Documental

We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into, I just saw it had comedians from another country (we are US), and we like comedy (husband and myself). I read the synopsis, but totally sprung the show on him w/o warning. Episode 1 is an intro, you'll want to have watched it if you continue. Then it's not holds barred in a room with 10 professional comedians, all who will do anything to make the others laugh. ANYTHING. Each season has it's surprises. And don't discount anyone. Translation to Eng subs works great, jokes come across just fine. I highly recommend this show, we are dedicated fans now. Also, a great way to get aquatinted with Japanese comedy, and comedians. **I can't keep a straight face typing this review, there's too much funny**

A great concept and the first two seasons were great, with occasional problems. The last episodes of every season tend to be less funny because the worst comedians can resist without laughing better than the funny ones. Sometimes the dynamic between comedians is awesome, but other times the outcome is pathetic. And sometimes there are too much abuse (and far from funny).The third season was too lame and the racists and sexist jokes about Chinese prostitutes were so disgusting that I think I will quit for season four.

Documental thrives on it's strong premise of comedians trying to not laugh at each other, but gets less funny as each season lingers on.

The psychology behind the show is quite fascinating. Some go the deadpan strait man route, some absurdist, some self-deprecating-there isn't one way to win. It's pretty apparent when a competitor is "trying too hard" to get a laugh, which is why many of the predictable props & costumes bomb hard in the later rounds.

Overall, there's some funny moments and you're likely to have a couple favorite comedians that you are rooting for by the time that it's over.

...Shin'ya Arino on the show! Some of the comics have been average to poor in their comedy, and some aren't even comedians. Every time I start a new season of Documental I'm hoping to see Shin'ya Arino walk into the room, he's always made me laugh on GameCenter CX and I know he can handle pressure (just watch Gamecanter!), why not give him a shot?! Matsumoto san, please send an invitation to Shinya Arino, he will not disappoint!

A Japanese friend recommended this show, and I've watched the four seasons available on Prime.

The show is interesting from a cultural perspective. As I understand it, a lot of the people in this show are from Japan's comedy elite.

If the people on this show are representative of Japanese comedy, my conclusion is that Japan is about 40-50 years behind. They rely heavily on wigs, costumes, false teeth and making funny faces, as if that would be enough to be hilarious. And the shouting. Oh the shouting. At times screaming.

In Sweden we have a form of comedy called "buskis", a type of backwater comedy stuck in the 60's enjoyed primarily by slack jawed yokels, which is similar in style.

Meanwhile the host is in the back room laughing his head off at absolutely everything, and I have absolutely no idea what he's laughing at. I've asked my friend if things are lost in translation, but apparently not.

Sure there are some wtf moments, but they're more desperate than funny.

So the show is culturally interesting. But is it good? No. Is it funny? Again, no.