I had the opportunity to work on the TV series "Get A Life" over at Sunset-Gower Studios as a Production Assistant to the Cinematographer in the first season. I admit I'm biased because of this but I still think the show was hilarious! Chris is a great person to work with and his Dad is very funny and the nicest guy you could meet! One of my favorite episodes is the haunted house episode because of the blood coming out of the walls. Chris cries, "Oh no the walls are bleeding, I hate that!" It stands out for me because I was one of three people standing behind the set pouring the blood! If you've seen the show you probably remember that Sam Robards's played Chris's best friend on the show. I remember he was living in Colorado at the time and would fly in every week for filming. One time we got into an intense conversation, meanwhile everyone on set is trying to find him and are yelling for him. Once they found out what happened to him we both got chewed out by the Exec. Prod. David Mirkin (who went on to the Simpson's). Sam, like everyone else (cast and crew), was also a bright, funny guy. I had just graduated from college and this was my first job and I remember it fondly. I was very fortunate to start out with such wonderful people on such a funny show!
45 Reviews
Stand in the place where you live
nickenchuggets22 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
While I haven't seen every episode of this show yet, I've watched about half of them and think I'm in a position to judge it. Get a Life is a strong contender for the most underrated show of the 90s, for multiple reasons. It's incredibly funny, and a lot of the show is well written. There's some episodes that aren't really that good, but I can't think of any show that doesn't suffer from this problem. What makes this show so funny and original is its premise: it follows a paperboy named Chris Peterson (Chris Elliott) who gets into strange situations on a daily basis and still lives with his parents even at age 30 (a very unusual thing in the 90s). The show has a lot of popular culture references in it and pays tribute to various films that came long before its time. The characters are what makes any good show worth watching, and Get a Life has no shortage of hilarious and (sadly) relatable ones. Chris is the protagonist of the series, and he is, for lack of a better word, a loser. He's shown to be extremely stupid and lacking in the common sense department, such as in one episode where he is basically enslaved by his friend Larry's disdainful wife Sharon (Robin Riker) in order to make up for damage he did to her kitchen. One of my favorite episodes involves Chris attending a family reunion which is hosted in his backyard. All his relatives think he's a loser and are only concerned with the things that Chris' more successful cousin Donald is doing. Donald arrives and says how Chris has always been inferior to him, and Chris tries to prove him wrong by saying he can break a giant block of ice with only his forehead. Knocking himself out in the process, Chris wakes up later to find all his family members applauding and cheering. He thinks his family is celebrating because he's alright, but his father tells him they're actually applauding Donald because he revived Chris. The majority of laughs this show has to offer come from Chris' stupid behavior causing him to misunderstand the situations he's in and suffer because of it. The show is slightly sadistic because as the audience, we get a kick out of seeing Chris get hurt or get into trouble time and time again. Chris' father is played by his real life father, Bob Elliott, and he's a reproachable, irritable old man whom Chris spends a lifetime trying to impress. Even though I think this show is funny, a lot of viewers back then didn't feel the same way. Upon its release, Get a Life was simply considered too strange to have any realistic chance of becoming a mainstream show. Chris himself actually dies in quite a few episodes, and this ensured that David Mirkin, one of the show's creators (and future Simpsons producer) had a very difficult time selling the show to just about any network. Eventually, they did manage to get it on the air, but its ridiculous content meant that the show (even back then) was restricted to a small following. While that may be true, Get a Life's fans are still dedicated. While few in number, none of them will be able to forget a show like this with so many absurd moments in it.
Funny @$$ show
WeeBey29 October 2003
Chris Eliot is a comic genius. I wish they would release this whole series on dvd. It was the funniest show next to the simpsons when it was on. My favorite episodes were the father/son american gladiators, the toolbelt wars, and handsome boy modeling school.
Hilarity!
pfelon1 February 2001
This was my favorite TV show when it was on. It had wacky slapstick, sharp dialogue, and fantastic performance. If you've seen "Cabin Boy", you'll love Chris Elliott in this show.
