Baskets

:

Season 1
  • Network: FX
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 21, 2016
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 93 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 72 out of 93
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 93
  3. Negative: 9 out of 93
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  1. sevendays
    Jan 25, 2016
    9
    FX/FXX is really hitting it out of the park. This is the best new comedy since You're The Worst, and like YTW is also quite poignant. Its humor is both cerebral and slapstick in nature; I laughed out loud several times even though I was watching on my own. Louis C.K. co-wrote the first episode and you can see his influence, but it's Galifianakis' unique humor that prevails and I am sureFX/FXX is really hitting it out of the park. This is the best new comedy since You're The Worst, and like YTW is also quite poignant. Its humor is both cerebral and slapstick in nature; I laughed out loud several times even though I was watching on my own. Louis C.K. co-wrote the first episode and you can see his influence, but it's Galifianakis' unique humor that prevails and I am sure he will manage to keep the balance between humor and pathos that C.K. has not been able to in recent seasons of Louie.

    As I mentioned some of the humor is slapstick in nature but again it is mostly high-minded and this show is not for the stupid. I'm not surprised to see a lot of negative reviews as is often the case with that kind of humor. Those viewers bright enough to get the humor will likely be relieved to see that it isn't loved by the masses, considering the masses are the ones who made Two Broke Girls and Two and a Half Men a hit.    … Expand
  2. jmann
    Mar 11, 2016
    10
    The most brilliant piece of television ever produced. Louis Anderson deserves a Pulitzer. It isn't a comedy. Quit billing it as one. Quit expecting it to be one. It just ain't funny. God knows what it is - but it is brilliant. There is real genius going on here. The poster? Right in the kisser. Stunning. For Louis Anderson- a Pulitzer. For Louis CK - a vinyl doll. Hats off to all of them.JM
  3. RogerE
    Feb 22, 2016
    8
    An absurd story that features the best of Zach Galifianakis and Louie Anderson, Baskets proved itself to be a unique show. It's not brain dead comedy created solely for slapstick humor but has a self-depreciating way of portraying the life of its central characters and their actions. Baskets is fresh and has the potential to surprise.
  4. CinemaWylie
    Mar 31, 2016
    10
    I can really relate to Dale and Chip and his mother .that is what movies and TV shows aim for. I had eating issues especially when i had troubling issues in my life. also on Chip's and Dale's point of view where they feel like they are playing second fiddle to their other two successful brothers. plus the humor is really adult related .
  5. CHAINSAW777
    Jan 25, 2016
    10
    People always say they want something different on TV...Well here it is! This is truly a unique and amazing show! This show takes chances and Louie Anderson's performance as Zach mother is truly a revelation! This is a creative masterpiece from great tortured minds.
  6. dafire
    Jan 22, 2016
    10
    Baskets is another brilliant production from Louis CK, Jonathan Krisel, and the wonderfully deadpan Zach Galifinakis. The show is artfully filmed and you can sense the attention to detail. It takes several episodes to understand what is so lovely about these quirky characters, but Dale Baskets of Baskets Career College or Martha the Costco insurance adjuster will win you over. Comedy inBaskets is another brilliant production from Louis CK, Jonathan Krisel, and the wonderfully deadpan Zach Galifinakis. The show is artfully filmed and you can sense the attention to detail. It takes several episodes to understand what is so lovely about these quirky characters, but Dale Baskets of Baskets Career College or Martha the Costco insurance adjuster will win you over. Comedy in its highest form.… Expand
  7. zouz123
    Jan 23, 2016
    10
    Brilliant combination of drama+comedy, and amazing cast. I actually Loved it, and if you like Galifinakis' weirdly hilarious non-sense, then this is for you. If not, then skip it. Can't wait for future episodes
  8. JoeyD
    Jan 22, 2016
    10
    This show may not be for everyone however I was laughing my butt off for almost the whole duration. It has a very dark, depressing feel to it then you mix in Zack's sarcastic, dry, slap stick like humor and I thought the premiere was almost a perfect start for a new comedy series. Then add Louie Anderson playing his mother and Zack doubling up as his twin brother (who is a take on theThis show may not be for everyone however I was laughing my butt off for almost the whole duration. It has a very dark, depressing feel to it then you mix in Zack's sarcastic, dry, slap stick like humor and I thought the premiere was almost a perfect start for a new comedy series. Then add Louie Anderson playing his mother and Zack doubling up as his twin brother (who is a take on the Seth character that he has played before) and I wouldn't change anything about. I am already eager for next weeks episode.… Expand
  9. jezmos
    Feb 15, 2016
    9
