The Factory: Spike TV’s First Original Comedy Premieres
June 28, 2008 by Chandra
…and I sure hope it fares far better than Spike TV’s first original series ever, Blade: The Series, which was canceled after just thirteen episodes back in the summer of 2006. If not, the show is looking at a pitiful lifespan of just one season.
Tomorrow night at 10pm EST, Spike TV will present the debut of The Factory, its first foray into an original comedy series, slated to run for six episodes during its rookie season.
The show is brought to us by 3 Arts Entertainment (The Office, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, and Everybody Hates Chris) and Strangers with Candy co-creator Mitch Rouse, who also stars, along with David Pasquesi (According to Jim, Strangers with Candy), Jay Leggett (The Drew Carey Show, In Living Color), and Michael Coleman (My Boys, Scrubs).
According to the network synopsis, The Factory will transport viewers into the boring daily lives of “four disinterested small town factory workers who spend their time fraternizing while avoiding their drab work.” You know, supposedly typical guy stuff. The premise sure sounds exciting, right?
Spike TV also claims the show is “painfully funny,” which is why I’ll be tuning in to watch at least the premiere, if only to have the immense pleasure of saying later, “It wasn’t hardly that darn funny!”
A clip follows the jump for an advance look at the guys “Blackballing.” Heck, you can even watch the entire pilot episode right now at the full episode section of the show’s website, but it will cost you 21 minutes.
I’m not surprised nobody has left a comment on this blog.
You haven’t even seen the show but your bad mouthing it in a very ignorant fahion. The least you could do is watch the thing and then bad mouth it if you don’t like it.
You haven’t even seen the show but your bad mouthing it in a very ignorant fahion.
Oh, yes I *have* seen the show, Darren, unfortunately. And it’s nowhere in the vicinity of funny — that’s how awful it is. I’m a very perceptive person, and I was right on the money.
You don’t sound like a pretentious cunt at all, Chandra… the show is mostly all improv, which takes a shit load of talent that you most likely don’t possess. Mitch Rouse is a funny dude and along with great producers, who won’t let them fall flat on their faces, (i.e. 3 Arts Ent.) we’ll be seeing more from these factory workers. Besides, as of right now, is there a better sitcom on basic cable to look forward to this summer? OH right I forgot, I can’t WAIT to watch another “enticing” episode of “My Boys”!! Sorry Gaffigan, but watching that show is equilvalent to jerking off with rusted razorblades.
Adam, thanks for providing my laugh of the day.
Your comment was caught by this blog’s obscenity filter and held for approval because of all the lovely language you use. I published it, though, because I want future readers to see just what kind of mature and rational people The Factory attracts. [/sarcasm]
Oh, and just to be clear — four episodes in, The Factory *still* isn’t anywhere near the vicinity of funny. It makes My Boys look like an instant sitcom classic, improvised or not.
I’ve been a loyal viewer mainly because I know Mitch and performed improv comedy with him back in the late 80s. He is talented and he has appeared in many movies and tv series (the latest being “According to Jim” as Dana’s husband last season) as well as has had his own tv series. Improv comedy is “sometimes funny for them, sometimes funny for you.” It certainly is not everyone’s favorite thing to watch when in the format of what is suppose to have a plot, with a beginning and an end. Nontheless I have watched all 6 episodes, some funnier than others, and what I got out of it was sort of an inside view of what goes on between best buds and how their mind’s work.
And just for the record, improvisational comedy is extremely difficult. Just try to create a 20 min show with friends…not knowing what the other is going to say but knowing you have to work off of it and be funny… while trying to stay within the parameters of a plot. Not an easy task.
…what readers? (aha my 2nd joke for you). Anyway Georgia brings up another great point.. You clearly went into this show wanting it to be bad, Chandra..And with pretentious comments like “i’m a very perceptive person” I must ask, where is your sitcom? sounds kind of like something a doofus (who doesn’t really know what they’re talking about) would say in a valiant attempt to not look foolish. You don’t really help your cause either when you state that *My Boys* is an “instant classic”. (That statement may be true…compared to your sitcom).. You really make it seem as if you don’t even watch any of these shows.
I don’t care what you say, I thought this show was pretty good. I thought the episode when they want camping was great. It is not anything super funny but there really isn’t any shows that are. It is alot more creative then the same old crap that they show on the networks!
Yes, yes, excellent. But, is this show coming back in 2009?
If Spike TV knows, it ain’t saying, Pete986, so I wouldn’t get my hopes up too high. That way, you’ll be happier if it actually does.
Regarding “Factory” coming back, I understand it has been canceled. I performed with Mitch quite some time ago and still keep in touch. He not only was a character in the show but also the writer, producer, and director. I have not spoken to him personally about this show but according to friends who have, it was canceled. Bummer – I really enjoyed it.
Thanks for your answers. Maybe Spike will make a second attempt at another comedy.