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{{Short description|American comedy talk show}}
{{Italic title}}
{{Infobox television
{{Infobox television
| name = Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis
| image = Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis.png
| image = Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis.png
| genre = [[Comedy]], [[talk show]]
| genre = [[Comedy]], [[talk show]]
| creator = {{Plainlist|
| creator = {{Plainlist|
* [[Scott Aukerman]]
* [[Scott Aukerman]]
* [[B. J. Porter]]
* [[B. J. Porter]]
}}
}}
| director = {{Plainlist|
| director = {{Plainlist|
* [[Ruben Fleischer]]
* [[Ruben Fleischer]]
* Daniel Strange
* Daniel Strange
Line 14: Line 13:
* B. J. Porter
* B. J. Porter
}}
}}
| presenter = [[Zach Galifianakis]]
| presenter = [[Zach Galifianakis]]
| theme_music_composer = [[Bernard Hermann]]
| theme_music_composer = [[Bernard Hermann]]
| opentheme = "Theme from ''[[Taxi Driver]]'' (Reprise)"
| opentheme = "Theme from ''[[Taxi Driver]]'' (Reprise)"
| country = United States
| country = United States
| language = English
| language = English
| num_seasons =
| num_seasons =
| num_episodes = 22 (and 1 special)
| num_episodes = 21 (and 1 special)
| list_episodes = #Episodes
| list_episodes = #Episodes
| executive_producer = {{Plainlist|
| executive_producer = {{Plainlist|
* Mike Farah
* Mike Farah
* Scott Aukerman
* Scott Aukerman
* B. J. Porter
* B. J. Porter
}}
}}
| producer = {{Plainlist|
| producer = {{Plainlist|
* B. J. Porter
* B. J. Porter
* Scott Aukerman
* Scott Aukerman
Line 35: Line 34:
* Corinne Eckhart
* Corinne Eckhart
}}
}}
| location = [[Los Angeles]], U.S.
| location = [[Los Angeles]], U.S.
| cinematography = {{Plainlist|
| cinematography = {{Plainlist|
* Brian Murray
* Brian Murray
* Matt Sweeney
* Matt Sweeney
* Matt Krueger
* Matt Krueger
}}
}}
| editor = {{Plainlist|
| editor = {{Plainlist|
* Daniel Strange
* Daniel Strange
* Caleb Emerson
* Caleb Emerson
Line 47: Line 46:
* Hank Friedmann
* Hank Friedmann
}}
}}
| camera = [[Multi-camera setup|Multi-camera]]
| camera = [[Multi-camera setup|Multi-camera]]
| runtime = 3–6 minutes
| runtime = 3–6 minutes
| company = [[Comedy Bang! Bang!]]
| company = [[Comedy Bang! Bang!]]
| distributor =
| channel = [[Funny or Die]]
| channel = [[Funny or Die]]
| first_aired = {{start date|2008|1|4}}
| picture_format = [[16:9]] [[HDTV]]
| last_aired = {{end date|2018|6|14}}
| audio_format =
| first_aired = {{start date|2008|1|4}}
| last_aired = present
}}
}}


'''''Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis''''' is a talk show hosted by comedian [[Zach Galifianakis]] which features celebrity guests. Episodes last several minutes, in which the interviewer (Galifianakis) and guests trade barbs and insults. In addition to the online series, there is a [[Comedy Central]] television special, and a [[Netflix]] original movie ''[[Between Two Ferns: The Movie]]''. The series' theme music is Dave Blume's arrangement of [[Bernard Herrmann]]'s theme from ''[[Taxi Driver]]'', which is on the original ''Taxi Driver'' soundtrack album but was not included in the film.
'''''Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis''''' is an American talk show hosted by comedian [[Zach Galifianakis]] which features celebrity guests. Episodes last several minutes, in which the interviewer (Galifianakis) and guests trade barbs and insults. In addition to the online series, there is a [[Comedy Central]] television special, and a [[Netflix]] original movie ''[[Between Two Ferns: The Movie]]''.