    This show deserves a lot more love than it's getting. I can understand that people might feel confused and alienated by the first episode, but this one is a serious grower and is treading some really interesting terrain around social decay in the US. Each character may initially appear as a one-dimensional caricature, but by episode 4 they are being wonderfully developed in a range ofThis show deserves a lot more love than it's getting. I can understand that people might feel confused and alienated by the first episode, but this one is a serious grower and is treading some really interesting terrain around social decay in the US. Each character may initially appear as a one-dimensional caricature, but by episode 4 they are being wonderfully developed in a range of ways. There is a richness and complexity of character in this series that is really quite rare. The negative early judgement on this show reminds me of the initial reception of Bojack Horseman, which made little sense to people until they grew to understand the characters. I think the same will happen with Baskets. It's the kind of show that will stand the test of time and multiple repeat viewings.… Expand
  10. PoeticDumpling
    Jan 23, 2016
    9
    Pilot episode hit all the right marks of awkward humor I have come to love about Zach G's comedy. I need more Dale, pronto. Martha and the rodeo boss are aces as well. I may return to up my rating to 10, but starting with a 9 to begin with. Looking forward to the rest of this series.
  11. wmvincent
    Jan 22, 2016
    0
    A total bore. Six minutes was all I could stand. Everything ZG did that was supposed to be funny wasn't. On the contrary, it's pure cornball comedy. I'm not a fan of his, but I thought I'd give this series a try, anyway. Zzzzzzzzzzzzz.
  12. vladtheimpala
    Nov 1, 2016
    0
    This show is awful, pretentious, up its own butt, confusing, but worst of all it is not funny. What is this show trying to do? is it celebrating this depressed loser with the creepy cross-dressing dad who pretends to be his mom? What a messed up family. One of the worst things about this show is its portrayal of the main character, who is presented like being a depressed jerk and aThis show is awful, pretentious, up its own butt, confusing, but worst of all it is not funny. What is this show trying to do? is it celebrating this depressed loser with the creepy cross-dressing dad who pretends to be his mom? What a messed up family. One of the worst things about this show is its portrayal of the main character, who is presented like being a depressed jerk and a manipulative moocher isn't pathetic, it's just a cute alternative lifestyle. This show does something typical of the new fad of normalizing mental illness. Instead of presenting mental illness as illness, it presents it as cute and unique. As if being a borderline personality or a narcissistic personality is not pathological, but just "different". Barf. But none of that is as unforgivable as the fact that this show is not funny. Just read one review headline that says that this show "asks how funny comedy needs to be". Exactly. It tries to take the laughs out of comedy while still pretending to be a comedy. This is an attempt to undermine the entire genre.… Expand
  13. mrknowitall_not
    Jan 24, 2016
    0
    The premise of this show is played out which is pathetic guy who is downtrodden and often humiliated and "look at me I am so pathetic ha-ha". It is just sad to laugh at his misfortune and incompetence. Louis CK does this better because there is a glean in his eye which resembles hope. This show and this character played by Zack feels hopeless.
  14. WJS
    Jan 21, 2016
    3
    This is not a funny show and Zach Galifianakis is just too weird for my taste. I did enjoy Louie Anderson as Baskets mom and the best scenes are allotted to the supporting players. I think I'll give this one a pass for now.
  15. richiethedude86
    Jan 21, 2016
    1
    also thought the show was boring and waste of time louie anderson was the only good part hopefuly he can find more tv work now once this show is under the can
  16. DakotaFred
    Feb 15, 2016
    8
    Most of what I think about this show has already been said so I'll spare you.. I think a rating of 80 would be appropriate. Anyway, just wanted to say Galifinakis does a fantastic job (the evil twin brother role is classic!) and my lord is Louie Anderson ever friggin hilarious in this!!!!
  17. slayde11
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    This show is one of my all-time favorites. It features the crabby, melancholic, profanely hysterical humor of Louis C.K.. But in a truly inspired twist, it's served up with brilliantly understated (okay, essentially deadpan-bordering-on-clinically-depressed) nuance by the entire cast -- each one a comedy all-star in his or her own right. The insanely funny Zach Galifianakis stars in a dualThis show is one of my all-time favorites. It features the crabby, melancholic, profanely hysterical humor of Louis C.K.. But in a truly inspired twist, it's served up with brilliantly understated (okay, essentially deadpan-bordering-on-clinically-depressed) nuance by the entire cast -- each one a comedy all-star in his or her own right. The insanely funny Zach Galifianakis stars in a dual role; the enormously talented stand-up Martha Kelly plays his female sidekick; and the legendary Louie Anderson himself delivers perhaps the best lines of all -- apparently channeling his own mother, from what I understand. I can't imagine that this style of humor will hit a home run with everyone. If it happens to resonate with you, however, there's an excellent chance you'll find yourself laughing out loud from beginning to end -- while feeling the oddest sense of simultaneous poignancy and sadness. You can sense Louis C.K.'s formidable influence all over this thing, and he is a truth-teller of the highest order. But his amazing cast really elevates the material to brand new heights.… Expand
  18. cherold
    Jan 26, 2016
    6
    The reviews I read of Baskets described it as interesting but not especially funny. Weirdly enough, I found it much funnier than Master of None, which critics claimed was wildly funny. So go figure.