When "There's Something About Mary" came out, I saw it and was reminded instantly of the sort of outlandish humor both that and "Get a Life" used.
My favorite episode is definitely the one where Chris is mutated by nuclear material and becomes a spelling bee wizard before it wears off and he badly misspells the word "pants".
If you haven't seen it, check it out.
When "There's Something About Mary" came out, I saw it and was reminded instantly of the sort of outlandish humor both that and "Get a Life" used.
My favorite episode is definitely the one where Chris is mutated by nuclear material and becomes a spelling bee wizard before it wears off and he badly misspells the word "pants".
If you haven't seen it, check it out.
Nutso, schizo, and totally hilarious, the ultimate Chris Elliot vehicle
cfisanick26 February 2002
It's been over a decade, and many of us still double-over with laughter just thinking about episodes of this insane sitcom, a Hellzapopin revue for the goofy, mannered talents of Chris Elliot. However, an equal number of folks see this show as nothing but stupid. Elliot, Resnick, and company probably see it that way too. There aren't many absolutes in life, but this is one of them: You'll either love or hate this show (and your feelings will be inextricably tied to how much you like Chris Elliot). There is NO middle ground. No one ever says that "Get a Life" is "just OK," "fair," or "I could take it or leave it." It inspires fervent reactions both pro and con. And in a plain vanilla world of network television, that's a good thing!
For me, my life is always a whole lot better when I think about "Spewey the Alien," "Zoo Animals on Wheels," and the "Toolbelt Wars." Those episodes are as fresh today as they were in the day. The trouble with Chris Elliot, I think, is that he has such a bizarre, almost off-putting sense of humor that a little of him goes a long way. (If you don't believe me, see "Cabin Boy.") Here's the perfect vehicle to enjoy his talents--in 22 minute chunks! Eat up!
For me, my life is always a whole lot better when I think about "Spewey the Alien," "Zoo Animals on Wheels," and the "Toolbelt Wars." Those episodes are as fresh today as they were in the day. The trouble with Chris Elliot, I think, is that he has such a bizarre, almost off-putting sense of humor that a little of him goes a long way. (If you don't believe me, see "Cabin Boy.") Here's the perfect vehicle to enjoy his talents--in 22 minute chunks! Eat up!
A sitcom that was actually funny.
13Funbags10 May 2017
Get A Life is one of the funniest shows ever.That's why it got cancelled.The average person would rather watch a bunch of fools learning important life lessons.That's their idea of comedy.Not only was this show extremely funny, they made very weird story choices that always worked.The show starts off being about a 30 year old paperboy, his parents and his best friend.In early episodes they try to give Chris other paperboy friends but they quickly disappear.Almost every episode contains a ridiculous musical montage and it never gets old.At one point in the first season they start having Chris die in most episodes and every time it's funny.For the second season,Chris moved into the garage of Bill Murray's brother and his parents only make a couple appearances after that.But the weirdest change they made is when Chris' best friend leaves his wife and she becomes the co-star of the series, even though her and Chris hate each other and she was barely in the first season.And it worked!This is by far one of the best TV shows ever.If you read this go find everything by Chris, Eagleheart, Cabin Boy, old Letterman clips, whatever you can find.You won't regret it.
Underrated Comedy Classic!
siavash_khavarnejad12 August 2013
This show was a lot of fun and it had a really unique and different sense of humour. I remember at the time arguing with my dad about what was funnier this show or Cosby and I liked both shows but this was more my or a younger sense of humour but my dad could not understand me liking this show at all. It was so different and Chris Elliott was great as the useless loser 40 year old who still had a paper route and lived with his parents, who were always sitting around in their housecoats and didn't even like him. No way to really describe the show other than that, you have to see it and love it or hate it you have to admit it is a great show as far as being different from anything else on TV at the time. Cabin Boy was a good movie too!
Funniest comedy ever
ainhoadiaz16 May 2019
An absolute FOX classic!
