People describe Tim and Eric’s fans as cult-like—and maybe it’s not too off base. Their comedy is divisive, but those who are into it are really into it.
From their start as sarcastic film students at Temple University to their position today as Gods of Adult Swim, Tim and Eric have developed a voice so unique, so significant that it really is hard to describe. It’s in its own world, its own universe perhaps. Through an absurdist lens, Tim and Eric draw from anything and everything: consumerism, “bro culture,” public-access TV, and oldies rock to name just a few points of reference.
The duo launched their career by sending homemade movies to Bob Odenkirk in the early 2000s. In their package, they included a tongue-in-cheek invoice billing Odenkirk for the cost of shipping. Turns out that sealed the deal. After their first show for Adult Swim, “Tom Goes to the Mayor,” ended in 2006, Tim and Eric began production on what’s to date their most widely known work, “Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!” Since 2010, when Awesome Show sadly ran its course, Tim and Eric have made a movie, done individual work on indie films (Tim) and awesome music videos (Eric), and begun work on a new show entitled “Tim and Eric’s Bedtime Stories.”
Fortunately for us, Tim and Eric miraculously found time to schedule a 40-day tour across this great nation. Their show is a multimedia extravaganza; according to Tim, it features “all kinds of surprises but mostly a bunch of stupidity and silliness.” Fans will recognize certain elements of the show, certain characters that they’ve seen in past Tim and Eric shows.
“Which characters will be in the show?” Well, Dr. Steve Brule, for one. “Oh, so they’ll show some clips of Steve Brule or whatever. Big deal.” No…somehow, some way Tim and Eric convinced John C. Reilly to join them ON TOUR. Jackprot.
In honor of Tim, Eric and Dr. Steve Brule playing a sold out show in Madison this Saturday, we celebrate five of the best Tim and Eric clips.
The Universe
Like a twisted take on Carl Sagan’s cosmos, “The Universe” is one of Awesome Show’s most memorable skits. Experts Donna and Dr. Jimes Tooper explain the wonders of the Universe using some dubious analogies.
Choice quote: “You wouldn’t want to put it into a tube.”
Father and Son
One of Tim and Eric’s short movies for Funny or Die’s HBO series, “Father and Son” is a twisted, hilarious take on one of the duo’s all-time favorite subjects, the father/son relationship.
Choice quote: “Father and Son, that’s who we are. Father and Son.”
Prices
This is what many would consider the classic Tim and Eric style: lightning fast editing, over the top graphics and absurdist dialogue. But there’s a method to the madness. In “Prices,” Tim and Eric seek to riff on the desperation and ruthlessness of a TV salesman and, of course, they nail it.
Choice quote: “Premium…I’d say creemulum.”
Live on Good Day Austin
Ask any psychofan and they’ll explain that part of the T&E appeal is not only their on-screen work, but their off-screen antics. In this segment on an Austin, TX morning show, Tim and Eric bring mayhem to the news studio as the (surprisingly laid back) interviewer nearly “loses his job.”
Choice quote: “I wanna burn this place to the GROUND.”
Fertility Clinic
This clip finds the mush-mouthed Steve Brule having a bit of a tough time in a fertility clinic. Perhaps Steve has become Tim and Eric’s most beloved character because, however absurd he may be, we feel for him. Despite his best intentions, Steve struggles to understand the world around him. Or maybe we just love him because he’s funny as shit.
Choice quote: ALL OF THE QUOTES