If you’re a comedian, you have a podcast. It seems like it’s the law.
Most podcasts hosted by comedians are not worth your time. They serve as platforms for inane conversations between rudderless (mostly) young men who like to snicker and smirk a lot. Sometimes the comedians try to tackle issues several rungs way above their intellectual capability. Some of these podcasts are actually popular. It doesn’t mean they’re good.
But Fred Armisen and his former Portlandia co-star Carrie Brownstein have a podcast worth your listening time. On Portlandia: A-O Rewatch, Armisen and Brownstein unpack episodes of the award-winning, long-running show that aired for eight seasons from 2011 to 2018.
The sketch comedy show set in Portland, Oregon had a cult following in part because of the clever writing from Armisen, Brownstein, Jonathan Krisel, Karen Kilgariff, Phoebe Robinson, and others. But also due to the comic performances of the two stars and an ever-evolving ensemble cast. Portlandia was singularly unique, decidedly edgy in a way that had never bene seen in a long-running sketch program. The show was nominated and won several Primetime Emmy Awards. It also received a Peabody Award.
What to expect from Portlandia podcast by iHeart
In the official press materials for the Portlandia podcast, it reads:
In the magical world of Portlandia, the dream of the ’90s still lives. Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein revisit their cult-classic TV series, which documented the hipster fad of birds as decor, unique bicycles, and intense mustache care that defined the capital of Oregon for an entire generation. During special visits from the Mayor and other beloved Portlandians, Carrie and Fred recount the struggles, joys, and surprises of each episode.
As of late July, two episodes have dropped. In both, Armisen and Brownstein reveal behind-the-scenes stories from the program. It’s clear they have a deep friendship, which makes the pod enjoyable to listen to.
The first two episodes are titled “The Dream is Alive” and “101: Farm.” Listeners who consider themselves Portlandians will be happy to hear Fred and Carrie explain their creative process behind the series, which was produced by Broadway Video, the firm owned by Lorne Michaels.
