Like so many other great shows, Comedy Central decided this wasn't good enough to run in the 2 hours a day they're not playing South Park or Futurama. If you can find this, watch it.
12 Reviews
Real Comedy
13Funbags19 May 2018
Good stuff for a starter
ChromiumElephants15 June 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I think this was a decent starter episode. I think people need to not expect love at first sight with their shows. People don't evaluate them well because they don't know the vibe or tone. It's like meeting people for the first time. Sometimes you think they are weirdos or offensive but when you know them a bit you put the picture together on who they are. Nobody liked Seinfeld or Conan or Family Guy much either when they started.
I thought the starter OCD bit was funny. It's taking something common that people obsess over and making it funny by coming at it from a different direction. It's ridiculous.
The soldier bit was taking it's time but it was a setup for the equally ridiculous made up malady of Pre Traumatic Stress Disorder.
I saw some familiar faces and it's attached to Funny or Die so good things should come if people can just relax.
I thought the starter OCD bit was funny. It's taking something common that people obsess over and making it funny by coming at it from a different direction. It's ridiculous.
The soldier bit was taking it's time but it was a setup for the equally ridiculous made up malady of Pre Traumatic Stress Disorder.
I saw some familiar faces and it's attached to Funny or Die so good things should come if people can just relax.
Started slow, ended brilliantly
burgerpnk15 June 2011
I am a huge Jon Benjamin fan. Archer is on my weekly watch list, and I have all the episodes recorded so I can continually watch. Benjamin was also brilliant in Important Things with Demetri Martin, so my hopes were pretty high for this new show.
At first, things started off pretty badly. The first two sketches were dull and overdone; kind of like a high school writing class, the show was telling rather than showing.
After those however, the show just took off. The "You can't shoot here" sketch had me crying; Benjamin's voice mixed into awesome subtitles and an overall hysterical sketch made for the hardest laugh I've had in a while. The ongoing "Push the producer over the border" sketch was incredibly original and funny, nothing else to it. Benjamin's line, being in the pilot episode, "As you surely remember from our last episode," had me crying.
To fans of Archer, you will not be disappointed. Just about every line could be a possible Archer quote, which obviously sweetens the deal. To people who have not yet heard of Jon Benjamin, give this show a chance; some sketches may be too dry and repetitive, but I guarantee that as the show goes on, you will grow to love it. This show is not meant for the Tosh.0 audience who enjoys watching random videos with homosexual jokes (I grew tired of Tosh after the first season), so not the best show for Comedy Central to have it slotted after.
For 20-50 year olds however, this show has the possibility of being an instant classic with quotable lines and sketches that will no doubt be repeated by college kids everywhere.
At first, things started off pretty badly. The first two sketches were dull and overdone; kind of like a high school writing class, the show was telling rather than showing.
After those however, the show just took off. The "You can't shoot here" sketch had me crying; Benjamin's voice mixed into awesome subtitles and an overall hysterical sketch made for the hardest laugh I've had in a while. The ongoing "Push the producer over the border" sketch was incredibly original and funny, nothing else to it. Benjamin's line, being in the pilot episode, "As you surely remember from our last episode," had me crying.
To fans of Archer, you will not be disappointed. Just about every line could be a possible Archer quote, which obviously sweetens the deal. To people who have not yet heard of Jon Benjamin, give this show a chance; some sketches may be too dry and repetitive, but I guarantee that as the show goes on, you will grow to love it. This show is not meant for the Tosh.0 audience who enjoys watching random videos with homosexual jokes (I grew tired of Tosh after the first season), so not the best show for Comedy Central to have it slotted after.
For 20-50 year olds however, this show has the possibility of being an instant classic with quotable lines and sketches that will no doubt be repeated by college kids everywhere.
This show is brilliant and (apparently still) ahead of its time.
madonion-222 June 2011
Jon Benjamin Has a Van is like if Mr. Show and Borat had a (somewhat) civilized, chubby, tiny, Jewish, adorable man for a baby who has the voice of John McGuirk from Home Movies.
The writing of the sketches reminds me of shows like Mr. Show, Kids in the Hall, and The Ben Stiller Show. The tone and pace of the humor is on the slower, more subtle side that reminds me of a lot of shows in which H Jon has stared in the past including Home Movies, Dr Katz (sans improv), Lucy: The Daughter of the Devil, and perhaps even shows like The Sarah Silverman Program and Arrested Development.
