Zach Stone Is Gonna Be Famous

This is BY FAR the funniest, smartest and most self-aware show ever offered to the Millenial set. By a million miles. Even as a huge fan of Bo Burnham (confession: I may have at some point had some of his YouTube raps memorized), the quality of the writing and Burnham's acting is astonishing.

He plays a recent high school graduate who forgoes college to instead spend all the grocery store wages he has saved on a camera crew. They film his entire life, ostensibly for some nebulous TV show, with the end goal of making Zach famous. Any nature or degree of fame will suffice. The gimmick is believable mainly because Zach Stone is so delusional that he really would want cameras there all the time. His quest for fame motivates everything (well, almost everything) in his life, and he is willing to do anything to make it to stardom.

It's easy to compare it to "The Office", and fitting that it is premiering within a month of that show's series finale. Both of them are ostensibly behind-the-scenes looks at the making of two documentaries that will surely never been made. Both handle moments of quiet And they both turn out to be showcases for movie-star-level character acting and charisma. That was certainly the case for Steve Carell as Michael Scott. And Burnham was much closer to being a movie star than we know. He was reported to be developing a "High School Musical" parody for Judd Apatow (at the peak of Apatow's box office success).

Burnham decisively satirizes the MTV generation--the show's premise explores the idea that all you need to be famous is a camera crew. But his character is so likable and non- threatening that the satire might as well be delivered wrapped in marshmallow. (I don't mean to say the satire isn't dead on or cutting--it is.) And if you're familiar with Burnham's previous work, the character is even more clear-cut. He has always exhibited an overblown and carefully-crafted sense of egomania. There's more than a little bit of YouTube era Burnham in Zach Stone, but with the real Burnham (who has shown incredible depth in songs like "Welcome to YouTube" and "I Am an Artist") running the show.

Everyone involved with this show has major cojones, especially the MTV execs who put a show on the air that could possibly have alienated most of its audience. They shouldn't have to worry, because Burnham plays Zach Stone remarkably likable and sympathetic. But great shows struggle for viewership all the time, so I might as well start the plea now. PLEASE watch this show to make sure it gets a second season. This show has the potential to be one of the best on television.

How's this for irony? If you're looking for the smartest voice of our generation in television, it's on MTV.

I had never heard of this little gem until it popped up on my Netflix page. Seeing it starred Bo Burnham I was intrigued. I had no idea this was something he did almost a decade ago.

I loved this show so much. Seeing a young, semi-manic Bo allows the viewer into his head somewhat. ZSIGTBF shows the beginnings of the genius he becomes in his stand up and specials. He's a genius to say the least. This show could have been made today and it would be relevant. A teen who wants to be famous but has nothing to offer for that to happen is literally the Instagram and TikTok of today. The difference is that this show is funny, smart, and tender at times. It looks like MTV did a poor job of promoting this show when they had it. Ironic since the theme is insta-fame via in your face media.

Zach stone combines the cliches of teenage drama tropes with a striking hyper-awareness of the desire to be seen. Almost seamlessly we see both Zach's narcissistic aspirations and self-conscious growing pains play out before his hired camera crew. The series uniquely comments on reality television, media consumption, pining for digital immortality, and the wavering fear of growing up.

While I wish there was more to watch the series wrapped itself up perfectly, leaving the viewers with the autonomy to determine the future of our Zach Stone. Definitely worth the second watch, and if you haven't already, give it a try.

Let me preface this review by saying that Bo Burnham is my favorite comedian. "Zach Stone Is Gonna Be Famous" is a hilarious show that makes me laugh every time I watch it. There is tons of humor, and a lot of heart as well. Every episode has a bit of drama as Zach Stone tries to find his place in the world. The humorous situations find meaning in Zach's quest to become famous, but it also has a great deal of depth in his interpersonal relations, especially with his family and his best friend/love interest Amy. Though Zach can be flippant and immature, he always comes to realize a greater message through his family's support, and his antics serve to show how his family and friends love him no matter what. It's a great show with a lot of heart, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a fun situational comedy, as well as fans of Bo Burnham such as myself. 10/10

A delightful documentary of the classic coming of age tale in the modern digital world. The stars aligned, it's happening. Zachery Stone is making his way down town, walking fast as the faces pass. He's homebound.

MTV just stuck their hards in a family size jug of original Country Crock imitation butter spread and let this gem slip through their fat sausage fingers. But for MTV to have the foresight to recognize a future classic would be so off brand. The same channel that brings you Real World vs Road Rules found their niche already. That niche is making trash garbage television and then hitting the recycle button for the next 20 years. I said what I said.

This show deserves better than MTV/10.