Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your accountsSaved for Latersection.
It also seems like Macdonald might find that arrangement pretty satisfying.
The show isnt served well by its shaggy first episode, featuring guest David Spade.
Are there commercial breaks?
Whats the format of this thing?
Its meant as a joke, but itd be funnier if it felt less true.
Its not the incomplete set thats the larger problem, though.
Norm Macdonald Has a Showis a part of a genre that once felt subversive and fresh.
Macdonalds interview style is aiming for raw conversations, with the intended goal of just beinghonestandauthentic, man.
Its about just sittin around, tellin stories, havin a great time, shootin the shit.
The difference is that in the best of those shows, the interviewer seems to have prepared.
Or at least given thought to the way they want the arc of the conversation to run.
Its not that Macdonald is actually under-prepared about the work and lives of his guests.
Hes eminently knowledgeable, especially about obscure comedy personalities and classic films.
At one point, Jane Fonda chides Macdonald.
I need no research to talk to you, Macdonald responds, because Ive grown up with you.
Oh yeah, I know, Macdonald says, but they later called it Jazzercise.
They stole your idea.
Fonda nods, still slightly confused about what this conversation is about.
Its hard to blame her.
For fans of Macdonalds comedy, this will feel right in his wheelhouse.
Occasionally, Macdonalds interests make space for the interests of his guests.
Sometimes his guests are allowed to tell full stories.
What do you mean?
Macdonald responds, gamely.
His first question for Jane Fonda is, Who do you consider sexy?
Im not suggesting that Norm Macdonald should not be allowed to have interesting conversations with people he finds appealing.
