Bored to Death

[Qalbert]

At the TCA Summer Press Tour, a bustling ballroom of critics were treated to a very entertaining panel from the writer and stars of the new HBO series Bored to Death. Actors Jason Schwartzman (Rushmore, Funny People), Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover) and Ted Danson (Cheers, Damages) were joined by series writer and "schlemiel"-ish author of such books as The Alcoholic and I Love You More Than You Know, Jonathan Ames.

On the show Schwartzman plays, well, Jonathan Ames; or at least a pseudo-Jonathan Ames. "Mixing noir mystery and neurotic humor," Bored to Death centers on Ames, an author who, on a bored whim, places an ad on Craigslist telling people that he's a private detective. It isn't long before Ames begins taking on actual cases in order to elevate himself out of his "rut." Ames admitted that the series "came out of my long-time love and fascination with detective novels." "And also at one time in my life I was obsessively playing Internet backgammon and crazily bored and rereading Raymond Chandler at the time," further added Ames.

- HBO
Ted Danson plays Ames' "George Plimpton"-inspired editor, who winds up tagging along with him on a few detective cases. Galifianakis, fresh off the box office smash The Hangover, plays Ames' bearded friend. When someone asked Galifianakis if he was still feeling the heat from The Hangover, he responded "From the movie or from last night?" Galifianakis actually filmed his Bored to Death role before his movie career shot into the stratosphere. Does this mean that the actor/comedian will now forsake all upcoming TV projects for bigger cinematic fare? "You do a show and you like doing it, and you're fortunate enough to be working, and that's the way I see it," Galifianakis said plainly. "If this were a Reba sitcom, then maybe it would be an easier decision. But this is something you would want to be part of so I'm very, very happy."

Some of the guest stars on the first season of Bored include Kirsten Wiig, Parker Posey, Bebe Neuwirth, Oliver Platt and Patton Oswalt. One of the critics on hand asked Danson to talk about his experiences working on lauded cable series and compare them to his past successes on network TV. Before getting into his answer Danson announced jokingly "for Jason and Zack's sakes, I was on a show called Cheers" – taking a shot at his own current state of relevance. Galifianakis playfully fought back with "I know. You tell me every five minutes." The comic then added, "If it isn't Cheers, it's f****** Becker."


Bored to Death premieres on September 20th,

IGN: Schwartzman and Galifianakis Are Bored to Death
Could be good.

[Mae]

Fuck yeah, really looking forward to this series. Schwartzman and Galifianakis are both genius.

[ZarakiKujata]

Saw it last night, it was cute and has potential but they should've run it back to back with Hung cause having this after Curb is a bit of let down

[Qalbert]

HBO picked it up for a second season

[ZarakiKujata]

its gotten funnier week to week.

Schwartzmann is okay and his stories have gotten better and better but Danson/Galifiniakis not surprisingly steal their scenes with their manic insanity..

[Katlan]

I've enjoyed the show so far, and agree it's gotten better and better. It's not something I feel I need to rush and watch, but it's better then the garbage that was Hung.

[ZarakiKujata]

I've enjoyed the show so far, and agree it's gotten better and better. It's not something I feel I need to rush and watch, but it's better then the garbage that was Hung.

I could wait to watch either if not for their pair shows (Entourage/Curb) and I'll certainly agree Hung had a lot working against it with the side stories but both shows have a lot of promise..

[Katlan]

I enjoy the show, though this week's bit w/ the arm-hair lady was fowl..
but the "big nose" stuff was hysterical, I loved how they ended the episode w/ the skateboarders in the background

[Qalbert]

yeah it was a great episode

[ZarakiKujata]

After seeing the real Jonathan Ames, I hate that they cast Schwartzmann in this. So many funny bald/balding guys could've had the part and done it funnier. But still a good ep