Catherine_Grace_Zeh6 August 2008
"GET A LIFE," in my opinion, is an absolute FOX classic! I don't think I've seen every episode, but I still enjoyed it. It's hard to say which episode was my favorite. However, I think it was always funny when a mishap occurred. I always laughed at that. When I think about it, I remember the openings sequence and theme song vaguely. Despite the fact that it was a short-lived series, it would have been nice if all the main characters had stayed with the show throughout its entire run. It seems that no one stays with a show throughout its entire run. Everyone always gave a good performance, the production design was spectacular, the costumes were well-designed, and the writing was always very strong. In conclusion, I hope some network brings it back on the air for fans of the show to see.
100% stupid,...and is that really so bad?!
planktonrules11 March 2006
I guess I have no taste at all. After all, I loved this show and watched every episode when it first aired. However, its success was very short-lived and so America sent the message that it wasn't impressed. I wonder if it was really because the show was bad ("stupid", yes--"bad", no), or because it wasn't marketed well or because after the first season they kept re-tooling and messing with a good formula. Often this "re-tooling" is the kiss of death, and in this case it certainly was true. The comedic balance was gone and the episodes seemed choppier and less funny--but still excellent to my apparently low standards. I also think that MANY people have a hard time suspending disbelief and just didn't know what to think about these rather surreal episodes. I loved ZOO ANIMALS ON WHEELS, Chris going in search of his REAL Amish parents or the automated newspaper delivery machine that nearly put this 30 year-old newspaper boy out of business! What a show--too bad it was canceled and too bad only selected episodes are available on DVD.
UPDATE: The show has finally been released on DVD. You will most likely notice that season one was MUCH better. Season two seemed much more aimless and unfunny---they they were having trouble sustaining the concept.
UPDATE: The show has finally been released on DVD. You will most likely notice that season one was MUCH better. Season two seemed much more aimless and unfunny---they they were having trouble sustaining the concept.
Get a Life
studioAT12 November 2021
GREAT! GREAT! GREAT!
PatORourke3 September 2002
This is, without a doubt, the funniest show I have ever seen on TV. The episodes are like a cartoon; anything can happen and it is not bound by normal rules. The results are definitely laugh-out-loud funny. Get the DVD!! It only has four episodes but they are great no matter how many times I watch them. I wish that all the episodes were available for purchase. About two years ago USA reran the entire series. I TiVo'd a bunch but then my TiVo broke...it was a very sad day indeed. My favorite episode is when Chris finds a dead rat in his milk carton and decides to become a food inspector. He gets sucked into the corrupt world of bribes and $5 perks. Eventually he is caught and has to testify before a senate sub-committee. "Sub-committee? Whats that? One of those things where a bunch of guys sit around eating those long sandwiches?" Then he laughs like an idiot. Classic!
The most hilarious show ever made!
Bill35714 April 2009
I can't believe this didn't last longer than two seasons. It was like a live action cartoon and way funnier than that crap Family Guy! Chris Elliot and Brian Doyle Murray made one helluva comedy duo.
My favorite episode was when Chris discovered the alien in his yard and they ended up eating it! Whenever I bring up Get a Life, that's always the first episode discussed.
Another favorite was the episode where Chris makes his own time travel drink to stop Gus from urinating on his boss!
I wish someone would release the whole series on DVD instead of making everyone have to deal with the internet extortionists wanting an arm and a leg for two out of print volumes.
My favorite episode was when Chris discovered the alien in his yard and they ended up eating it! Whenever I bring up Get a Life, that's always the first episode discussed.
Another favorite was the episode where Chris makes his own time travel drink to stop Gus from urinating on his boss!
I wish someone would release the whole series on DVD instead of making everyone have to deal with the internet extortionists wanting an arm and a leg for two out of print volumes.