The humor is not slapstick, voyeur humor. It's not a show where you just sit and wait for transparent, shallow humor to entertain you. It feeds the audience the necessary resources to imagine and plot out their own versions of what funny things might happen later in the episode and then surprises the viewer with its own twisted and genius take on the scenario.
I am very surprised that H Jon has waited this long to make himself more prominent in live action shows. He's a very tiny and cute human being who's very relatable and who does adorable things while maintaining his trademark manly and raspy voice. I am sure he knows this and he knows how to work it. I am a straight man, but I would be delighted to hold his hand if I ever walk beside him on the street.
So, in conclusion, if you have even a slightly imaginative mind watch this show! It's very very funny and I await more episodes of this genius program.
The writing of the sketches reminds me of shows like Mr. Show, Kids in the Hall, and The Ben Stiller Show. The tone and pace of the humor is on the slower, more subtle side that reminds me of a lot of shows in which H Jon has stared in the past including Home Movies, Dr Katz (sans improv), Lucy: The Daughter of the Devil, and perhaps even shows like The Sarah Silverman Program and Arrested Development.
The humor is not slapstick, voyeur humor. It's not a show where you just sit and wait for transparent, shallow humor to entertain you. It feeds the audience the necessary resources to imagine and plot out their own versions of what funny things might happen later in the episode and then surprises the viewer with its own twisted and genius take on the scenario.
I am very surprised that H Jon has waited this long to make himself more prominent in live action shows. He's a very tiny and cute human being who's very relatable and who does adorable things while maintaining his trademark manly and raspy voice. I am sure he knows this and he knows how to work it. I am a straight man, but I would be delighted to hold his hand if I ever walk beside him on the street.
So, in conclusion, if you have even a slightly imaginative mind watch this show! It's very very funny and I await more episodes of this genius program.
Smart, edgy sketch with a twist
tpmpartymachine13 July 2011
This delightfully dark and sardonic 'on the road' style news show, with its small cast of quirky but true-to-life characters, can get away with almost any absurd or offensive bit with just one twinkle from the eyes of its lovable-jerk host, Jon Benjamin.
Jon Benjamin Has a Van is not going to be everyone's cup of cake, but for people with a taste for weird-brow humor, it will be something truly special. The guerrilla street pieces, twisted reality shows, and written sketch pieces all feature Benjamin as a borderline mean-spirited prankster, who for whatever reason is undeniably likable. Seeing what he comes up with to pull on people next and how he'll talk his way out of the trouble his mischievousness seems to lead him to makes the show worth watching.
For anyone who is a fan of Tosh.0 who does not like JBHV, that makes a great deal of sense. There are two opposing styles of humor happening in each show, and if you are partial to the slaphappy viral video style of Tosh, you are likely to turn the channel from the calculated, thoughtful, sometimes meta approach of Jon Benjamin.
The payoffs of JBHV are best absorbed after soaking in an entire episode (the sketches and short pieces juxtaposed with the unraveling news-stories). I find the re-watch value of the show tremendous-- I watched the pilot "Border" on Comedy Central's site twice in the last month after watching the premiere, and caught myself cracking up at parts I'd laughed over and subsequently missed in previous viewings.
Hoping the show gets picked up for a second season, and also that more episodes are released online so that those without cable can indulge!! A real treat if you love great comedy and killer cameos from folks on UCB, Mr. Show, The Mighty Boosh, 30 Rock, Tim&Eric, and more!
Jon Benjamin Has a Van is not going to be everyone's cup of cake, but for people with a taste for weird-brow humor, it will be something truly special. The guerrilla street pieces, twisted reality shows, and written sketch pieces all feature Benjamin as a borderline mean-spirited prankster, who for whatever reason is undeniably likable. Seeing what he comes up with to pull on people next and how he'll talk his way out of the trouble his mischievousness seems to lead him to makes the show worth watching.
For anyone who is a fan of Tosh.0 who does not like JBHV, that makes a great deal of sense. There are two opposing styles of humor happening in each show, and if you are partial to the slaphappy viral video style of Tosh, you are likely to turn the channel from the calculated, thoughtful, sometimes meta approach of Jon Benjamin.
The payoffs of JBHV are best absorbed after soaking in an entire episode (the sketches and short pieces juxtaposed with the unraveling news-stories). I find the re-watch value of the show tremendous-- I watched the pilot "Border" on Comedy Central's site twice in the last month after watching the premiere, and caught myself cracking up at parts I'd laughed over and subsequently missed in previous viewings.
Hoping the show gets picked up for a second season, and also that more episodes are released online so that those without cable can indulge!! A real treat if you love great comedy and killer cameos from folks on UCB, Mr. Show, The Mighty Boosh, 30 Rock, Tim&Eric, and more!
