The Dessert (2023– ) User Reviews

Try hard....

[NullUnit · 3/10 · 15 July 2023]

... a lot of basketball references across episodes.... which I found a tad odd (one of the writers must REALLY be into basketball).... I think at least 4 of the 6 episodes features some basketball storyline to a great degree.

If I had to describe season one in brief terms.. It would be "Thirsty" or "Try Hard". CLEARLY there were a lot of attempts at jokes, but a good 90%+ of them landed flat to me. Nothing very funny.

For the most part, it's just "stupid comedy" that is to say.. Set up .... then... if CharacterX was a complete moron.. here's how Scenario A would play out. After a few sketches, it's clear that every single one of the sketches takes the "stupidest" character turn in the hopes of a laugh. Sketches aren't really about creativity or the unexpected.

The longer sketches seemed to just go on too long with little payoff.. the shorter, more crude sketches seems to be crude for the sake of being crude.

The ONLY good idea was the blind superhero.... That was a fantastic concept... not sure it was utilized to its fullest (I mean they made other characters the "stupid character" so the blind hero could play a part), but that idea was the only spark of comedy in the entire series. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear until the last episode.

Maybe I just didn't get this series.

In short - this ain't no Kids in the Hall or anywhere close to it. Just because McCulloch produced it, it doesn't mean he had any part in writing any of it.

What is going on?

[svtcntqnn · 9/10 · 19 July 2023]

So, I grew up in Canada with "The Kids" as well as "Four" and the like. As I grew older I also became accustom to other sketches such as Mr. Show. This show, in my opinion takes all the worst of shows such as Kids in the Hall, Four on the Floor and Mr. Show and amplifies them. This show, again to me, is the pivot point in dark humor and I love every moment of it. It's taken an old baton that has been long dropped, picked it up and started to run with it again. I have missed this type of humor for so long. Is this for everyone? Not in the least. Is it for those who have a twisted sense of humor? Oh absolutely. Thank you for this. I haven't laughed like this in a long, long time.

A bit rough, but there's real promise here

[samcelroman · 7/10 · 10 July 2023]

For the record, I watched all six episodes before writing this review.

The first two episodes? Meh. But then the show started getting the hang of callback humor. By the end, the last two episodes had some truly LOL moments, and I was left wanting (a lot) more.

Unfortunately, a lot of the skits (excuse me, sketches!) suffer from the same disease as SNL - a funny set-up but totally unable to stick any sort of landing. And a couple of times (in the first two eps, especially), it truly felt like the actors were being broadcast live, as you could see their nervousness and rushed timing.

Luckily, there are a couple of truly deep pools of comedic talent that get explored, namely the correct use of CGI (the dinosaur sketch - solid gold and the clear winner!) and an adept blend of humor styles (Red Knight was funny precisely because of how unexpected it was) that played to the writers/casts' strengths (the in-jokes about the comedy world and Canada-isms were particularly strong).

Overall, I'd recommend that the producers CUT the budget and concentrate more on forcing this show to be funny on a shoestring (similar to KITH) rather than getting too comfortable with expensive sets and outdoor filming locations.

Final conclusion? I definitely believe this show can find its groove if given another season (or more) and grow and mature into a legendary comedy show.

My only gripe is that there were just 6 episodes!!

[SamfurinMinklefists · 10/10 · 8 July 2023]

So refreshing to see uncensored unabashed comedy again. Especially from the mind of Bruce McCulloch who no doubt was frustrated by the constraints from Amazon's reboot of 'Kids in the Hall'.

Again, my only gripe is that we only got 6 crude rude and socially unacceptable episodes. I just hope with a season 2 this gets expanded on, either with longer episodes or an increase in the number of. I also think it would be cool to see sketches (not skits) with Bruce and company, I don't think after seeing Shane, Isabella and Jillian's performances in Season 1 that it would overshadow their obvious individual talent.

What Is This Show And Where Has It Been All My Life?!?

[edwinafollows · 9/10 · 10 July 2023]

I stumbled onto "The Dessert" with no particular expectation other than to be politely amused, and I gotta say that the show over-delivered on that expectation. The comedy here is audacious, the cast is fresh and fearless and the risks taken are as unnerving as they are surprising. The Dessert shows immense promise - it's like Kids In The Hall but with waaaay fewer rules. They're really pushing the boundaries of good taste all over the place (which I love). Cheap (but funny) sight gags are aplenty, but they can't hide a far more sly comedic perspective embedded here. I can tell that this is Canadian comedy - it's "n your face" clever and, ultimately, outrageous.

Absolutely hilarious.

[abbiemcordell · 10/10 · 9 July 2023]

This show is an amazing way to relax and unwind and just laugh! I would definitely recommend giving it a watch. It gives I think you should leave vibes with a twist. Some of the sketches are relatable or ironic to every day life and some of them are just outrageous. You can tell this show was very well thought you and really incorporated many different minds to produce something so creatively hilarious. It's a great show to throw on with your friends and after watching every episode I can definitely say that this show has a sketch for all different senses of humour and I am definitely hoping for another season.

Outrageous in all the right ways

[InspectorPuncher · 8/10 · 8 July 2023]

I went into this show thinking it had a high probability for cringiness, but it completely annihilated my expectations. The vasectomy sketch in the first episode is when I realized I was the show's target audience. It was so out of left field and over the top, but it also let you know what you were in for with this show. Either it's for you, or it isn't. Comedy is a very subjective thing and the kind of person who likes this genre is going to think they nailed it.

I'd say the thing it does best is have skits that leave you wanting more. They don't milk the bits for all they're worth. They get in, make their handful jokes, usually hit you with something you didn't see coming, and then get out.

Nice to see Sketch Comedy coming back!

[happytimefunboy · 9/10 · 8 July 2023]

While some episodes are a tad crude, filled with foul language, perverted thoughts and images... It's a hit! That's what we are looking for from a series like this. (But if that's not your thing move on) ... Bruce McCulloch comes through with an excellent sketch comedy show along the lines of the " kids in the hall " of old. A new fresh cast, unique ideas and interesting titles. Each skit gets a laugh, then on to the next.

My personal favorite is: Episode 3 'Home Videos' skit. The children are so innocent on the video and the watchers take it was too seriously. Great one!

Looking forward to a season 2!

Happy.