==Format==
==Format==
As the show's title suggests, host [[Zach Galifianakis]] interviews celebrities while sitting between two potted [[fern]]s.<ref name=time>{{cite news|title=Zach and Bruce Willis on Between Two Ferns|url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2074350_2074188_2074351,00.html|newspaper=[[TIME]]|date=27 May 2011}}</ref> The set intentionally resembles a low-budget amateur production for [[public-access television]],<ref name=time/> with on-screen graphics containing deliberate comedic errors. For example, in a 2014 episode, [[Brad Pitt]]'s name is spelled "Bart Pit" and his film ''[[12 Years a Slave (film)|12 Years a Slave]]''—the winner of the [[86th Academy Awards|2013]] [[Academy Award for Best Picture]]—entitled "''12 Years a [[Salve]]''".<ref name="today">{{cite news|url=http://www.today.com/popculture/brad-pitt-takes-insults-zach-galifianakis-between-two-ferns-1D80237065 |title=6 reasons to watch Brad Pitt and Zach Galifianakis on 'Between Two Ferns' |work=[[Today (U.S. TV program)|TODAY Show]] |author=Randee Dawn |date=October 23, 2014 |accessdate=February 21, 2015}}</ref>
Host [[Zach Galifianakis]] interviews celebrities while sitting between two potted [[fern]]s.<ref name=time>{{cite news|title=Zach and Bruce Willis on Between Two Ferns|url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2074350_2074188_2074351,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531040310/http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2074350_2074188_2074351,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 31, 2011|newspaper=[[TIME]]|date=27 May 2011}}</ref> The set intentionally resembles a low-budget amateur production for [[public-access television]],<ref name=time/> with on-screen graphics containing deliberate comedic errors. For example, in a 2014 episode, [[Brad Pitt]]'s name is spelled "Bart Pit" and his film ''[[12 Years a Slave (film)|12 Years a Slave]]''—the winner of the [[86th Academy Awards|2013]] [[Academy Award for Best Picture]]—entitled "''12 Years a [[Salve]]''".<ref name="today">{{cite news |url=http://www.today.com/popculture/brad-pitt-takes-insults-zach-galifianakis-between-two-ferns-1D80237065 |title=6 reasons to watch Brad Pitt and Zach Galifianakis on 'Between Two Ferns' |work=[[Today (U.S. TV program)|TODAY Show]] |author=Randee Dawn |date=October 23, 2014 |access-date=February 21, 2015 |archive-date=February 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209222034/http://www.today.com/popculture/brad-pitt-takes-insults-zach-galifianakis-between-two-ferns-1D80237065 |url-status=live }}</ref>


Galifianakis maintains a very awkward and often [[antagonist]]ic demeanor with his guests, asking them bizarre, inappropriate or insulting questions mixed with offhand ''[[Non sequitur (literary device)|non-sequitur]]s''. The guests' responses are mostly improvised, despite pre-interviews.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.quora.com/Is-Between-Two-Ferns-With-Zack-Galifianakis-real-or-staged|title=Is Between Two Ferns with Zack Galifianakis real or staged?}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=How Funny or Die Got President Obama on Zach Galifianakis’ ‘Between Two Ferns’|url=https://variety.com/2014/digital/news/president-obama-on-zach-galifianakis-between-two-ferns-watch-1fg01129329/|accessdate=9 September 2015}}</ref> Episodes often include a segment in which Galifianakis awkwardly interrupts his guests to promote a sponsor's product. Examples include bananas, the video game ''[[Need for Speed: Shift]]'', and (most frequently) [[Speed Stick]] deodorant. Some advertisements, like the graphics, are based around aspects of or events related to the interviewee. For example, the episode featuring [[Hillary Clinton]] included one of [[Donald Trump presidential campaign, 2016|Donald Trump's campaign]] commercials.
Galifianakis maintains a very awkward and often [[antagonist]]ic demeanor with his guests, asking them bizarre, inappropriate or insulting questions mixed with offhand ''[[Non sequitur (literary device)|non-sequitur]]s''. The guests' responses are mostly improvised.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.quora.com/Is-Between-Two-Ferns-With-Zack-Galifianakis-real-or-staged|title=Is Between Two Ferns with Zack Galifianakis real or staged?}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=How Funny or Die Got President Obama on Zach Galifianakis' 'Between Two Ferns'|url=https://variety.com/2014/digital/news/president-obama-on-zach-galifianakis-between-two-ferns-watch-1201129329/|access-date=9 September 2015|archive-date=7 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207203232/https://variety.com/2014/digital/news/president-obama-on-zach-galifianakis-between-two-ferns-watch-1201129329/|url-status=live}}</ref> Episodes often include a segment in which Galifianakis awkwardly interrupts his guests to promote a sponsor's product. Examples include bananas, the video game ''[[Need for Speed: Shift]]'', and (most frequently) [[Speed Stick]] deodorant. Some advertisements, like the graphics, are based around aspects of or events related to the interviewee. For example, the episode featuring [[Hillary Clinton]] included one of [[Donald Trump presidential campaign, 2016|Donald Trump's campaign]] commercials.


==History and reception==
==History and reception==
{{See Also|Between Two Ferns: The Movie}}
{{See also|Between Two Ferns: The Movie}}
[[File:Barack Obama and Zach Galifianakis, Between Two Ferns.jpg|thumb|alt=United States President Barack Obama being interviewed by Zach Galifianakis for "Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis," in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House on 24 February 2014.|[[Barack Obama]] interviewed on ''Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis'', 2014]]
[[File:Barack Obama and Zach Galifianakis, Between Two Ferns.jpg|thumb|alt=United States President Barack Obama being interviewed by Zach Galifianakis for "Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis," in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House on 24 February 2014.|[[Barack Obama]] interviewed on ''Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis'', 2014]]
The show originated as a short film on [[Scott Aukerman]] and [[B. J. Porter]]'s [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] sketch pilot ''The Right Now! Show'', a spin-off of their ''[[Comedy Death-Ray]]'' live show. After the network declined to pick up the show, the duo put the short up on the website [[Funny Or Die]], where it made a successful transition to an internet series.
The show originated as a short film on [[Scott Aukerman]] and [[B. J. Porter]]'s [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] sketch pilot ''The Right Now! Show'', a spin-off of their ''[[Comedy Death-Ray]]'' live show. After the network declined to pick up the show, the duo put the short up on the website [[Funny Or Die]], where it made a successful transition to an internet series.