Why did I get mixed up with little little Italy?
MakoSucks16 June 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I might be biased because I'm a Home Movies fan, but Jon Benjamin Has A Van is probably one of the funniest shows on Comedy Central, and I've only seen the first two episodes.
It's a spoof on shows like Dateline and 60 minutes, except the second half switches to spoofing dramas. I was laughing from the first sarcastic opening montage, with the obligatory news team dramatically walking together scene, to a close up zoom of the van, that zooms into a picture of the van that's on the van to infinity. Once you see that, you should pretty much get what the show is gonna be about.
The first episode was hilarious. It starts off with a short interview with a guy who they mistaken for a post traumatic stress victim, who is actually a pre traumatic stress victim, who lost his voice screaming while thinking about going to war in basic training.
The second half of the show was a follow up to a story that they show you before the actual follow up, of their trouble at the border story.
It has little to do with the topic of illegal immigration or drug wars and more to do with the joke of pushing his producer over the border and leaving him stranded without a passport. Jon screams, "I SAID NO! ROB, IM NOT GETTING IT!" than he smiles and drives away, with the van's signature airbrushed ass on the rear doors.
The follow up is a year later, so now the producer speaks in a Mexican accent and misinterprets American sayings. In a way to apologize for the joke, Jon re-hires him as an interpreter since they replaced him with someone better. As they approach the border to Guatemala, he does the joke again and pushes him over the border without a passport, leaving his newly established family without a father. HAHA idiot!
in between each story are little quick sketches like Cash Stall, a game show that takes place in the bathroom, and if you answer all the questions right you get 100 dollars, but everyone just assumes he's propositioning them for sex so he never gets a chance to ask any questions. There's You Can't Shoot Here, where Jon goes to unauthorized locations to shoot... people until they say, "You can't shoot here." He literally tells them that he's shooting for "You Can't Shoot Here" and they pause and try to understand the concept and say ...well you can't shoot here, and Jon just tells them yes I know. or Thanks for being on You Can't Shoot Here!
There were a lot of shows on Comedy Central that tried to be witty, but most fell flat because they tried to run with these witty concepts without actually being funny. Like most comedy central shows, it would probably either be complete unwatchable crap and be canceled after the first season, or comedic genius and have a long life span. Jon Benjamin Has a Van is hilarious because instead of just sticking with a witty concept, it goes around it and makes fun of it with more funny archetypes that wouldn't of been involved with the original concept, so it makes it even more funny. BORDER!!!!!!!!!
It's a spoof on shows like Dateline and 60 minutes, except the second half switches to spoofing dramas. I was laughing from the first sarcastic opening montage, with the obligatory news team dramatically walking together scene, to a close up zoom of the van, that zooms into a picture of the van that's on the van to infinity. Once you see that, you should pretty much get what the show is gonna be about.
The first episode was hilarious. It starts off with a short interview with a guy who they mistaken for a post traumatic stress victim, who is actually a pre traumatic stress victim, who lost his voice screaming while thinking about going to war in basic training.
The second half of the show was a follow up to a story that they show you before the actual follow up, of their trouble at the border story.
It has little to do with the topic of illegal immigration or drug wars and more to do with the joke of pushing his producer over the border and leaving him stranded without a passport. Jon screams, "I SAID NO! ROB, IM NOT GETTING IT!" than he smiles and drives away, with the van's signature airbrushed ass on the rear doors.
The follow up is a year later, so now the producer speaks in a Mexican accent and misinterprets American sayings. In a way to apologize for the joke, Jon re-hires him as an interpreter since they replaced him with someone better. As they approach the border to Guatemala, he does the joke again and pushes him over the border without a passport, leaving his newly established family without a father. HAHA idiot!
in between each story are little quick sketches like Cash Stall, a game show that takes place in the bathroom, and if you answer all the questions right you get 100 dollars, but everyone just assumes he's propositioning them for sex so he never gets a chance to ask any questions. There's You Can't Shoot Here, where Jon goes to unauthorized locations to shoot... people until they say, "You can't shoot here." He literally tells them that he's shooting for "You Can't Shoot Here" and they pause and try to understand the concept and say ...well you can't shoot here, and Jon just tells them yes I know. or Thanks for being on You Can't Shoot Here!
