11. "Dude, you sound like a fan of an indie rap/rock group that gets mad..." In response to Reply # 8
...when they make it big, because it's not exactly what it used to be and now more people are into them.
Vice was on a shoe-string budget. It was a tiny set-up with a tiny set and little to no presence in the studio. I miss them interviewing rappers and journalists and activists too, but with bigger check come bigger responsibilities.
Mero may joke all the time that he wants to end up on Ellen, but that's what these dudes have always been going for. And even with the tiny compromises, this is still an extremely entertaining show that's finding it's footing in a new format. Let them grow.
legsdiamond Member since May 05th 2011 79621 posts
Wed Apr-24-19 07:46 AM
14. "I mean... sometimes those groups are better before they go big" In response to Reply # 11
Jamariqua comes to mind. Loved their earlier stuff but the more they blew up the worse they sounded IMO.
I haven’t seen the new format to know if his opinion is on point tho.
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
48. "recall a post in the Lesson after MTV ran an article on J Live in ‘02" In response to Reply # 11
Don’t remember who it was but poster was all whimsical, basically on some “damn I’m happy for him but J Live was MY rapper and now everyone else is gonna know”.
41. "'m the opposite, I feel like I saw every episode of that show w/o Vice" In response to Reply # 7 Wed Apr-24-19 08:35 PM by Nodima
Because it was seemingly ALL on Youtube. That's what hurts their show most for me, we really only get behind the scenes (both produced and off the cuff), choice clips and a skit every once in a while. Back when the show was daily on Vice I'd know I had four or five new D&M clips to look forward to every single day, now I'm pleasantly surprised when I see a new one.
Obviously the idea is to get a Showtime subscription but I don't want one, just as I didn't want cable so I could get Vice. But I didn't have to. Honestly, it has me listening to the podcast less, too, for whatever reason. I just feel a little disconnected from the brand in a way I didn't before, and it's not necessarily because anything changed about them or me other than how open their platform is.
3. "They’re doing just fine. " In response to Reply # 0 Tue Apr-23-19 10:31 PM by mrhood75
The news recaps are as great as ever. The R Kelly segment was classic.
The stuff where the interact with their guests out and about is dope.
The “interviewing people on the street” stuff is hilarious.
The interview in the basement have been a mixed bag, but that’s generally on the guest. Cheadle was great, but Lupita and Winston Duke gave their standard press interview.
However the segments with Peele and John Legend were amazing.
Only one of the pre taped sketches has been out and out bad.
But yeah; it’s working out pretty damn well so far.
5. "what are you watching? the show has been great so far" In response to Reply # 0
a couple of missteps but that's expected. it's hilarious through and through. I'd like some extended interviews though like when they were on Viceland.
9. "So....I Agree." In response to Reply # 0 Tue Apr-23-19 11:38 PM by jane eyre
I think the Viceland show had a better flow and look. I can't get into the show anymore, and I wish I could.
Not crazy about:
1. Weekly shows. I prefer nightly shows. However, I DON'T want to watch this version of the show nightly. 2. The audience. Is there a laugh track? I can't tell. 3. The absence of lighting on set. It's so dark in there!!!!!!! The set colors are super heavy and dark, too. The set design makes me feel like I'm shopping at Spencer's in 1996. The set is sooooooooooooooooo corny. I can't stand the brick backsplash behind the host chairs. 4. The host chairs. 5. The chairs, the table, the bodega set piece....all together. There are too many places to potentially move in one show. Getting up and walking to the table: why? On top of that, there are "pre-recorded location moves." 6. Sometimes the makeup decisions are super distracting, especially for Mero. The lighting and makeup isn't doing anyone any favors (even guests). 7. The set doesn't feel intimate anymore. It feels cavernous, even though it's relatively small. 8. I like the bodega sign....but bring back the rainbow! 9. I can do without so many skits.
The set design and flow of the show doesn't work with their vibe or why the show can be interesting and funny.
It feels like the show is trying to be everything at once when it doesn't need to be.
The Viceland version of the show had an improvised, random, free feel.