Discussing the show on ''[[ABC News|ABC News Now]]'', Galifianakis said, "The {{linktext|sycophant}}ic way that Hollywood machine runs – it's fun to make fun of it. That's how ''Between Two Ferns'' started." Guests aren't told what will happen in advance, according to Galifianakis, "They agree to come. There is no discussion beforehand...It just happens, no real prep, no organization whatsoever." He continues, "Inappropriateness is really fun to me...That is kind of the take on ''Between Two Ferns'' – inappropriate humor."<ref name=abc>{{cite web|title=Zach Galifianakis: Comedy's Sensitive, Sarcastic Sensation|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/zach-galifianakis-ferns-hangover-kind-funny-story/story?id=11807074&singlePage=true#.T4rmFbNabAw|publisher=ABC News|date=6 October 2010}}</ref>
Discussing the show on ''[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News Now]]'', Galifianakis said, "The {{linktext|sycophant}}ic way that Hollywood machine runs – it's fun to make fun of it. That's how ''Between Two Ferns'' started." Guests aren't told what will happen in advance, according to Galifianakis, "They agree to come. There is no discussion beforehand...It just happens, no real prep, no organization whatsoever." He continues, "Inappropriateness is really fun to me...That is kind of the take on ''Between Two Ferns'' – inappropriate humor."<ref name=abc>{{cite web|title=Zach Galifianakis: Comedy's Sensitive, Sarcastic Sensation|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/zach-galifianakis-ferns-hangover-kind-funny-story/story?id=11807074&singlePage=true#.T4rmFbNabAw|work=ABC News|date=6 October 2010|access-date=27 June 2020|archive-date=14 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814025740/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/zach-galifianakis-ferns-hangover-kind-funny-story/story?id=11807074&singlePage=true#.T4rmFbNabAw|url-status=live}}</ref>


The ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' described it as "[[surreal humour|surreal]] improv...a talk show that's more of a charming critique of the faked intimacy of celebrity interviews than a [[talk show]]."<ref name=ct>{{cite news|title='Seven Minutes in Heaven': The not-so-fine art of the awkward kiss|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-04-04/entertainment/ct-ent-0405-seven-minutes-in-heaven-20120404_1_snl-web-success-improv|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=4 April 2012|author=Christopher Borrelli}}</ref>
The ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' described it as "[[surreal humour|surreal]] improv...a talk show that's more of a charming critique of the faked intimacy of celebrity interviews than a [[talk show]]."<ref name=ct>{{cite news|title='Seven Minutes in Heaven': The not-so-fine art of the awkward kiss|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-04-04/entertainment/ct-ent-0405-seven-minutes-in-heaven-20120404_1_snl-web-success-improv|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=4 April 2012|author=Christopher Borrelli|access-date=2012-04-15|archive-date=2012-10-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016192909/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-04-04/entertainment/ct-ent-0405-seven-minutes-in-heaven-20120404_1_snl-web-success-improv|url-status=live}}</ref>


A 30-minute television special, ''Between Two Ferns: A Fairytale of New York'', aired on [[Comedy Central]] on May 6, 2012. The show featured interviews with [[Tina Fey]], [[Jon Stewart]], and [[Richard Branson]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Between Two Ferns: A Fairytale of New York |work=[[The A.V. Club]] |author= Josh Modell |date=May 6, 2012}}</ref>
A 30-minute television special, ''Between Two Ferns: A Fairytale of New York'', aired on [[Comedy Central]] on May 6, 2012. The show featured interviews with [[Tina Fey]], [[Jon Stewart]], and [[Richard Branson]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Between Two Ferns: A Fairytale of New York |work=[[The A.V. Club]] |author= Josh Modell |date=May 6, 2012}}</ref>


