jan-17-2020/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2020-01-22 |title=Friday cable ratings: 'Gold Rush' takes the win, 'Live PD' ticks down |publisher=Tvbythenumbers |date=2020-01-21 |access-date=2020-01-24}}</ref> | ShortSummary = Inspired by the movie ''[[Rat Race (film)|Rat Race]]'', Joe organizes a scavenger hunt amongst his friends and neighbors to find $115, but only Brad Cam and Big Jeff participate in it, and they team up to boot. While Joe is waiting with some other friends for Brad and Jeff to return he gets an urgent call about his Nana. When Brad Cam and Big Jeff return to Joe's with the money, Sarah reveals that Joe's Nana has passed away. | LineColor = AE1C26 }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 19 | EpisodeNumber2 = 10 | Title = Joe Pera Helps You Write an Obituary{{efn|name=Writes|This is the onscreen title; on Adult Swim's website and apps, the title is given as "Joe Pera Helps You Write."}} | RTitle = | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = Jo Firestone | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|1|17}} | Viewers = 0.416<ref name="zap2it6"/> | ShortSummary = Joe is unable to come up with an obituary for his recently deceased grandmother. Sarah takes a moment to teach the viewers about edible plants. | LineColor = AE1C26 }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 20 | EpisodeNumber2 = 11 | Title = Joe Pera Shows You How to Do Good Fashion | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = Katie Dolan and Conner O'Malley | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|1|24}} | Viewers = 0.562<ref>{{cite web|last=Welch |first=Alex |url=https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/friday-cable-ratings-jan-24-2020/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128155800/https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/friday-cable-ratings-jan-24-2020/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2020-01-28 |title=Friday cable ratings: 'Live PD' rebounds and leads a quiet night |publisher=Tvbythenumbers |date=2020-01-28 |access-date=2020-01-31}}</ref> | ShortSummary = Joe and Gene head to Milwaukee to see Gene's sons put on a fashion show.<br /> '''Notes:''' Double-length episode.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1215734540544761860|user=JosephPera|title=@PattenPending @adultswim 13, but one is a full half hour<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. --> |accessdate=2020-01-24|date=2020-01-10 }}</ref> | LineColor = AE1C26 }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 21 | EpisodeNumber2 = 12 | Title = Joe Pera Shows You How to Pack a Lunch | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = Joe Pera | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|1|31}} | Viewers = 0.583<ref name="showbuzzdaily1">{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-friday-cable-originals-network-finals-1-31-2020.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203212607/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-friday-cable-originals-network-finals-1-31-2020.html |archive-date=2020-02-03 |title=UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Friday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 1.31.2020 |publisher=Showbuzz Daily |date=2020-02-03 |access-date=2020-02-10}}</ref> | ShortSummary = Joe shows the audience how to pack a lunch, but it only takes two minutes, so Joe tells the story of how Mike made up with Sue and how he got sprayed by a skunk. | LineColor = AE1C26 }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 22 | EpisodeNumber2 = 13 | Title = Joe Pera Talks with You on the First Day of School | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = Marty Schousboe | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|1|31}} | Viewers = 0.509<ref name="showbuzzdaily1"/> | ShortSummary = Joe returns to school after summer break. | LineColor = AE1C26 }} }} ===Special (2020)=== {{Episode table |background=#979797 |overall= |season= |title= |director= |airdate= |prodcode= |country=US |viewers= |episodes= {{Episode list |EpisodeNumber= 23 |EpisodeNumber2= 1 |Title= Relaxing Old Footage with Joe Pera |DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2020|05|20}} (YouTube)<br />{{Start date|2020|05|22}} (TV) |Viewers=0.496<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-friday-cable-originals-network-finals-5-22-2020.html |title=SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Friday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 5.22.2020 &#124; Showbuzz Daily |website=www.showbuzzdaily.com |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529091547/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-friday-cable-originals-network-finals-5-22-2020.html |archive-date=29 May 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |ShortSummary= Joe Pera narrates stories over a combination of unused footage from seasons one and two of the series, and stock footage. Features the song "Your Dog" by [[Casiotone for the Painfully Alone|Advance Base]].<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1263186138040348682|user=rfcrecords|title=Check out "Your Dog" by @AdvanceBase in the new @JosephPera special over on @adultswim! It's available to watch onl…<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. --> |date=May 20, 2020}}</ref> <br /> '''Notes:''' 30 minute special. |ProdCode= |LineColor= 979797 }} }} ===Season 3 (2021)=== {{Episode table |background=#7BAFD4 |overall= |season= |title= |director= |writer= |airdate= |country=US |viewers= |episodes= {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 24 | EpisodeNumber2 = 1 | Title = Joe Pera Sits with You | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = Nathan Min and Joe Pera | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|11|8}} | Viewers = 0.168<ref name="showbuzzdaily2">{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-sunday-11-7-2021-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html |title= SHOWBUZZDAILY's Sunday 11.7.2021 