I don't even really have the show in my rotation of stuff to watch, anymore.
10. "you elaborated my thoughts better than I could." In response to Reply # 9
and to your last line - i also know die hard watchers when it was on Vice that have Showtime and are like "yeah I watched the first couple then kind fell off, i guess i should catch up but i don't feel like i'm missing anything" and sadly, they aren't missing anything.
>and to your last line - i also know die hard watchers when it >was on Vice that have Showtime and are like "yeah I watched >the first couple then kind fell off, i guess i should catch up >but i don't feel like i'm missing anything" and sadly, they >aren't missing anything.
I watched the first 7 live. Episode 8 I watched a few days later. Ep 9 I still haven't watched. It's definitely not must-see at this point.
--
"You can't beat white people. You can only knock them out."
83. "I'm pretty much the same. " In response to Reply # 34
I still listen to the podcast, too.
I liked the Viceland show a little bit better than the podcast.
I know the show will change. And for sure, as some have mentioned, early episodes for this type of show winds up being where people figure out their groove and all that.
Desus and Mero are the reason why I got into late night talk show viewing again.
22. "RE: What problems do you see with the new show/format?" In response to Reply # 12
>Did it get more/less scripted? Are the guests worse/better?
^^ yes and probly...
I only watched the first (free) show. But I haven't even seen a clip of the new joint that gave me the 'aww...hell nah. I gotta see what that was about' feeling.
In hindsight, the Viceland joint was groundbreaking. This new shxt? I f--k with the homies, and I listen to the podcast but I'm not signing up for SHO for this.
I'm still VERY proud/happy for the both of em, esp. DesusExMachina
legsdiamond Member since May 05th 2011 79621 posts
Wed Apr-24-19 07:45 AM
13. "Haven’t seen the new show" In response to Reply # 0
and only watched the old one in clips
I’m sure they will smooth things out.
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
legsdiamond Member since May 05th 2011 79621 posts
Wed Apr-24-19 10:27 AM
27. "It’s prolly better for them time wise" In response to Reply # 15
but I think having a daily show prevents so much organic fuckery and that’s what made it so good.
When a show is scripted you really have to hit it out the park or you have to wait another week to rebound.
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
31. "It's going to take a bit for them to gel with the writers" In response to Reply # 27
when you're used to just goofing around with one other person. I feel like the last couple of episodes have been a little tighter and less awkward.
They're going to have to do a better job mixing up them talking about news and them talking about funny internet videos, that was one thing that being on 4x a week allowed them to do.
------
12 play and 12 planets are enlighten for all the Aliens to Party and free those on the Sex Planet-maxxx
16. "I don't like how it's presented like a normal talk show" In response to Reply # 0
ie "THIS is the funny" versus the Vice show was all about FINDING the funny on various topics. The organic way they used to find humor is gone, but you can't really do that in front of a studio audience and then just edit it down, I guess.
legsdiamond Member since May 05th 2011 79621 posts
Wed Apr-24-19 10:23 AM
25. "Funny how some folks thinks it’s impossible to change formats" In response to Reply # 17
and not be as good as before.
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
23. "am I the only person who thinks of The Chris Rock Show?" In response to Reply # 0
The whole vibe and feel of the show really reminds me of Chris's old show that seems to have been forgotten and lost to history...I'd say it was on par with Chappelle show
24. "I definitely like it less than the Viceland show" In response to Reply # 0 Wed Apr-24-19 10:25 AM by Hitokiri
I think their strongest attribute is really in riffing on current events. There's far less of that than before. The sketches have been very hit and miss, with more misses than hits to me. John Legend was great. Other than that. Ehhh... And that segment with Anna Kendrick a couple weeks ago was so wack. Their interview skills are not good. Weren't on Vice. Aren't here. It definitely works better when they're interviewing someone in their "wheelhouse" so-to-speak. They're good with rappers, with comedians. But when they're interviewing Stacy Abrams, Kristen Gillibrand. It doesn't work. At all. They should really be getting better at that, given they have a week+ to familiarize themselves with the guests, who they are, what they've done, what are good and relevant questions to ask, but they haven't.