The episode featuring President [[Barack Obama]] was timed to encourage Americans to sign up for health insurance at [[Healthcare.gov]]. Funnyordie.com became the top referrer to the government site during this time.<ref>[https://variety.com/2014/digital/news/president-obama-on-zach-galifianakis-between-two-ferns-watch-1201129329/ Variety]</ref> The September 2013 episode featuring [[Justin Bieber]] also received significant media attention. The show opened with Galifianakis telling him, "It's really exciting to talk to you. Especially right in the middle of your public meltdown."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2013/09/26/between-two-ferns-zach-galifianakis-gives-justin-bieber-a-stern-talking-to-video |title='Between Two Ferns': Zach Galifianakis gives Justin Bieber a stern talking to |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |author=Hillary Busis |date=September 26, 2013 |accessdate=February 21, 2015 }}</ref>
The episode featuring President [[Barack Obama]] was timed to encourage Americans to sign up for health insurance at [[Healthcare.gov]]. Funnyordie.com became the top referrer to the government site during this time.<ref>{{cite web |title=How Funny or Die Got President Obama on Zach Galifianakis' 'Between Two Ferns' (VIDEO) |date=2014-03-11 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207203232/https://variety.com/2014/digital/news/president-obama-on-zach-galifianakis-between-two-ferns-watch-1201129329/ |archive-date=2022-12-07 |url-status=live |url=https://variety.com/2014/digital/news/president-obama-on-zach-galifianakis-between-two-ferns-watch-1201129329/}}</ref> The September 2013 episode featuring [[Justin Bieber]] also received significant media attention. The show opened with Galifianakis telling him, "It's really exciting to talk to you. Especially right in the middle of your public meltdown."<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.ew.com/article/2013/09/26/between-two-ferns-zach-galifianakis-gives-justin-bieber-a-stern-talking-to-video |title='Between Two Ferns': Zach Galifianakis gives Justin Bieber a stern talking to |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |author=Hillary Busis |date=September 26, 2013 |access-date=February 21, 2015 |archive-date=February 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222042239/http://www.ew.com/article/2013/09/26/between-two-ferns-zach-galifianakis-gives-justin-bieber-a-stern-talking-to-video |url-status=live }}</ref>


In the 2014 episode featuring [[Brad Pitt]], the actor was referred to as both "Bradley Pitts" and "Bart Pit", and Galifianakis referred to Pitt's latest film, ''[[Fury (2014 film)|Fury]]'' as "''[[Furry fandom|Furry]]''", and asked Pitt, "Is it hard for you to maintain a suntan...because you live in your wife's shadow?" Galifianakis also asked Pitt if his relationship with wife, [[Angelina Jolie]], was anything like "[[Ross Geller|Ross]] and [[Rachel Green|Rachel]]" from ''[[Friends]]'', the show that made a star of Pitt's ex-wife, [[Jennifer Aniston]].<ref name="today"/>
In the 2014 episode featuring [[Brad Pitt]], the actor was referred to as both "Bradley Pitts" and "Bart Pit", and Galifianakis referred to Pitt's latest film, ''[[Fury (2014 film)|Fury]]'' as "''[[Furry fandom|Furry]]''", and asked Pitt, "Is it hard for you to maintain a suntan...because you live in your wife's shadow?" Galifianakis also asked Pitt if his relationship with wife, [[Angelina Jolie]], was anything like "[[Ross Geller|Ross]] and [[Rachel Green|Rachel]]" from ''[[Friends]]'', the show that made a star of Pitt's ex-wife, [[Jennifer Aniston]].<ref name="today"/>


In a January 2016 interview with the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', while promoting ''[[Baskets (TV series)|Baskets]]'', Galifianakis discussed the status of ''Between Two Ferns'', stating: "I don't know what else to do ... [''Between Two Ferns'' has] kind of run its course a bit." Galifianakis also expressed his desire to interview the [[Pope]] on the show.<ref name="zachlatimes">{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-ca-st-conversation-zach-galifianakis-baskets-20160131-story.html|title=With movie comedies 'a little bit one-note,' Zach Galifianakis tackles TV|author=Meredith Blake|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=January 29, 2016|accessdate=March 16, 2016}}</ref> ''Between Two Ferns''<nowiki/>' first new episode in almost two years aired in September 2016. It featured then-presidential candidate [[Hillary Clinton]] and received over 30 million views in its first 24 hours, the highest viewership in FunnyorDie.com's history.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hillary-clintons-appearance-between-two-932233|title=Hillary Clinton's Appearance on 'Between Two Ferns' Breaks Records for Funny or Die (Exclusive)|access-date=2016-09-26}}</ref>
In a January 2016 interview with the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', while promoting ''[[Baskets (TV series)|Baskets]]'', Galifianakis discussed the status of ''Between Two Ferns'', stating: "I don't know what else to do ... [''Between Two Ferns'' has] kind of run its course a bit." Galifianakis also expressed his desire to interview the [[Pope]] on the show.<ref name="zachlatimes">{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-ca-st-conversation-zach-galifianakis-baskets-20160131-story.html|title=With movie comedies 'a little bit one-note,' Zach Galifianakis tackles TV|author=Meredith Blake|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=January 29, 2016|access-date=March 16, 2016|archive-date=March 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319080942/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-ca-st-conversation-zach-galifianakis-baskets-20160131-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Between Two Ferns''<nowiki/>' first new episode in almost two years aired in September 2016. It featured then-presidential candidate [[Hillary Clinton]] and received over 30 million views in its first 24 hours, the highest viewership in FunnyorDie.com's history.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hillary-clintons-appearance-between-two-932233|title=Hillary Clinton's Appearance on 'Between Two Ferns' Breaks Records for Funny or Die (Exclusive)|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=23 September 2016|access-date=2016-09-26|archive-date=2016-09-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160926220322/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hillary-clintons-appearance-between-two-932233|url-status=live}}</ref>