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED |publisher=Showbuzz Daily|date=2021-11-19|access-date=2021-11-19}}</ref> | ShortSummary = Joe helps Gene decide which chair he should purchase as his retirement chair. Joe thinks about all of his sitting options in his home. | LineColor = 7BAFD4 }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 25 | EpisodeNumber2 = 2 | Title = Joe Pera Shows You How to Build a Fire | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = Conner O'Malley and Marty Schousboe | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|11|8}} | Viewers = 0.129<ref name="showbuzzdaily2"/> | ShortSummary = Sarah has an overwhelming feeling something bad is going to happen, so she and Joe head out to the woods to camp, and talk about her past. | LineColor = 7BAFD4 }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 26 | EpisodeNumber2 = 3 | Title = Joe Pera Shows You His Second Fridge | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = Dan Licata | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|11|15}} | Viewers = 0.234<ref name="showbuzzdaily2b">{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-sunday-11-14-2021-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=SHOWBUZZDAILY's Sunday 11.14.2021 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED |publisher=Showbuzz Daily|date=2021-11-19|access-date=2021-11-19}}</ref> | ShortSummary = Joe has the intention to share the benefits of the traditional mid-west second fridge, but these plans are thwarted by local youths. Joe has a run in with Nicole Melsky in class. | LineColor = 7BAFD4 }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 27 | EpisodeNumber2 = 4 | Title = Joe Pera Listens to Your Drunk Story | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = Katie Dolan and Jo Firestone | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|11|15}} | Viewers = 0.221<ref name="showbuzzdaily2b"/> | ShortSummary = Sue Melsky invites Sarah to a friend's house for wine night. Sarah recounts the night to Joe as he makes them pierogis. | LineColor = 7BAFD4 }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 28 | EpisodeNumber2 = 5 | Title = Joe Pera Discusses School-Appropriate Entertainment with You | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = Dan Licata | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|11|22}} | Viewers = 0.143<ref name="showbuzzdaily2c">{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-sunday-11-21-2021-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=SHOWBUZZDAILY's Sunday 11.21.2021 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED |publisher=Showbuzz Daily|date=2021-11-23|access-date=2021-11-23}}</ref> | ShortSummary = Joe wants to congratulate his class on a first semester well done with a movie, but struggles to find something new. He ponders why certain professions have political leans. | LineColor = 7BAFD4 }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 29 | EpisodeNumber2 = 6 | Title = Joe Pera Takes You for a Flight | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = Joe Pera | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|11|22}} | Viewers = 0.130<ref name="showbuzzdaily2c"/> | ShortSummary = The Melsky boys invite Joe to fly their drone, but only because they needed a driver as Mike has recently gotten a DUI. Joe shows Sara his footage from the drone and they try to contact people on her ham radio. | LineColor = 7BAFD4 }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 30 | EpisodeNumber2 = 7 | Title = Joe Pera Shows You How to Keep Functioning in Mid-Late Winter | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = Nathan Min | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|12|6}} | Viewers = 0.184<ref name="showbuzzdaily2d">{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-sunday-12-5-2021-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=SHOWBUZZDAILY's Sunday 12.5.2021 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED |publisher=Showbuzz Daily|date=2021-12-07|access-date=2021-12-07}}</ref> | ShortSummary = Joe schedules his days full of activities to beat the winter blues, including a stop by Gene's where he is mesmerized by a video he put together. Sarah goes skiing with Sue Melsky and her friends and ends up getting into a fight about politics. After she gets into an accident the ladies come to her assistance and show that friendships can withstand disagreements. | LineColor = 7BAFD4 }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 31 | EpisodeNumber2 = 8 | Title = Joe Pera Talks with You About Legacy | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = Jo Firestone & Conner O'Malley | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|12|6}} | Viewers = 0.159<ref name="showbuzzdaily2d"/> | ShortSummary = An open house is scheduled for Nana's house, which is too much for Joe to handle, so he goes to the Melskys' to watch the NFL playoffs, to distract himself. | LineColor = 7BAFD4 }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 32 | EpisodeNumber2 = 9 | Title = Joe Pera Builds a Chair with You | DirectedBy = Marty Schousboe | WrittenBy = Katie Dolan and Marty Schousboe | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|12|13}} | Viewers = 0.174<ref name="showbuzzdaily2e">{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-sunday-12-12-2021-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=SHOWBUZZDAILY's Sunday 12.12.2021 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED |publisher=Showbuzz Daily|date=2021-12-14|access-date=2021-12-14}}</ref> | ShortSummary = Joe builds his chair, but can't stop thinking about Gene's 100-year plan. Sarah is down in the dumps after another accident. Joe makes a decision about what to do with the funds he received from selling his Nana's house. '''Notes:''' Double-length episode | LineColor = 7BAFD4 }} }} ==Reception== ''Joe Pera Talks with You'' has received critical acclaim, with much of the praise going towards the show's unique tone and writing. On the [[review aggregator]] website [[Rotten Tomatoes]], the first season has an approval rating of 100% with an average rating of 8/10 based on 6 reviews.