Nick Swardson's Pretend Time

Watch Nick Swardson's Pretend Time

  • TV-14
  • 2010
  • 2 Seasons
  • 6.1  (895)

Nick Swardson's Pretend Time was a sketch comedy show that aired on Comedy Central from 2010 to 2011. The show was created by and starred Nick Swardson, who is known for his work on shows like Reno 911! and movies like Grandma's Boy and The Benchwarmers. The show's format was similar to other sketch comedy shows like Chappelle's Show and Key & Peele, in that each episode consisted of a series of short comedic sketches. However, what set Pretend Time apart from other sketch shows was its irreverent and absurdist humor. Many of the sketches on the show were centered around Swardson's own life experiences and interests, such as video games and partying. For example, one recurring sketch featured Swardson playing a character named Terry who hosts a party talk show called "Party Time." In each episode of "Party Time," Terry interviews guests like a werewolf or a magician, and the interviews always devolve into chaos. Another recurring character on the show was Gay Robot, a robot who is programmed to be gay and constantly flirts with men. Gay Robot appeared in several sketches throughout the show's run, including one in which he starts a relationship with Swardson's character. In addition to the recurring characters, there were also plenty of one-off sketches that allowed Swardson and his writers to explore a wide range of comedic concepts. Some of the most memorable sketches from the show's run include "Wheelchair Cat," in which a cat and a wheelchair are fused together, and "Makin' Cookies," in which Swardson plays an overly enthusiastic chef who prepares cookie dough with the help of a chainsaw. One of the things that made Pretend Time stand out from other sketch shows was its use of animation. Several sketches were animated using different styles, which allowed the show's writers to tell stories that couldn't be told with live-action alone. For example, one sketch called "S'Go" was a parody of the video game Grand Theft Auto, but featured animated versions of Swardson and his co-stars committing absurd crimes like stealing a baby and robbing a sperm bank. Despite its cult following and critical acclaim, Pretend Time only lasted for two seasons on Comedy Central. The show's irreverent humor and absurdist sensibility may have been too niche for some viewers, and it was never able to find the mainstream success of other sketch shows like Saturday Night Live or MADtv. However, for those who appreciated its unique brand of comedy, Pretend Time remains a beloved cult classic.

Nick Swardson's Pretend Time
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Seasons
Legalize Meth
7. Legalize Meth
November 16, 2011
Nick talks about sketches that never made it into the show in an episode that features comedians Owen Benjamin and Duncan Trussell. Sketches include drunk girls causing havoc in a fast food restaurant, a first time dad becoming paranoid about visitors in a hospital baby nursery, and a man performing an awkward eulogy at his friend's funeral.
Flying Stripper
6. Flying Stripper
November 9, 2011
Nick discusses Johnny Depp's amazing life. Sketches include a couple's disastrous date, a stripper getting magical powers, and a breakfast cereal character turning a holiday dinner into a nightmare. Guest starring Ron Perlman.
The Mis-Education of Garry Gaga
5. The Mis-Education of Garry Gaga
November 2, 2011
Nick shares his experience of sitting next to actress Liv Tyler during a first class flight. Sketches include a man receiving a unique face transplant, a distraught family, and Garry Gaga trying to warm up to the new police captain.
Full Blown Eggs
4. Full Blown Eggs
October 26, 2011
Nick discusses his run-in with his mother's cat in an episode that features "Sarah Silverman Program" alums Laura Silverman and Steve Agee. Sketches include a commercial for a restaurant where some customers get to eat free, a man consolidating both his businesses due to the recession, and Wheelchair Cat ending up in the hospital.
PETA Not on Set
3. PETA Not on Set
October 19, 2011
Nick talks about the differences between the iPhone and the Droid in an episode featuring "Smallville" alum Michael Rosenbaum. Sketches include a send-up of local news broadcasts, a man meeting his girlfriend's unorthodox parents, and the story of a man and his dog with a new twist.
Show Me On The Doll
2. Show Me On The Doll
October 12, 2011
Nick admits to being the culprit of a bathroom situation. Sketches include a space alien paternity test, a successful trial lawyer whose unorthodox methods get him into trouble in the courtroom and the bedroom, and a cleaning product that picks up the most stubborn of stains.
Baby Not From Booty
1. Baby Not From Booty
October 5, 2011
In the season two premiere, sketches include an extraterrestrial's paternity test on a talk show.
Clip Show
0. Clip Show
September 28, 2011
Nick Swardson shows off some clips from season one of Nick Swardson's Pretend Time to motivate viewers for the second season.
Description

Nick Swardson's Pretend Time was a sketch comedy show that aired on Comedy Central from 2010 to 2011. The show was created by and starred Nick Swardson, who is known for his work on shows like Reno 911! and movies like Grandma's Boy and The Benchwarmers. The show's format was similar to other sketch comedy shows like Chappelle's Show and Key & Peele, in that each episode consisted of a series of short comedic sketches. However, what set Pretend Time apart from other sketch shows was its irreverent and absurdist humor.

Many of the sketches on the show were centered around Swardson's own life experiences and interests, such as video games and partying. For example, one recurring sketch featured Swardson playing a character named Terry who hosts a party talk show called "Party Time." In each episode of "Party Time," Terry interviews guests like a werewolf or a magician, and the interviews always devolve into chaos.

Another recurring character on the show was Gay Robot, a robot who is programmed to be gay and constantly flirts with men. Gay Robot appeared in several sketches throughout the show's run, including one in which he starts a relationship with Swardson's character.

In addition to the recurring characters, there were also plenty of one-off sketches that allowed Swardson and his writers to explore a wide range of comedic concepts. Some of the most memorable sketches from the show's run include "Wheelchair Cat," in which a cat and a wheelchair are fused together, and "Makin' Cookies," in which Swardson plays an overly enthusiastic chef who prepares cookie dough with the help of a chainsaw.

One of the things that made Pretend Time stand out from other sketch shows was its use of animation. Several sketches were animated using different styles, which allowed the show's writers to tell stories that couldn't be told with live-action alone. For example, one sketch called "S'Go" was a parody of the video game Grand Theft Auto, but featured animated versions of Swardson and his co-stars committing absurd crimes like stealing a baby and robbing a sperm bank.

Despite its cult following and critical acclaim, Pretend Time only lasted for two seasons on Comedy Central. The show's irreverent humor and absurdist sensibility may have been too niche for some viewers, and it was never able to find the mainstream success of other sketch shows like Saturday Night Live or MADtv. However, for those who appreciated its unique brand of comedy, Pretend Time remains a beloved cult classic.

Nick Swardson's Pretend Time is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (15 episodes). The series first aired on October 12, 2010.

Where to Watch Nick Swardson's Pretend Time

Nick Swardson's Pretend Time is available for streaming on the Comedy Central website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Nick Swardson's Pretend Time on demand at Apple TV, CMT and Comedy Central.

  • Premiere Date
    October 12, 2010
  • IMDB Rating
    6.1  (895)