''[[Between Two Ferns: The Movie]]'', a film adaptation of the show directed by Aukerman and written by Galifianakis and Aukerman, premiered on [[Netflix]] on September 20, 2019.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Haring |first1=Bruce |title=‘Between Two Ferns: The Movie’ With Zach Galifianakis Confirmed, Sets Release Date |url=https://deadline.com/2019/05/between-two-ferns-the-movie-zach-galifianakis-confirmed-sets-release-date-1202621802 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |accessdate=May 24, 2019 |language=en |date=May 24, 2019}}</ref> Uncut interviews from the film featuring [[David Letterman]], [[Paul Rudd]], [[Awkwafina]], [[Benedict Cumberbatch]], [[Brie Larson]], [[Keanu Reeves]], [[Hailee Steinfeld]], and [[Adam Scott (actor)|Adam Scott]] were released on the Netflix Is A Joke YouTube channel and FunnyOrDie.com under the title ''Between Two Ferns with Zack Galifianakis: The Movie, Sorta Uncut Interviews'', which received a [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Short Form Variety Series]] nomination.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Schneider|first=Michael|last2=Schneider|first2=Michael|date=2020-07-29|title=Emmys Trivia: 18 Surprising, Interesting and Just Odd Facts From 2020’s Nominations|url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/in-contention/emmys-2020-nominations-trivia-oddities-mrs-maisel-apple-tv-1234719829/|access-date=2020-07-30|website=Variety|language=en}}</ref>
''[[Between Two Ferns: The Movie]]'', a film adaptation of the show directed by Aukerman and written by Galifianakis and Aukerman, premiered on [[Netflix]] on September 20, 2019.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Haring |first1=Bruce |title='Between Two Ferns: The Movie' With Zach Galifianakis Confirmed, Sets Release Date |url=https://deadline.com/2019/05/between-two-ferns-the-movie-zach-galifianakis-confirmed-sets-release-date-1202621802 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=May 24, 2019 |language=en |date=May 24, 2019 |archive-date=December 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223005932/https://deadline.com/2019/05/between-two-ferns-the-movie-zach-galifianakis-confirmed-sets-release-date-1202621802/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Uncut interviews from the film featuring [[David Letterman]], [[Paul Rudd]], [[Awkwafina]], [[Benedict Cumberbatch]], [[Brie Larson]], [[Keanu Reeves]], [[Hailee Steinfeld]], and [[Adam Scott (actor)|Adam Scott]] were released on the Netflix Is A Joke YouTube channel and FunnyOrDie.com under the title ''Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis: The Movie, Sorta Uncut Interviews'', which was nominated for the 2020 [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Short Form Variety Series]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Schneider|first=Michael|date=2020-07-29|title=Emmys Trivia: 18 Surprising, Interesting and Just Odd Facts From 2020's Nominations|url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/in-contention/emmys-2020-nominations-trivia-oddities-mrs-maisel-apple-tv-1234719829/|access-date=2020-07-30|website=Variety|language=en}}</ref>