I think the Viceland show started out a little bit rough, but found its legs pretty quickly. This is a somewhat different format so I realize it will take some time to work out the kinks. I'm willing to give them that. But the excitement is gone for me. I still haven't watched last weeks show. If it hasn't smoothed out by the time my showtime promo expires, I won't be renewing.
--
"You can't beat white people. You can only knock them out."
30. "I hope they have more musical guests" In response to Reply # 0
Loved the feel of the 2 Chainz performance as kind of a video. Gave me Chappelle's Show vibes (which also had the best ideas for musical performances.)
------
12 play and 12 planets are enlighten for all the Aliens to Party and free those on the Sex Planet-maxxx
36. "I think it is doing decent, better than the early Vice days for damn sur..." In response to Reply # 0
Obviously that's to be expected given the platform, the pay grade and the experience they have behind them.
I think the show is a little rough as a weekly thing, they should have kept it nightly or extended the time and changed the format a little more. They fill in the ad time with skits and have an extra guest, that they handled pretty nicely but it's still not enough of an adjustment given the other changes.
I also think they lose a lot of rhythm going weekly.
So I think there are some issues but I wouldn't say it's going poorly; I think this season has been adequate and it has a lot of potential. Showtime will probably stick with them as they don't have much else going on the network other than Shameless.
And you will know MY JACKET IS GOLD when I lay my vengeance upon thee.
42. "It hasn't even been 10 eps yet. Gotta let em find their footing." In response to Reply # 0
The biggest problem they're running into is the runtime. They got their comedic flow, but it's limited because they cut a 2 hr recording down to 30 min a week. Even the reaction bits feel like they're tiny compared to before.
The Vice show was 22 minutes a night, 4 nights a week, with 30+ minutes of extended interviews a night. This new show is 30 min a week, with one extended interview all season. Lots of politicians, and lots of Showtime-related guests.
I know we're not going to get more show... time a week, but once they figure out which skits and field pieces work, things will feel a lot smoother. I'm already really enjoying the show, but I can definitely see where they can improve things.
Showtime also gotta get 'em some help in post. Mero has been begging for the "Allegedly" drops, and you know Desus wants those Sonic Rings back.
44. "Is it crazy to suggest that they should add a straight woman to the mix?" In response to Reply # 0 Thu Apr-25-19 09:35 AM by Buddy_Gilapagos
She doesn't even have to be on camera. I like the effect of them talking to a person off camera.
I mean, every radio show has either a women or straight person for a reason, you have to mitigate the energy of two dudes whose humor is soo overlapping and one perspective. It's kind of why I stopped listening to Joe Buddens show.
I could be wrong. I am sure fans would rebel if they added someone to the show. I'd do it subtely. work someone in over time.
********** "Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson
legsdiamond Member since May 05th 2011 79621 posts
Sun Apr-28-19 08:10 AM
57. "Not crazy... lazy would be a better word. " In response to Reply # 44
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
61. "isnt that what julia (?) does????" In response to Reply # 44
i remember in the viceland show they introduced who the laugh was at some point. then they kept interacting with her more. theyve been doing that on the showtime one too. i think more so too.
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
50. "the viceland show was my favorite of the three" In response to Reply # 0
i didn't watch the viceland show before a few months in, so i don't know if it's a similar dynamic here. i watched the first 3 of these, and i haven't gone back (i plan to). Probably shouldn't have expected it to fire on all cylinders immediately.
i listen to most of my podcasts on my commute but the hyperness of Bodega Boys doesn't mesh well with LA traffic lol
63. "ol, they were just on the Bill Simmons pod and he asked about this" In response to Reply # 58
And they were in full "you never know but what the people want the people should have" politician mode, I suspected something was up. Hopefully this means more clips on Youtube!
66. "nah, they are doubling it because it WASNT working." In response to Reply # 58
they arent going "oh D&M are killing it let's double up."
they are going "D&M fans arent happy with one ep per week and perhaps it needs a more frequent presence for consistency and these guys seem to work best nightly. let's fix our mistake."
and I hope they fix it all the way and make it.nightly and get rid of the shit that ain't really working like some of the skits, etc.
