Human Giant

Human Giant was a brilliant experimentation of sketch comedy that aired on MTV between 2007 and 2008. The show was created by and starred and was directed by a trio of comedians hailed from different backgrounds but united by a knack for humor - Aziz Ansari, Rob Huebel, and Paul Scheer. All known for their comedic prowess, the show was a platform where their talents could truly shine. Jason Woliner, known primarily for his work behind the camera, was the fourth non-performing member who helped the series to keep the audience in peals of laughter.

This MTV series was packed with short, sharply comic sketches. It took a unique approach to comedy, tossing aside the idea of sitcom set-ups, standard plots, or late-night talk-show style monologues. Instead, Human Giant delivered fast-paced, high-energy sequences that often pushed boundaries and were unpredictable. It thrived on outrageous humor, dark satire, and surreal yet relateable human experiences. From outlandish scenarios with murderous competitors in scavenger hunts to pounding contests by celebrity look-alikes, the series provided an alternative to the ordinary with a humorous yet edgy feel.

The show was made up of 20 episodes, spread across two seasons. Each episode typically consisted of five to six sketches, some standalone, while others were linear threads that ran through a season, ensuring not only explosive comedy, but also enough narrative cohesion to keep viewers hooked. The episodes usually had a run time of about 22 minutes, which translated into 22 minutes of an uncontrollable laugh riot.

This was more than just a sketch comedy series. It was a brilliant juxtaposition of unique ideas, phenomenal writing, and comic performances that appealed to audiences. The dynamic interplay between Ansari, Scheer and Huebel, the mainstays, helped to create a sense of synergy which made even the most absurd scenarios believable. Their comedic timing and their ability to infuse each sketch with an undercurrent of wackiness is what set Human Giant apart from other comedy shows.

Moreover, the best element of Human Giant was that it leveraged its MTV platform to introduce surprise guest stars from music, film, and TV. Over its two-season run, the show boasted notable guest stars like Will Arnett and Jon Glaser, among others, thus ensuring each episode was a fresh pick of humorous material.

It’s important to note the show’s influence on the comedic landscape of the time. Although Human Giant only ran for two seasons, it played a crucial role in the careers of its primary cast. The show was a launching pad for the careers of Aziz Ansari, Rob Huebel, and Paul Scheer, all of whom have continued their success in the fields of comedy acting, writing, and producing. Yet, their time on Human Giant remains a testament to their range and flexibility as versatile performers.

Human Giant was unique in its unapologetic and irreverent brand of humor. It was a show dedicated to blurring lines, pushing boundaries, surprising viewers, and making audiences laugh until they cried. In its short 2-year run, it left an indelible mark on unique storytelling through sketch comedy, and to this day, continues to inspire with the comedic genius it introduced to the world.

Overall, if someone were to venture out looking for a different kind of comedy, a bold and fearless exploration of different forms of humor, the Human Giant would undoubtedly be on the recommended list. This MTV show was a masterclass on how to create comedy that breaks away from the norm, is unafraid of the unexpected, and still manages to strike a chord with the audience. While it did end after its second season, the laughter and joy it gave to its audience is a testament to its brilliance and continues to be remembered with fondness and admiration.