==Episodes==
==Episodes==
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|director=
|director=
|airdate =
|airdate =
|airdateT = Release date
|airdateT = Original release date
|country=US
|country=US
|episodes=
|episodes=
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|EpisodeNumber=13
|EpisodeNumber=13
|Title=Will Ferrell and Jon Hamm
|Title=Will Ferrell and Jon Hamm
|Aux1=[[Will Ferrell]] and [[Jon Hamm]]
|Aux1=[[Will Ferrell]] and Jon Hamm
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|5|22}}
|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|5|22}}
|DirectedBy=Scott Aukerman
|DirectedBy=Scott Aukerman
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|title=
|title=
|aux1= 27
|aux1= 27
|aux1T= Guest(s)
|aux1T= Guests
|director=
|director=
|airdate =
|airdate =
|airdateT = Release date
|airdateT = Original release date
|country=US
|country=US
|episodes=
|episodes=
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! scope="col" | Awards
! scope="col" | Awards
! scope="col" | Category
! scope="col" | Category
! scope="col" | Nominee(s)
! scope="col" | Nominees
! scope="col" | Result
! scope="col" | Result
|-
|-
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| [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program|Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program]]
| [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program|Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program]]
| Mike Farah, Scott Aukerman, Zach Galifianakis, B. J. Porter, Anna Wenger, Betsy Koch
| Mike Farah, Scott Aukerman, Zach Galifianakis, B. J. Porter, Anna Wenger, Betsy Koch
| {{nom}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Between Two Ferns|url=http://www.emmys.com/shows/between-two-ferns|publisher=[[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]]|accessdate=September 13, 2015}}</ref>
| {{nom}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Between Two Ferns|url=http://www.emmys.com/shows/between-two-ferns|publisher=[[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]]|access-date=September 13, 2015|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150338/http://www.emmys.com/shows/between-two-ferns|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[66th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards|2014 Creative Arts Emmy Award]]
| [[66th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards|2014 Creative Arts Emmy Award]]
| Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program
| Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program
| Scott Aukerman, Zach Galifianakis, B. J. Porter, Mike Farah, Sean Boyle, Rachel Goldenberg
| Scott Aukerman, Zach Galifianakis, B. J. Porter, Mike Farah, Sean Boyle, Rachel Goldenberg
| {{won}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis: President Barack Obama|url=http://www.emmys.com/shows/between-two-ferns-zach-galifianakis-president-barack-obama|publisher=[[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]]|accessdate=September 13, 2015}}</ref>
| {{won}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis: President Barack Obama|url=http://www.emmys.com/shows/between-two-ferns-zach-galifianakis-president-barack-obama|publisher=[[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]]|access-date=September 13, 2015|archive-date=April 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150421050208/http://www.emmys.com/shows/between-two-ferns-zach-galifianakis-president-barack-obama|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[67th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards|2015 Creative Arts Emmy Award]]
| [[67th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards|2015 Creative Arts Emmy Award]]
| Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program
| Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program
| Mike Farah, Scott Aukerman, Zach Galifianakis, B. J. Porter, Sean Boyle, Michelle Fox
| Mike Farah, Scott Aukerman, Zach Galifianakis, B. J. Porter, Sean Boyle, Michelle Fox
| {{won}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Between Two Ferns With Zach Galifianakis: Brad Pitt|url=http://www.emmys.com/shows/between-two-ferns-zach-galifianakis-brad-pitt|publisher=[[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]]|accessdate=September 13, 2015}}</ref>
| {{won}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Between Two Ferns With Zach Galifianakis: Brad Pitt|url=http://www.emmys.com/shows/between-two-ferns-zach-galifianakis-brad-pitt|publisher=[[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]]|access-date=September 13, 2015|archive-date=September 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929083610/http://www.emmys.com/shows/between-two-ferns-zach-galifianakis-brad-pitt|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
|}
|}
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{{Zach Galifianakis}}
{{Zach Galifianakis}}
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[[Category:2008 web series debuts]]
[[Category:2008 web series debuts]]

Latest revision as of 02:55, 14 July 2024

Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis
GenreComedy, talk show
Created by
Directed by
Presented byZach Galifianakis
Theme music composerBernard Hermann
Opening theme"Theme from Taxi Driver (Reprise)"
Country of originVereinigte Staaten
Original languageEnglisch
No. of episodes21 (and 1 special) (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
  • Mike Farah
  • Scott Aukerman
  • B. J. Porter
Producers
  • B. J. Porter
  • Scott Aukerman
  • Christin Trogan
  • Zach Galifianakis
  • Anna Wenger
  • Corinne Eckhart
Production locationsLos Angeles, U.S.
Cinematography
  • Brian Murray
  • Matt Sweeney
  • Matt Krueger
Editors
  • Daniel Strange
  • Caleb Emerson
  • Mordecai Druitt
  • Hank Friedmann
Camera setupMulti-camera
Running time3–6 minutes
Production companyComedy Bang! Bang!
Original release
NetworkFunny or Die
ReleaseJanuary 4, 2008 (2008-01-04) –
June 14, 2018 (2018-06-14)

Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis is an American talk show hosted by comedian Zach Galifianakis which features celebrity guests. Episodes last several minutes, in which the interviewer (Galifianakis) and guests trade barbs and insults. In addition to the online series, there is a Comedy Central television special, and a Netflix original movie Between Two Ferns: The Movie.

Format

[edit]

Host Zach Galifianakis interviews celebrities while sitting between two potted ferns.[1] The set intentionally resembles a low-budget amateur production for public-access television,[1] with on-screen graphics containing deliberate comedic errors. For example, in a 2014 episode, Brad Pitt's name is spelled "Bart Pit" and his film 12 Years a Slave—the winner of the 2013 Academy Award for Best Picture—entitled "12 Years a Salve".[2]

Galifianakis maintains a very awkward and often antagonistic demeanor with his guests, asking them bizarre, inappropriate or insulting questions mixed with offhand non-sequiturs. The guests' responses are mostly improvised.[3][4] Episodes often include a segment in which Galifianakis awkwardly interrupts his guests to promote a sponsor's product. Examples include bananas, the video game Need for Speed: Shift, and (most frequently) Speed Stick deodorant. Some advertisements, like the graphics, are based around aspects of or events related to the interviewee. For example, the episode featuring Hillary Clinton included one of Donald Trump's campaign commercials.

