Stella

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🎙️ EPISODE 516: 07.22.22 My mind goes blank when tasked with explaining why I find the TV program Stella, which ran for a single 10-episode season on Comedy Central in 2005, funny. Having rewatched it recently, I'm extremely pleased to report that it still definitely holds up and has legit LOL-worthy moments in almost every ep. Just don't ask me why exactly this is, or what I'm laughing at. These three guys, these three friends (Michael, Michael and David) connected with my mid-20s mindset in a way most other things did not. Perhaps it is that simple. Perhaps I wished the dudes I was roommates with could have this absurdist, borderline nihilistic, but above all: simpatico life. I certainly had no interest in wearing a suit anytime of the day let all day, every day. So maybe that ain't it at all.

While none of these guys are getting cancelled for it (and rightfully so), the series hit on some edge-lordy territory from time to time. If I'm being completely honest, maybe a very tiny bit of the charm lies in this. They dropped a few, casual hard "Retards" and made some quips that would not fly today, especially if they were made by a seemingly liberal-ass trio, however ironically, including a mild trans (and Italian) joke...


...and a not-so-mild blackface joke (blackface 'joke' as in: here are all three of them wearing blackface. on television. in 2005.)...


But, while those goofs fit completely in line with the tone of their particular episodes, they were still atypical bits. I think most of the jokes (and the best jokes) were much more akin to the anti-humor which wouldn't real gain traction until a couple of years later (Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job first aired in '07). However, then again, every show had a concrete plot, an arc, a purpose (which was usually just "it's great to be best buds" but still). Like my personal favorite episode, No. 5: Paper Route, which has the perfect tagline:

After running over the paperboy, Kevin O'Malley, the guys take over his paper route, but get discouraged after getting beaten up by bullies. They set out to teach the bullies about the power of friendship...

...and ends with the perfect musical number...


I cackle like a fool every time Michael Showalter does his rap there. That's why I like—NO... love this show.

CHRONOLOGICALLY
⫷ EPISODE 515 - (YOU ARE HERE) - EPISODE 517 ⫸

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Stella is a television series that originally ran on the American television channel Comedy Central, created by and starring Michael Ian Black, Michael Showalter, and David Wain, the three members of the sketch comedy troupe of the same name and former cast members of MTV's The State. Stella, as a comedy troupe, has existed since 1997. It has a cult following and played to sold out shows across the United States. It was released on June 28, 2005.