While far from a viewership phenomenon, The Larry Sanders Show quietly ushered in a new era of TV, one that would see its final form a decade later with the premiere of shows like Malcolm in the Middle, The Office, 30 Rock, and many more. Beginning in 1992 and ending in 1998 on HBO, the show took the sitcom format into new heights, opening the floodgates to new modes of comedy never before tried. Garry Shandling stars as Larry Sanders, a vain, neurotic, and deeply insecure talk-show host. The series deals with his many antics and complaints, with guest-stars and executives, showing the minutiae of running said talk-show. Its long list of recurring characters and guests, who often play a fictionalized version of themselves, made it a unique and fresh perspective in the sitcom genre. After many years of repetitive formulas, The Larry Sanders Show stood out and quickly grabbed the attention of aspiring writers that included the likes of Judd Apatow, who formed a new era of television comedy. It was your favorite comedian’s favorite show. The words of Brian Eno, who once said all the 30,000 people who bought copies of The Velvet Underground’s debut album started a band, can very well apply here, for every writer who watched the show immediately wanted to make a comedy. Here are its very best episodes:
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7 Hank’s Divorce
After one year of being wedded in front of a live tapping of the show, Hank’s marriage has already hit rock bottom. To make matters worse, the weeding took place during the show’s 6th anniversary, meaning the divorce takes place during the show’s 7th. Based on everything shown about Hank during this point in the series, it is to be expected. If Larry embodies all the insecurities of a talk-show host, Hank’s are twice as volatile. Every action he takes is made at the expense of others, often putting his emotional stability above anyone else’s. The episode succinctly highlights this through Hank’s insistent refusal to fix his marital situation. When given the opportunity to improve his situation, Hank abandons the chance in an egotistical attempt to get on Larry’s good side, one that Larry ultimately gives little care to.
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6 Everybody Loves Larry
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A series of weird interactions with X-Files star David Duchovny makes Larry suspect that David may have a physical attraction for him. While this is taking place, Artie is left to deal with Jon Stewart’s attempts to take over the show. Interesting enough, the Stewart plot point would be a major theme for the rest of the series, and based on the real-life conflict Shandling was having with manager Brad Grey, who was using his connections to get writers from the show into other sitcoms. The comedy in the episode stems from Larry’s uncomfortable and uncertain demeanor around Duchovny. Duchovny himself relishes on the situation by playing with the idea, and heightening tensions as much as possible, establishing a weird dynamic which will be prevalent later on. The hilarious tension between the two even made its way into The X-Files in an episode where Shandling guess starred as himself in what was one of its most meta and comedic episodes.
5 The Grand Opening
As Hank prepares to open up his ridiculous moving-floor restaurant, he complains how Larry and the rest of the staff aren’t being supportive of his endeavor. The episode has him constantly complaining about his treatment, all while showing the least bit of introspection. As previously seen, Hank can never admit his own faults, even if it means being well-liked for it. He will go out of his way to paint himself as a victim even when a little more diplomacy could’ve helped his situation. Throughout the course of the episode, a running gag develops where Hank enrages the guest hosts, and they leave abruptly. The situation boils to a point where Hank has an emotional breakdown and leaves the show right as it’s about to begin. Ironically, Larry and Artie go to the restaurant’s opening, but Hank is nowhere to be seen. It highlights Hank’s delicate ego and his penchant for tomfoolery in the face of pressure, making for a pseudo-commentary on the behavior of most people in Hollywood.
4 Roseanne’s Return
Larry is forced to confront his break-up with Roseanne in front of millions of people when she is booked to appear on the show. This causes him an immense amount of panic, leading to a cascade of petty attempts to get off the hook. Despite the entertainment a bumbling and avoidant Larry provides, the true stars of this episode are Hank and Phil, the head writer, who are in the midst of a heated debate concerning O.J. Simpsons’ innocence or lack thereof. What makes the episode stand out is how the two topics are some of the most throwback moments of the ’90s. Both the Simpson trial and Roseanne’s popularity are staples of the decade, giving the time capsule vibes that are becoming more prevalent today than those of previous ones.
3 Arthur After Hours
After a chaotic behind-the-scenes show with Artie at the end of every complaint, he decides to angrily spend his night drinking and hanging around the set. Artie is easily the most enigmatic of the show. Very little is known about his personal life, and the times when details are revealed are treated as important plot points or comedic humor, like the time he reveals he fired his ex-wife from her job because she was his secretary. While nothing of importance is revealed about Artie in the episode, we are treated with a glimpse into his outside personality and his bombastic ways. He relishes on the authority and lonesomeness of his position, treating every opportunity as a chance to undermine others through absurd means. Despite his innate frustrations with Larry, Artie is shown to really care about him and the show, always tolerating his antics at the end of the day.
2 Flip
The series finale is considered by many to be one of the best in TV history. Instead of featuring any sort of creative idea for the show’s grand finale, Larry decides to end with a bevy of guests that celebrate his successful career, each bringing a unique problem or complaint to his already full plate. Despite all the ensuing chaos, from a fight between guests in the break room to Jim Carrey’s fake affections for Larry, the show ends on a very high note, with Larry delivering a wonderful closing speech that really ties the show together. The final moments were spent with Larry, Artie, and Hank sharing a warm embrace and relishing in the great memories they had together.
1 Hank’s Sex Tape
The show is in all its self-deprecating and cultural satire glory during this meta-commentary on Hollywood and its culture. After a sex tape is stolen from Hank at his office, Artie takes charge in its retrieval while Hank ponders the consequences if it spreads. The show is at its very comedy peak, highlighting the desensitized and abhorrent culture surrounding Hollywood, where depravity is treated more as a tool to ruin a person’s reputation. However, Hank’s entire persona is deconstructed thanks in large part to his very demeanor. Some of the show’s most comedic moments come at Hank’s expense due to the barrage of uncomfortable situations he puts himself in. This episode more than any other, demonstrates the lengths he’ll go to pretend he is nothing more than a good person, when everyone can clearly see through his facade.