History and reception

[edit]
See also: Between Two Ferns: The Movie
United States President Barack Obama being interviewed by Zach Galifianakis for "Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis," in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House on 24 February 2014.
Barack Obama interviewed on Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis, 2014

The show originated as a short film on Scott Aukerman and B. J. Porter's Fox sketch pilot The Right Now! Show, a spin-off of their Comedy Death-Ray live show. After the network declined to pick up the show, the duo put the short up on the website Funny Or Die, where it made a successful transition to an internet series.

Discussing the show on ABC News Now, Galifianakis said, "The sycophantic way that Hollywood machine runs – it's fun to make fun of it. That's how Between Two Ferns started." Guests aren't told what will happen in advance, according to Galifianakis, "They agree to come. There is no discussion beforehand...It just happens, no real prep, no organization whatsoever." He continues, "Inappropriateness is really fun to me...That is kind of the take on Between Two Ferns – inappropriate humor."[5]

The Chicago Tribune described it as "surreal improv...a talk show that's more of a charming critique of the faked intimacy of celebrity interviews than a talk show."[6]

A 30-minute television special, Between Two Ferns: A Fairytale of New York, aired on Comedy Central on May 6, 2012. The show featured interviews with Tina Fey, Jon Stewart, and Richard Branson.[7]

The episode featuring President Barack Obama was timed to encourage Americans to sign up for health insurance at Healthcare.gov. Funnyordie.com became the top referrer to the government site during this time.[8] The September 2013 episode featuring Justin Bieber also received significant media attention. The show opened with Galifianakis telling him, "It's really exciting to talk to you. Especially right in the middle of your public meltdown."[9]

In the 2014 episode featuring Brad Pitt, the actor was referred to as both "Bradley Pitts" and "Bart Pit", and Galifianakis referred to Pitt's latest film, Fury as "Furry", and asked Pitt, "Is it hard for you to maintain a suntan...because you live in your wife's shadow?" Galifianakis also asked Pitt if his relationship with wife, Angelina Jolie, was anything like "Ross and Rachel" from Friends, the show that made a star of Pitt's ex-wife, Jennifer Aniston.[2]

In a January 2016 interview with the Los Angeles Times, while promoting Baskets, Galifianakis discussed the status of Between Two Ferns, stating: "I don't know what else to do ... [Between Two Ferns has] kind of run its course a bit." Galifianakis also expressed his desire to interview the Pope on the show.[10] Between Two Ferns' first new episode in almost two years aired in September 2016. It featured then-presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and received over 30 million views in its first 24 hours, the highest viewership in FunnyorDie.com's history.[11]

Between Two Ferns: The Movie, a film adaptation of the show directed by Aukerman and written by Galifianakis and Aukerman, premiered on Netflix on September 20, 2019.[12] Uncut interviews from the film featuring David Letterman, Paul Rudd, Awkwafina, Benedict Cumberbatch, Brie Larson, Keanu Reeves, Hailee Steinfeld, and Adam Scott were released on the Netflix Is A Joke YouTube channel and FunnyOrDie.com under the title Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis: The Movie, Sorta Uncut Interviews, which was nominated for the 2020 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Short Form Variety Series.[13]

Episodes

[edit]
No.TitelGuest(s)Directed byOriginal release date
1"Michael Cera"Michael CeraRuben FleischerJanuary 4, 2008 (2008-01-04)
2"Jimmy Kimmel"Jimmy KimmelRuben FleischerApril 17, 2008 (2008-04-17)
3"Jon Hamm"Jon HammDaniel StrangeDecember 12, 2008 (2008-12-12)
4"Natalie Portman"Natalie PortmanDaniel StrangeMay 6, 2009 (2009-05-06)
5"Bradley Cooper"Bradley Cooper and Carrot TopDaniel StrangeMay 25, 2009 (2009-05-25)
6"Charlize Theron"Charlize TheronScott AukermanSeptember 7, 2009 (2009-09-07)
7"Conan O'Brien and Andy Richter"Conan O'Brien, Andy Richter and Andy DickScott AukermanNovember 16, 2009 (2009-11-16)
8"Ben Stiller"Ben StillerDaniel StrangeMarch 16, 2010 (2010-03-16)
9"Steve Carell"Steve CarellB.J. PorterJuly 27, 2010 (2010-07-27)
10"Sean Penn"Sean PennScott AukermanAugust 31, 2010 (2010-08-31)
11"Bruce Willis"Bruce WillisScott AukermanOctober 12, 2010 (2010-10-12)
12"Jennifer Aniston and Tila Tequila"Tila Tequila and Jennifer AnistonB.J. PorterFebruary 8, 2011 (2011-02-08)
13"Will Ferrell and Jon Hamm"Will Ferrell and Jon HammScott AukermanMay 22, 2011 (2011-05-22)
14"Oscar Buzz Edition Part 1"Jennifer Lawrence, Naomi Watts, Christoph Waltz, Anne Hathaway and Amy AdamsRuben FleischerFebruary 11, 2013 (2013-02-11)
15"Oscar Buzz Edition Part 2"Jessica Chastain, Sally Field, Emmanuel Lewis, and Bradley CooperScott AukermanFebruary 12, 2013 (2013-02-12)
16"James Franco"James Franco, Edward Norton, and The Lonely IslandScott AukermanMay 7, 2013 (2013-05-07)
17"Justin Bieber"Justin BieberScott AukermanSeptember 26, 2013 (2013-09-26)
N–A"Happy Holidays Edition"Tobey Maguire, Samuel L. Jackson, and Arcade FireScott AukermanDecember 18, 2013 (2013-12-18)
18"President Barack Obama"President Barack ObamaScott AukermanMarch 11, 2014 (2014-03-11)
19"Brad Pitt"Brad Pitt and Louis C.K.Scott AukermanOctober 22, 2014 (2014-10-22)
20"Hillary Clinton"Hillary ClintonScott AukermanSeptember 22, 2016 (2016-09-22)
21"Jerry Seinfeld & Cardi B"Jerry Seinfeld, Wayne Knight and Cardi BScott AukermanJune 14, 2018 (2018-06-14)