Brilliant Television
jlthornb5116 June 2015
A truly original, fresh, and creative television series starring Chris Elliot. This is one of the genuinely funny and touching shows ever produced and at times is absolutely brilliant. Chris Elliot is admittedly an acquired taste but here he's superb even when he's at his most irritating. Chris's real life father Bob Elliot is amazing in the program and his dry delivery of lines stunningly hilarious. The most powerful aspect of the show is the father-son relationship and while being side-splitting it's also very moving. There is obviously real affection between these two men and it's reflected beautifully in the characters. Sadly, this series was short lived and wasn't given the chance it deserved. However, it remains a bright spot in the early days of Fox and a high point in television comedy history.
Get a Life on DVD/ Blu-ray Now!
dmuccillo10 March 2011
There is only one TV series that I truly wish to own on DVD and it's Chris Elliott's Get a Life! Unfortunately, Get a Life is the only series out of seemingly thousands that is not available in its entirety on DVD. If it is ever released, I will buy it the very first day.
In several interviews, Elliott has blamed the "suits at Sony" for not releasing a Get a Life complete DVD set. C'mon Sony. You need something to raise that sagging stock price!
Quit acting like a free floating blob of cellulite cast adrift in a sea of cotton candy soaked in dog saliva and release the complete Get a Life now! I am certain it would be a hit. There are millions of fans clamoring for it!
GET A LIFE NOW!!!!!!!
In several interviews, Elliott has blamed the "suits at Sony" for not releasing a Get a Life complete DVD set. C'mon Sony. You need something to raise that sagging stock price!
Quit acting like a free floating blob of cellulite cast adrift in a sea of cotton candy soaked in dog saliva and release the complete Get a Life now! I am certain it would be a hit. There are millions of fans clamoring for it!
GET A LIFE NOW!!!!!!!
Hilarious!
jennfinestone2 November 2013
I love this show! It's hilarious!
It's about a bald old man in his 30's-40's who lives in his parents house still, played by Chris Elliot who was famous from his days on David Letterman.
He is still a paper boy and everyone teases and makes fun of him, but he thinks he is awesome.
He gets into all kinds of weird situations like he makes his only friend from next door skip work and go to a theme park then they get stuck on the roller coaster upside down and put on the TV news.
Watch it it's very funny!
It's about a bald old man in his 30's-40's who lives in his parents house still, played by Chris Elliot who was famous from his days on David Letterman.
He is still a paper boy and everyone teases and makes fun of him, but he thinks he is awesome.
He gets into all kinds of weird situations like he makes his only friend from next door skip work and go to a theme park then they get stuck on the roller coaster upside down and put on the TV news.
Watch it it's very funny!
One of the Funniest Shows Ever
reverendtom6 December 2006
This show was way, way ahead of its time. Like most innovative and smart TV comedies it died way, way ahead of its time, as well. There is a level of sarcasm on this show that really wasn't present on TV until after it aired. They need, I mean, really need to put out a DVD boxed set of this show's entire run. There are two Rhino DVDs with 4 episodes each on them, but that isn't enough! To think that there are episodes of this amazing show sitting on a shelf somewhere, not being laughed at by the public is a damn shame. I remember this show being a cult classic when it was on, and I was only ten years old! This was a show that cool older dudes {ie: stoners} were into. I remember talking about it with my cool neighbors. (I lived in a groovy neighborhood). Chris Elliot is a comic genius and this show is his masterpiece. Give us a comprehensive DVD set, now!!!!!!!!!!