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Joe Pera Talks With You - Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/joe_pera_talks_with_you/s01 |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=www.rottentomatoes.com |language=en}}</ref> In a 4/5 stars review for [[Common Sense Media]], Martin Brown noted the subversiveness of Pera's character, noting, "the socially awkward comedian/host is a recognizable type at this point. The twist here is that [...] instead of his social awkwardness getting him into trouble or making him the butt of the joke, it's merely the surface of a thoughtful, confident character who knows who he is. [...] The result is a sweet, thoughtful comedy about the small joys of everyday life."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Joe Pera Talks With You TV Review {{!}} Common Sense Media |url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/joe-pera-talks-with-you |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=www.commonsensemedia.org |language=en}}</ref> ''[[The A.V. Club]]''{{'}}s Erik Adams writes that "It’s a particular type of funny, of the soft-spoken, deadpan, and disarming type that Pera practices onstage and on the talk-show circuit. It’s one of his many gifts as a performer, the way his understated wardrobe, deliberate delivery, and nervous body language set an expectation for awkwardness, before Pera pulls the rug out from under the audience with the confidence of his pacing and the precision of his writing."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/joe-pera-talks-with-you-is-the-adult-swim-comedy-that-l-1827064842 |title=Joe Pera Talks With You is the Adult Swim comedy that'll restore your soul |website=The A.V. Club |date=2018-06-23 |access-date=2020-01-31}}</ref> ''[[Indiewire]]''{{'}}s Steve Greene gave the second season an A- and wrote "This is nice. There’s no irony, no rug pull, no cynicism in what he says. Just one person grateful for something that hasn’t even arrived yet. That’s the show in a nutshell: a chronicle of a guy so enthusiastic about the tiny pleasures of life that he’s even happy about potential things".<ref>{{cite web |last=Greene |first=Steve |title='Joe Pera Talks With You' Review: TV's Cozy Blanket Returns for an Even Richer Season 2 |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2019/12/joe-pera-talks-with-you-season-2-review-adult-swim-1202194332/ |website=IndieWire |access-date=17 October 2021 |date=6 December 2019}}</ref> Josh Terry of [[Vice News|Vice]] hailed the show as an "essential salve against cynicism: It's relaxing and gentle TV that revels more in its meditative beauty than its eccentric comedy".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Terry |first=Josh |date=2020-01-22 |title=‘Joe Pera Talks With You’ Is the Best Thing Adult Swim Has Ever Done |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/bvgmd5/joe-pera-talks-with-you-is-the-best-thing-adult-swim-has-ever-done |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=Vice |language=en}}</ref> === Cancellation === The show's early cancellation drew eulogies and tributes from critics. In announcing the cancellation, [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'s Ethan Warren acclaimed the show as "a deft three-act exploration of joy, terror, grief, and love", and as the "handbook for navigating compounding crises. As long as there are chairs, and the people to sit on them, there must be hope".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Ethan |date=2022-07-11 |title=Joe Pera Talks With You was the perfect handbook for an era of compounding crises |url=https://www.polygon.com/23200706/joe-pera-talks-with-you-review-lookback-eulogy |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref> Writing for [[Collider (website)|Collider]], Chase Hutchinson emphasized on the uniqueness of the show up until the last season: "While his appearance is aggressively ordinary, Pera made something that was truly and brilliantly one-of-a-kind. To even try to compare it to anything feels impossible as, even when it played around with genre and poked fun at itself, it remains an enigmatic work all its own that felt like it was still evolving".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-09 |title=What We Lost When We Lost 'Joe Pera Talks With You' |url=https://collider.com/joe-pera-talks-with-you-show-cancelled-what-we-lost/ |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=Collider |language=en}}</ref> And, in a tribute for [[The Ringer (website)|The Ringer]] titled "‘Joe Pera Talks With You’: In Praise of Joy", Tyler Parker honored the show as "the anti-cringe" of comedy, adding, "If cringe comedy is the theater of the uncomfortable—crank up tension, break with laughter, repeat—then consider ''Joe Pera Talks With You'' the anti-cringe. A warm blanket of a comedy. Mellow, joyful, and good-hearted".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parker |first=Tyler |date=2022-08-18 |title='Joe Pera Talks With You': In Praise of Joy |url=https://www.theringer.com/tv/2022/8/18/23311296/joe-pera-talks-with-you-adult-swim-anti-cringe |access-date=2023-01-12 |website=The Ringer |language=en}}</ref> ==References== {{Reflist}} ==Notes== {{notelist}} ==External links== * {{official website}} * {{IMDb title}} {{Adult Swim original programming}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Joe Pera Talks With You}} [[Category:2018 American television series debuts]] [[Category:2021 American television series endings]] [[Category:2010s American comedy television series]] [[Category:2020s American comedy television series]] [[Category:Adult Swim original programming]] [[Category:English-language television shows]] [[Category:Television series by Williams Street]] [[Category:Television shows set in Michigan]] [[Category:Upper Peninsula of Michigan]] [[Category:Television series about educators]]'