67. "That doesn't make any sense at all" In response to Reply # 66
Cable companies aren't in the business of doubling the output and the amount of money they spend on something that they think needs to be "fixed" or isn't working.
71. "Yeah, that's not "The show isn't working"" In response to Reply # 70
That's "the show is working so well that fans want more and Showtime is going to spend a lot more giving to them because we're showing that we're worth the investment." Again, they don't literally double down on a show that's getting a negative response.
75. "he's right though, that's not how production works." In response to Reply # 72
Like, I don't work at a restaurant open for lunches and dinners that seats 5 at lunch and 100 at dinner, looks at the schedule and sees our closed Mondays and says "lunch isn't working, we need to open Monday for lunch!"
The NFL didn't start broadcasting Thursday games because it was hurting for money
etc.
And I'm very on the side of the show isn't working, but I'm wrong enough about that to know I'm right about this
legsdiamond Member since May 05th 2011 79621 posts
Sat May-04-19 10:55 AM
79. "I think what Promo means is the show wasn’t working AS WELL " In response to Reply # 75
as intended with one show a week so they are adding another show to hopefully get more of that energy from the Vice days.
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
68. "Which problem couldn't be fixed at just once a week?" In response to Reply # 66 Thu May-02-19 02:21 PM by Cocobrotha2
>they arent going "oh D&M are killing it let's double up." > > >they are going "D&M fans arent happy with one ep per week and >perhaps it needs a more frequent presence for consistency and >these guys seem to work best nightly. let's fix our mistake." > >and I hope they fix it all the way and make it.nightly and get >rid of the shit that ain't really working like some of the >skits, etc.
To me, all of the perceived issues could be fixed without ordering even MORE episodes.
Plus, the way these big businesses are run, they're much more likely to cut their losses early than double down on a loser.
BrooklynWHAT Member since Jun 15th 2007 85077 posts
Thu May-02-19 04:12 PM
74. "they need more reps. it's like a boxer." In response to Reply # 68 Thu May-02-19 04:13 PM by BrooklynWHAT
they came up doing this 4 or 5x a week, plus a podcast. scaling them back to once a week is going to dull them a bit because they aren't working at the same level. they arent as sharp. they aren't commenting on shit that just happened in the last 24 hrs while it's fresh.
edit: im sure from a business sense it's working GREAT for showtime. but as a fan they can do and have done far better.
73. "the first episode was the only one that was shakey" In response to Reply # 69
it improved so much starting on ep 2.
the only thing i wish they did was release extended interviews with some guests. i remember on vice some interviews seemed so odd. then you watch the extended one and realize it was the editing that would make it weird. im sure its the same thing here.
I think having the live studio audience actually hurts the quality.
before, there was a feeling that they were constantly trying to make each other laugh, but now they're playing into the audience.
Ex. when a joke lands & they get a reaction, they tend to double down & triple down on it w/diminishing returns. before, they'd volley back & forth much tighter, but now it will be Mero doing an impression, getting a laugh, then running the impression back with a less funny joke.
the audience is definitely wider/whiter. they've mentioned that the longer they're in the biz the harder it is to keep a certain edge, but i think the fact that their audience is expanding has led to it feeling watered down a bit. legit had multiple yt friends who didn't like the viceland show say this one's hilarious.
___________________________ He has the confidence of Vernon Maxwell on a yayo binge.
84. "Watched the latest episode and thought it was good" In response to Reply # 0
After not watching past ep3. So maybe they just needed a little time to hit their stride? It didn't have any dumb sketches either which helped. Either way after that and the news of them doing 2 a week I'm interested again.
legsdiamond Member since May 05th 2011 79621 posts
Mon May-06-19 01:59 PM
85. "Desus read the critique on here and used them.. lol" In response to Reply # 84
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
"You can take an African out of Africa, but you can't take Africa out of the African" Afro-Americana/Afro-Caribbana/Afro-Latino unite. We are ALL Black!
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