Comic Gold even after all of these years
chelseat-8855928 November 2020
I grew up watching this as it came on in the same time slot as my other fave show, Parker Lewis Can't Lose. I absolutely loved Chris's humor whether dark or slapstick and his dad and Eleanor Donahue were spot on as his retired, loosely-caring parents. Probably my favorite episode is Neptune 2000 followed closely by Camping 2000. My parents used to ground me from watching it when I got into trouble but thanks to the magic of best friends and VCRs, I would just go over to his house and we would roll around laughing at the show. Due to release and copyright issues it was very hard to get ahold of and they only released the first season afaik. I ended up having to torrent season 2 after years of pleading to release it so I could buy it. Glad to see Chris is still making us laugh on Schitts Creek like he did on his Letterman appearances and Get A Life. Granted, the show will probably not be liked by everyone but I hope folks can look past the low cost sets and laugh track and enjoy the silliness. Keep up the great work, Mr. Elliot, and thank you for keeping me laughing and learning about comedy throughout my awkward teen years on through to adulthood :)
It's Just Like the Skits My Brother and I Used to Put On When We Were In Grade School
wicj15 July 2020
And I mean that in the best possible sense. There is no realism to this show. There is no logic. Just stupid, juvenile, hilarious goodness. The acting is terrible, the sets are cheap, but the comedy is gold. The main character, Chris Peterson, is as dumb as Philip J. Fry without the sweetness, as much a loser as George Costanza without the self-awareness to realize it and as undeservedly egotistical as Russell Dunbar without the money. This is a sitcom that shouldn't work, but it does. The cheapness, the poor acting, the unrelatable situations that take place all work toward the ultimate quirkiness of the show. Of-course, quirkiness alone isn't reason enough to watch a series so luckily the writing is a perfect mix of smart, dumb, sophomoric and witty, even for the ancillary characters. But what really kept me watching (and laughing) was Chris Elliot, who, without a shred of dignity, stalwartly pulls off the loser with an attitude to a tee.
FANTASTIC SHOW!
jmuduke5 August 2003
One of the funniest sitcom's ever! I don't know why this show didn't survive. I think the humor was ahead of it's time. My favorite episode was when the construction workers were doing some work in Chris' parent's kitchen, and they taught Chris how to yell out catcalls to women as they passed by. "Yeah, uh-huh. Pluck that banjo honey. Yeah, you have a very nice skirt on today." I hope Rhino comes out with more episodes on DVD.
The Most Brilliant Television Ever Made
Kino Jerk23 April 1999
This is the GREATEST TV ever made. Why hasn't every episode been released to the public? Some sort of fascist government plot to keep us from seeing Spewey the alien who can make custard out of his belly? It's time we had a right to know!
This show also features the writing talents of Bob Odenkirk, a comparable genius in his own right. Just see Mr. Show to find out.
Did I forget to say this show is nothing short of brilliant?
This show also features the writing talents of Bob Odenkirk, a comparable genius in his own right. Just see Mr. Show to find out.
Did I forget to say this show is nothing short of brilliant?
So under rated it explains a lot.
wgjwi26 February 2004
It was stupid but in a good way.
blackarachnia231 October 2004
I don't really know why I'm bothering to comment on this show but I do know that this was one of Fox's most underrated shows. To look at Chris and Bob Elliott you'd never know that the two were even related. I think that they made a pretty dynamic duo. Chris and Bob both had such great chemistry on the small screen. I really enjoyed Get A Life but it's just too bad that the show was canceled after only 2 seasons.
The people who were in Get A Life were funny and witty but there was just something about the chemistry between Bob and Chris that really appealed to me. A father/son duo who were out to prove that they could be just as funny as the rest of them could. :)
The people who were in Get A Life were funny and witty but there was just something about the chemistry between Bob and Chris that really appealed to me. A father/son duo who were out to prove that they could be just as funny as the rest of them could. :)
This was an original show
wmattifo5 July 2004
A lot of television humor is recycled from past shows, or just the same theme over and over again. I won't go into examples, but I think you understand what I'm saying. This show, however, was original and showed the world that Chris Elliot is a brilliant comedian. Does anyone remember that Elliot got his start on "David Letterman" on NBC as the "Conspiracy guy", who would stand up in the audience, interrupt the show, and accuse Letterman of some "cover-up" involving missing files and Connie Chung? Then he would run through a door and get run over (usually by a floor buffer). "Get a Life" was very funny and quite original. I guess my favorite episode was the one where the alien Chris found would ooze out some vile, and disgusting stuff out of his body, and Chris ate it. He got Brian Doyle-Murray to eat some, too. They said it tasted like pudding. The alien seemed disgusted that they were eating the stuff, too. I really liked this show and I wish Fox had kept it on longer.
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