Summary

One in this series of seminars conducted by The Museum of Television & Radio. This seminar, held in Los Angeles and moderated by Los Angeles Museum vice president and director Steven A. Bell, features a discussion with the cast and creative team of "Mr. Show With Bob and David," the sketch comedy series starring Bob Odenkirk and David Cross.

Following a screening of excerpts from "Mr. Show," Bell introduces the following panelists: executive producer, writer, and cast member David Cross; writer and cast member Jay Johnston; producer and director Troy Miller; writer and cast member Brian Posehn; writer and cast member Bill Odenkirk; and executive producer, writer, and cast member Bob Odenkirk.

Panelists discuss the following topics, among others: Bob and David's initial work together on "The Ben Stiller Show" and on the alternative comedy circuit; the reasons why "Mr. Show" is affiliated with HBO; the growing number and role of writers on the show; their use of rehearsals before live audiences to prepare for the taping; comparisons between "Mr. Show," "The Ben Stiller Show," and "Monty Python's Flying Circus"; the influence of the latter show and other comedy series like "Saturday Night Live"; the challenges of dealing with heavy, political subject matter in sketches; the way the creative team develops a season of shows, beginning with a collection of independently written scenes; plans to create a movie based on "Mr. Show"; the pros and cons of working with HBO; their dissatisfaction with their new time slot; their dream of doing a series of live performances featuring the best skits from "Mr. Show"; reasons for the lack of women working on the show; a description of the crew's writing schedule; responses to Bob and David's appearance on "Comic Relief"; and their pride in the show's cult following. (This program includes adult language.)