Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis is a talk show like no other. Instead of the usual polite chit-chat, this show serves up some of the most uncomfortable and awkward interviews you’ll ever see. From telling guests they have a face for radio to asking them about their worst career mistakes, host Zach Galifianakis doesn’t hold back, and the results are hilariously cringe-worthy.
Between Two Ferns began as a series of sketches on the Funny or Die website, with Galifianakis playing a deadpan host who asks outlandish questions to celebrity guests. The show quickly gained a cult following, with episodes featuring the likes of Charlize Theron, Bradley Cooper, and Barack Obama. The latter was a huge coup for the show, with President Obama gamely playing along with Galifianakis’ jabs and wisecracks.
Over the years, Between Two Ferns has become a bonafide phenomenon, with a feature film on Netflix and numerous viral clips on YouTube. The show has also won two Emmy awards and a Peabody award, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone.
So what makes Between Two Ferns so special? Part of it is undoubtedly Galifianakis’ comedic timing and deadpan delivery. He’s able to maintain a straight face even as he asks guests about their personal hygiene or their thoughts on child labor. But it’s also the guests who make the show so compelling. Whether it’s Gal Gadot’s awkwardly polite confusion or Jon Hamm’s willingness to roll with Galifianakis’ bizarre line of questioning, the show offers a rare glimpse into the personalities of some of the world’s biggest stars.
Of course, not all guests are game for the show’s unorthodox format. In a famous episode with Justin Bieber, the pop star appeared visibly uncomfortable as Galifianakis grilled him about his legal troubles and suggested he should take a break from showbusiness. The segment ended with Galifianakis whipping off his belt and threatening to spank Bieber, a moment that encapsulated the show’s anarchic energy.
And yet, despite the show’s relentless skewering of celebrity culture, there’s a sense of affection that underpins everything. Galifianakis may ask rude or silly questions, but he also seems genuinely interested in his guests and their work. It’s this combination of irreverence and sincerity that makes Between Two Ferns so entertaining to watch.
With the show’s continued success, there are sure to be more celebrity guests who will sit between the two ferns and face Zach Galifianakis’ unique brand of humor. Who knows what kind of awkward encounters we can expect in the future, but one thing’s for sure: Between Two Ferns is one of the funniest and most original talk shows around.