Special (2012)

[edit]

A special episode aired on television on Comedy Central on May 6, 2012.

TitelGuestsDirected byOriginal release date
"Between Two Ferns: A Fairytale of New York"Tina Fey, Jon Stewart, and Richard BransonScott AukermanMay 6, 2012 (2012-05-06)

Awards

[edit]
Awards Kategorie Nominees Result
2013 Creative Arts Emmy Award Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program Mike Farah, Scott Aukerman, Zach Galifianakis, B. J. Porter, Anna Wenger, Betsy Koch Nominated[14]
2014 Creative Arts Emmy Award Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program Scott Aukerman, Zach Galifianakis, B. J. Porter, Mike Farah, Sean Boyle, Rachel Goldenberg Won[15]
2015 Creative Arts Emmy Award Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program Mike Farah, Scott Aukerman, Zach Galifianakis, B. J. Porter, Sean Boyle, Michelle Fox Won[16]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Zach and Bruce Willis on Between Two Ferns". TIME. 27 May 2011. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011.
  2. ^ a b Randee Dawn (October 23, 2014). "6 reasons to watch Brad Pitt and Zach Galifianakis on 'Between Two Ferns'". TODAY Show. Archived from the original on February 9, 2015. Retrieved February 21, 2015.
  3. ^ "Is Between Two Ferns with Zack Galifianakis real or staged?".
  4. ^ "How Funny or Die Got President Obama on Zach Galifianakis' 'Between Two Ferns'". Archived from the original on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
  5. ^ "Zach Galifianakis: Comedy's Sensitive, Sarcastic Sensation". ABC News. 6 October 2010. Archived from the original on 14 August 2020. Retrieved 27 June 2020.
  6. ^ Christopher Borrelli (4 April 2012). "'Seven Minutes in Heaven': The not-so-fine art of the awkward kiss". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on 2012-10-16. Retrieved 2012-04-15.
  7. ^ Josh Modell (May 6, 2012). "Between Two Ferns: A Fairytale of New York". The A.V. Club.
  8. ^ "How Funny or Die Got President Obama on Zach Galifianakis' 'Between Two Ferns' (VIDEO)". Variety. 2014-03-11. Archived from the original on 2022-12-07.
  9. ^ Hillary Busis (September 26, 2013). "'Between Two Ferns': Zach Galifianakis gives Justin Bieber a stern talking to". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on February 22, 2015. Retrieved February 21, 2015.
  10. ^ Meredith Blake (January 29, 2016). "With movie comedies 'a little bit one-note,' Zach Galifianakis tackles TV". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on March 19, 2016. Retrieved March 16, 2016.
  11. ^ "Hillary Clinton's Appearance on 'Between Two Ferns' Breaks Records for Funny or Die (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. 23 September 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-09-26. Retrieved 2016-09-26.
  12. ^ Haring, Bruce (May 24, 2019). "'Between Two Ferns: The Movie' With Zach Galifianakis Confirmed, Sets Release Date". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on December 23, 2019. Retrieved May 24, 2019.
  13. ^ Schneider, Michael (2020-07-29). "Emmys Trivia: 18 Surprising, Interesting and Just Odd Facts From 2020's Nominations". Variety. Retrieved 2020-07-30.
  14. ^ "Between Two Ferns". Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved September 13, 2015.
  15. ^ "Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis: President Barack Obama". Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Archived from the original on April 21, 2015. Retrieved September 13, 2015.
  16. ^ "Between Two Ferns With Zach Galifianakis: Brad Pitt". Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Archived from the original on September 29, 2015. Retrieved September 13, 2015.
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