‘The Comedians’ spoofs comics’ creative process

BILLY Crystal (left) and Josh Gad have a functional “odd couple” dynamic.

Comics Billy Crystal and Josh Gad star as zanier versions of themselves in the “mockumentary” comedy series “The Comedians,”  about the pair’s mostly hesitant collaboration in a new sketch series.

As fictional versions, they are in the process of finding the show’s “voice,” the goings-on offscreen documented by an unseen camera crew that is acknowledged by the cast from time to time.

Interspersed between scenes are “interview” clips of the actors—think “Modern Family” or “The Office,” but with considerably less wacky disclosures.

Seasoned comedian Crystal, one of the show’s developers, has a functional team-up with Gad, a much younger, less-restrained talent best known for “The Book of Mormon” and “Frozen” (he voiced Olaf, a fact that gets mentioned a few times).

Crystal’s character is initially reluctant to work with Gad, who doesn’t get older references and often has crude punch lines. The generational differences and Gad’s hero worship aside, Crystal nonetheless gives the partnership a chance—a decision he comes to regret, occasionally.

The wry satire is a welcome, if not always a mirthfully presented examination of the creative process. It doesn’t necessarily reflect the actors’ true personalities, but the fabrications give them a more vibrant “for-TV” presence.

While the mockumentary format helps in presenting sides that more standard storytelling methods can’t include, the situations are often prolonged and quite predictable.

Still, the “odd couple” dynamic works. Fictional Gad is often oblivious to fictional Crystal’s less-contemporary methods and creative style, which makes the latter feel somewhat dated—without really admitting it.

The thing is, as the series progresses, they find things in common—among them, an activity involving a bong—which ultimately result in feel-good moments and cross-generational relevance.

Actress Stephnie Weir (“MADtv”) is a standout as the fidgety producer, complementing the pair with her more overtly funny character. And while the show isn’t laugh-out-loud hilarious, it does get its points and punch lines across, eliciting more controlled smiles than hearty giggles.

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