There were a lot of shows on Comedy Central that tried to be witty, but most fell flat because they tried to run with these witty concepts without actually being funny. Like most comedy central shows, it would probably either be complete unwatchable crap and be canceled after the first season, or comedic genius and have a long life span. Jon Benjamin Has a Van is hilarious because instead of just sticking with a witty concept, it goes around it and makes fun of it with more funny archetypes that wouldn't of been involved with the original concept, so it makes it even more funny. BORDER!!!!!!!!!
good show
mckellep15 June 2011
I agree with the first review, it was funny and quirky, i enjoyed it. i also did not laugh out loud at all. it is more of one of those shows where you just think in your head, yeah that was funny. it is full of a lot of actors who put on some good performances as bit players in some funny movies. i really like the big read head guy who was in old school and role models, he is consistently funny. i'm not sure but is this john benjamin guy also a voice character on the show the life and times of tim? the one skit i really enjoyed was the cash stall one, would have liked to see more of them. based on this episode i can't see this standing the test of time, but it might be one of those that are better of just having one or two great seasons and being done.
Jon Benjamin has a van is...
spikier281323 June 2011
in my opinion great. the fact that Tim and Eric are in episode 3 makes this show even greater. however i can tell you not everyone will love this show, its to over the top for some people. but, Jon B make this show even better with his "i don't give a s*^#" attitude and lack of love for all human kind makes me laugh even more. the show is a off the wall somewhat sketch comedy. (if that makes sense) and if you try not to over think whats going on this show will make you cry tears of laughter. all in all the show is very well written. what most people should love is the fact that its not just another show. this show is unlike most shows and to me the only comparison is Tim and Eric awesome show great job. and its not quite as crazy as that show but does take some similar traits like have no continued storyline just random greatness
One of the best TV experiences out there
damjancd19 February 2014
I'm tempted to be become filthy rich and just give inhumane amounts of money to all the people engaged in making Jon Benjamin Has A Van.. I'd even buy a van if necessary. Fortunately I'm not filthy rich, not even slightly rich, and I would never be able to watch what they would come up next, which should probably contain dead hookers and real children torture, which is not bad and not unexpected at all.
Maybe I still have a glimmer of hope for restarting this show, but first most people that are vocally against this show need to be removed using all my riches made from investing in a brilliant show like Jon Benjamin Has A Van early, when it isn't getting enough support.
Maybe I still have a glimmer of hope for restarting this show, but first most people that are vocally against this show need to be removed using all my riches made from investing in a brilliant show like Jon Benjamin Has A Van early, when it isn't getting enough support.
Disappointing
Mikesw031516 June 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I like Jon Benjamin's other work. I wanted this to be a good show, but it really fell flat. There were a lot of dry, boring jokes. I hardly even cracked a smile while watching it. Another person compared it to Tim and Eric, i would agree that it's the same kind of humor, but a much quieter and duller version. A lot of what makes Tim and Eric funny is over the top situations and loud, annoying noises and screaming, and those aren't present here, making for a fairly boring show.
On paper, I'm sure this seemed very funny. He starts to interview a man and then ignores him to talk on his phone? Hilarious... except it's been done before, ans was dragged out for far too long, to the point where even I was annoyed that he was still on the phone. The Little Little Italy sketch simply wasn't funny, I smirked when the tiny present exploded in the man's hand, but overall it was like a joke without a punchline.
I sincerely hope the rest of the series is a lot better than this.
On paper, I'm sure this seemed very funny. He starts to interview a man and then ignores him to talk on his phone? Hilarious... except it's been done before, ans was dragged out for far too long, to the point where even I was annoyed that he was still on the phone. The Little Little Italy sketch simply wasn't funny, I smirked when the tiny present exploded in the man's hand, but overall it was like a joke without a punchline.
I sincerely hope the rest of the series is a lot better than this.
This show was amazing
Pukeonthestreet11 February 2020
Wow
cclp7980-81-53557214 June 2011
Just watched it after Tosh.O, and wow, just wow.
I didn't laugh once, not even a giggle or a chuckle.
This show was terrible, boring humor, used jokes over and over and very dry. Just not very funny.
Even though following Tosh and that's a show on just videos from the internet, you can find more amusing things going to YouTube and watching funny cat videos and kids hitting grown men in the balls, than watch this show.
Will not watch this show again and highly doubt it will last the next few weeks.
I didn't laugh once, not even a giggle or a chuckle.
This show was terrible, boring humor, used jokes over and over and very dry. Just not very funny.
Even though following Tosh and that's a show on just videos from the internet, you can find more amusing things going to YouTube and watching funny cat videos and kids hitting grown men in the balls, than watch this show.
Will not watch this show again and highly doubt it will last the next few weeks.
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