A Journey Through Absurd TV Show Premises That Surprised Us All
From Seinfeld to Chuck, television has seen its fair share of bizarre and sometimes absurd show concepts that justifiably pushed the boundaries of believability. These ideas were often so outlandish that they don’t seem to have a place in the world of realistic storytelling. However, some of these concepts managed to transform from near-payday fails to beloved series across several seasons.
Seinfeld: A Show So Ordinary, It's A Brushfire
Seemingly so simple that it borders on the absurd, Seinfeld is a show that portrays the life of a man and his friends as they go about their everyday lives. Nothing much happens here, no character arcs, no alien invasions, and no juicy soap opera twists. This show’s premise is so mundane that it practically becomes a running gag. In fact, the series finale is mentioned only in passing as part of a party joke. The absurdity of this concept is so remarkable that it's difficult to believe it ever took to air. But, take a moment to consider: the show that started with a premise so plain, went on to create a cult classic loved by many. It is an example of how sometimes, the most ordinary ideas can become extraordinary.
Chuck: The Nerd with a Government Override
Chuck, another show with a premise so unique, would’ve been better off as a concept in a throwaway line. The show centers around a loser who, thanks to fate, has the government's supercomputer loaded into his brain. Even worse, it's not just a bad premise; many viewers (including the author of this article) genuinely enjoyed it. How is that possible? Is this an example of a situation where absurdity is appreciated for its sheer unpredictability? Perhaps.
Supertrain: A Mediocre Concept That Killed the Network
A lesser-known (and more practical) concept that squandered its potential is Supertrain. Initially, the idea was supposed to be another Love Boat type show, but instead, it practically killed the network it was on. However, there is a new take on this premise in the form of Snowpiercer, which offers a grittier and more violent version of the original comedy concept.
Heil Honey, I'm Home! - Hitler in Contemporary Berlin
One of the most uniquely absurd shows, and truly a rarity, is Heil Honey, I'm Home!. The show's premise is nothing short of controversial and shocking, presenting a scenario in which Hitler and Eva Braun are living in contemporary Berlin with Jewish neighbors. Intended as a satirical state-friendly take on post-war US entertainment, it uses New York accents to add further irony. However, the show was a complete failure and didn’t resonate with the audience, indicating that even if the premise is absurd, the execution still matters.
These absurd TV show premises not only reflected the creativity and audacity of its creators but also challenged the audience's perception of what is possible in television. From the simple and mundane to the out-of-this-world, these shows serve as a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact of a well-crafted premise. They remind us that sometimes, the most unexpected ideas can captivate and entertain audiences more than the most straightforward concepts ever could.