    It's a downbeat, rather cynical show, and with all the really great comedies out there nowadays, like Kimmie Schmidt, I doubt I'll watch any more of this one. But it's pretty good, overall.
  19. scrambledeggs
    Jun 13, 2018
    9
    It's funnier than I expected. So many new shows have been disappointing, but this one has something refreshing to offer. Though inaccurate portray of how immigration works through marriage.
  20. geedup
    Feb 23, 2016
    6
    This show is trying too hard not to care. TO have a "flip" attitude/perspective of "we made it, watch it if you want to." Which I don't mind, but generally its not funny. Odd, sure. Unique, granted. But other than a good laugh once or so per episode it not really worth turning to watch for a sole laugh. Glad FX is trying some of this tho.
  21. brockcheese
    Jul 26, 2017
    7
    This show is tight. I really think this is a strong debut for a comedy and it touches on many serious issues with a deft hand. Although it wavers in whether it wants to be a comedy or a drama it stills has its moments.
  22. BobTro
    Feb 27, 2016
    10
    Truthful, insightful and tragicomic movie. Fans stupidly ha-ha -- lower the rating. Zach Galifianakis,anyway,casting -- highly professional and memorable.
  23. kouvpan
    Mar 13, 2016
    8
    When i found out that Louis C.K. was in the production i had to check it out..Baskets is not a classic sitcom that will make you laugh with stupid jokes.Sometimes you will feel bad about the misery of this character and this is what Zach Galifanakis doing great.It may not be for all,but i personally enjoy its drama and comedy combination..
  24. pythag0ras
    Mar 6, 2016
    8
    Where to begin? A lot to unpack with this show. You have Zack Galifianakis and Louie Anderson who are both incredibly talented and funny actors by themselves, but together they are amazing. This show makes you laugh , and cry , as the subject matter is not only hilarious , but heartfelt and sincere at times as well. I felt like I was on a bit of an emotional roller coaster , and when itWhere to begin? A lot to unpack with this show. You have Zack Galifianakis and Louie Anderson who are both incredibly talented and funny actors by themselves, but together they are amazing. This show makes you laugh , and cry , as the subject matter is not only hilarious , but heartfelt and sincere at times as well. I felt like I was on a bit of an emotional roller coaster , and when it was over, I wanted to ride it again and again!… Expand
  25. MissMarianne
    Feb 27, 2016
    10
    I adore this show and Louie Anderson is brilliant as Chip's mom. I followed Louie Anderson during his heyday in the 80's but lost track of him somewhere along the way. I'm happy to see him again. Baskets is hugely interesting, I love this kind of comedy/drama; the quirks, the details, the subtleties. It's refreshing to me, there isn't much on TV I can watch, i.e., prime time TV showsI adore this show and Louie Anderson is brilliant as Chip's mom. I followed Louie Anderson during his heyday in the 80's but lost track of him somewhere along the way. I'm happy to see him again. Baskets is hugely interesting, I love this kind of comedy/drama; the quirks, the details, the subtleties. It's refreshing to me, there isn't much on TV I can watch, i.e., prime time TV shows with canned laughter. Ugh. Obvious "jokes" where you're supposed to laugh, make me cringe. I love Louis CK too and am not surprised that he would come up with something as absurdly entertaining as Baskets.… Expand
  26. jhmalo1995
    Jun 10, 2016
    10
    This show is amazing the comedy is hilarious and the drama is fantastic. Zach and Louis C.K. have really knocked it out of the park. Great cast and great show can't wait for season 2.
  27. NedNugent
    Jan 22, 2017
    4
    Louis C.K.'s show, which veers from brilliant to maudlin garbage, is somewhat similar. Then I noticed that it is produced by him so that explains the similar tone. Baskets isn't particularly likeable and that's what makes it a bit grueling after awhile. Not nearly as clever as the writers think it is. It's got its moments but it is also painfully dull at times.
  28. Iamcritical86
    Feb 5, 2018
    8
    Baskets is now in it's 3rd season, yet I'm only given the option here to review season 1. Anyways, the show is weird and rather odd, but it's also down to earth and believable in a strange sort of way. The humour is subtle and dry and unless you're in tune with that style, you wouldn't get it. I also think Louie Anderson does a great job in this series.
  29. holliswardo
    Dec 12, 2018
    10
    There's nothing like this on any screen, dark, human, hilarious. Louie Anderson's performance is one of the most amazing portrayals you'll ever see.

Awards & Rankings

93
#93 Best TV Season of 2016
48
#48 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 33
  3. Negative: 1 out of 33
  1. TVLine
    Reviewed by: Michael Slezak
    Apr 6, 2016
    75
    While it’s not always easy to watch--and can go for long stretches without a real laugh--Baskets elevates itself by showing it’s interested in more than just clowning around.
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  2. The Daily Beast
    Reviewed by: Kevin Fallon
    Jan 22, 2016
    60
    Baskets is so naturalistic it’s almost whimsical. Except it’s so definitely lacks any whimsy that all of its naturalism can actually be stale.
    Read full review
  3. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Hank Stuever
    Jan 22, 2016
    70
    It’s good to know there’s something more to Baskets than a creep in greasepaint. The delicious misery here is evenly spread.
    Read full review
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