Well, Bored to Death (2009–2011) is not necessarily great television, but it also doesn’t live up to its name: an absurdist, boys-will-be-boys comedy that diverts without truly enthralling. Created by author Jonathan Ames, the show is about an author named Jonathan Ames (Jason Schwartzman), who in the wake of a traumatic breakup decides to combat his writer’s block by moonlighting as an unlicensed private investigator on Craigslist. Jonathan isn’t a particularly gifted detective, but pursuing cases across New York City gives him a new lease on life, providing fodder for his writing. His adventures eventually rope in his best friends, hedonisitic magazine editor George Christopher (Ted Danson) and entitled brat of a cartoonist Ray Hueston (Zach Galifianakis).
High art it isn’t, but Bored to Death does deliver a certain silly kind of fun, even if it centers a trio a self-centered man-children hellbent on their own happiness. (This show would definitely be harder to pitch in 2026.) What works about it is the comic chemistry of its three leads, especially Danson, whose wide-eyed enthusiasm for new experiences is so delightful as to render his selfishness charming. Schwartzman and Galifianakis don’t fare as well on that score, but they gel well enough as a group, and punch down at their own “manliness” enough to make the escapades appealing. A parade of spirited guest performers enlivens the proceedings throughout. Ultimately, to its detriment, it’s not really about anything? It feels a little like a cast in search of a worthy scenario to ply their talents. The results are entertainingly hit and miss and occasionally problematic, but mostly harmless.
