I would describe it as Napoleon Dynamite meets Mister Rogers directed by Wes Anderson.
It’s a lovely show that got cancelled after 3 seasons, but the seasons they got were really special and worth watching. There’s a very subtle, sweet storyline throughout the story that isn’t immediately obvious if you just jump around via clips.
Love this stuff.
Unironically, I consider Adult Swim as one of my favourite curators (and funders) of modern art. The breadth of unusual, yet incredibly well done work that they’ve created a place for over the years is staggering.
Edit: typo
I was just thinking about this episode yesterday! This show was great and the world needs more Joe Pera. I really love the part in this episode when he says he wants to figure out why jack-o’-lanterns scare him “so goddamn much”.
I just love that Joe fella.
Oh… Hello… I’m Joe…
The supermarket episode might be the single greatest joke ever told on television.
This guy stole that entire episode for me.
Honestly, such a fun and wholesome show. Prolly top 10 for my wife and I.
Wonderful, wonderful show. My introduction was Ambient Swim’s inclusion of “Joe Pera talks you to sleep.” Then when the recommendations showed me he had a series, I tried it and was hooked.
His character makes me cry good tears. I laugh so hard. When Lulu returned his greeting in the restaurant but tacked on that “Don’t come over here.” I was slain.
I still can’t tell if he’s waiting to “finish the DVD commentary” to break character, or if he’s actually like that.
I think he’s similar to his character, but he definitely leans into the schtick a bit. I love that the stakes are so low in the show, until they’re suddenly not (or seemingly not). He’s definitely a master of pacing. I’ve watched the whole series multiple times, by now. The little love story is also just lovely. I think one of the most-powerful moments was when Sarah briefly takes over talking to the camera later in the show.
Didn’t know about this show, but I’ve listened to a good number of audio clips from him that is still just him talking. I find a quiet conversational tone is nice as sleepy audio. That and tibetan singing bowls. Sometimes a lofi stream. But preferably a conversation I’m not involved in (doesn’t even have to be in English- I’m not trying to snoop on the conversation itself, I just find certain voices soothing), if it sounds like the voices involved are communicating it hits the spot to knock me out.
If you haven’t already encountered it, you would probably enjoy the episode, “Joe Pera Talks You Back to Sleep,” which is exactly what it sounds like. It also happens to be the only full episode they make easily available on YouTube.
Now I’m thinking I actually encountered it on YouTube music. I’ve played several but I didn’t remember any video part to them. But this one did sound vaguely familiar.
