Pete Holmes comedy-drama series on Netflix (2017-19) is a semi-autobiographical look into the world of stand-up comedy which has more cringe worthy situations that a barrel of monkeys but it does provide an inside look into crazy lives of comics. Seen through the eyes of Holmes whose who pursued becoming a pastor but discovered his growing penchant for comedy outweighed his waning faith in God. Getting a laugh out weighs all else despite his lingering doubts as to divine intervention. Getting up in front of a crowd to make people laugh assumes a supreme driving force for the elite group who thrive on the adrenaline this type of high provides. The darker side of dealing with addiction is tackled in a storyline that mirrors Artie Lange's own life that is sobering. Holmes bring his somewhat holier than thou good guy persona into this competitive group of cohorts who form an extended family that thrives despite sustaining dysfunction and self-destruction. Holmes is the new kid on the New York comedy scene and he brings his naivety and irrepressibility into the mix of comics which is out-of-place often making him the butt of most jokes. Special shout out to Jamie Lee who plays a standup and Pete's love interest. Lee is a great comic with strong acting chops. The series is packed with real life comics and actors which adds authenticity and star power. Judd Apatow is one of the co-executive producers, writer and director on the series. CRASHING is an oddball mix of characters and storylines revolving around Holmes in a Ted Lasso cheerleading role while on a speeding roller coaster ride of after-hour parties and dingy nightclubs that is a train wreck about to crash. I recommend this off-beat blend of embarrassing moments, comedy routines and the pan quotidian of a comic's life with a warning: This show is not intended for a discerning audience. It's for an audience that can appreciate the aspects of what goes into making the sausage to make us laugh.
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