As a fan of stand-up comedy, I can’t help but admire Bert Kreischer’s journey from a wild frat boy to a successful comedian. His ability to transform his real-life experiences into hilarious anecdotes is truly impressive.
When Netflix initially secured Christmas Day NFL matches, there was one topic on everyone’s mind in Hollywood: With the platform emphasizing major events, what innovative approach would Netflix take to turn these games into their marquee sports event of the year, an experience that people felt they absolutely had to watch live?
Netflix’s response to the question was clear: they leveraged star power in abundance. During the Baltimore Ravens vs Houston Texans match at halftime, Beyoncé will take the stage, while during the pre-game, Mariah Carey is set to make a memorable appearance.
I’m absolutely thrilled about the influx of incredible talent they’re bringing on board for their studio shows and games. Notably, they’ve managed to snag some big names from other networks, such as Ian and Noah Eagle, Greg Olsen, JJ Watt, Robert Griffin III, Mina Kimes, Drew Brees, and Nate Burleson.
Instead, they’ve opted for two renowned comedians to give the event a Netflix touch: Nate Bargatze will make a special appearance, while Bert Kreischer has been appointed as Netflix’s pre-game commentator before the match between Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs.
One of the co-hosts for the “2 Bears 1 Cave” podcast, who frequently appears on Netflix (check out his extensive collection of stand-up specials, his upcoming film “The Machine” in 2023, or his performance at this year’s Tom Brady Roast), aims to inject some of his signature chaos and humor into Netflix’s sports programming.
The Hollywood Reporter spoke with Kreischer on a Zoom call regarding his game day plans (it’s worth mentioning that he chose to do the video chat without a shirt).
Could you explain your plans for the tailgate correspondent role, and what unique aspects you aim to contribute to the program?
Bert Kreischer: To be honest, I believe the performance will be enjoyable. I just pray for an atmosphere that’s lively and entertaining, making viewers exclaim, “I sure wish I were tailgating at this moment!
It’s clear that Netflix will be presenting NFL games for the first time, and something that caught my attention is the idea of having a comedian like you interacting with fans outside the stadium. This isn’t something you’d typically see on a more traditional broadcast network. So, I’m curious about your expectations when you’re out there engaging with people? What do you aim to achieve during this unique experience?
In my mind, I’ve got a wishlist for the perfect scene – a lively tailgate party filled with excitement! I’m envisioning a group of passionate Steelers fans, all big and hairy, without their shirts on, enjoying some cold beers and tasty wings. I hope we can sample an iconic Pittsburgh sandwich during our broadcast. Plus, there’s something extra thrilling about someone leaping over a table! I want the vibrant, unpredictable atmosphere of Pittsburgh to come alive in this tailgate gathering.
In many towns, the residents themselves shape the character and identity of the place. For instance, cities like Boston, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia are often defined by their inhabitants. As a native of Tampa, I can tell you we didn’t have much sense of local pride growing up there. People weren’t particularly proud to call Tampa home. It wasn’t until I moved to Tallahassee and became part of Florida State that I truly grasped the concept of community. The Steelers have been a vital part of Pittsburgh’s community for decades, with their influence deeply rooted in the city. I want to witness this kind of strong connection – it’s what I aspire to see.
Can you actually plan for this kind of event? I mean, you can certainly think about what activities you’d like to engage in, but you won’t always know who will attend or how intoxicated they might be. How should one go about preparing for such uncertainties?
It’s quite similar to performing stand-up comedy. Essentially, it will feel like engaging with the audience, similar to crowd work. I’ve been doing stand-up for a while now, and sometimes the crowd can be unpredictable, like in Miami or Pittsburgh when I used to perform at the Improv. So, I’ll approach this event with an open mind and try to avoid using explicit language.
I was pondering if I should inquire about it since NFL games on Netflix seem likely to draw a large number of families, making it a younger demographic compared to something like the Tom Brady Roast.
This sounds crazy, but all the stuff you do in your whole career adds up to the culmination of where you get. I worked on Travel Channel for nine years, and I did a show where I rode roller coasters. Our main people watching that were kids.
However, let me share with you that it was pointed out to me yesterday by my comedian friends Mark Normand and Sam Morrill. They said something along the lines of, “hey buddy, we heard about your NFL project for Netflix.” I replied, “I’m really excited about it.” Then, Sam advised, “try not to swear.” And I was taken aback, saying, “what?” He then explained, “kids are going to be watching.
Until yesterday, I hadn’t given it a thought. But here we are on Christmas morning on the west coast, and they’ll be unwrapping gifts with Netflix playing on the screen. It’s a global event, and it suddenly struck me yesterday to watch my language. In fact, I found myself wondering if I should take off my shirt – it’s family, but it’s also Netflix. It promises to be casual, fun, perhaps a bit unruly, but rest assured, it won’t be like the Tom Brady Roast.
According to what you mentioned, people have been discussing how the Netflix NFL games are considered a major worldwide occurrence, potentially attracting one of the largest streaming audiences ever seen. The recent Jake Paul-Mike Tyson event serves as an example of this massive viewership.
In this scenario, you might find yourself performing in front of people who haven’t witnessed your stand-up comedy before or watched the Tom Brady roast. Could this be a chance for you to exhibit some of your talents to a new audience that hasn’t had the opportunity to see you perform?
I’m not convinced by your argument. To put it frankly, I believe you are fulfilling the role for which you were hired. If I were to step in and try to mimic “The Machine,” it would be unfair to the production process. Instead of encouraging excessive drinking with wild statements like “Never quit drinking,” I prefer a more measured approach.
In essence, my job is to serve as a bridge between the stage and the viewers at home. It might sound unusual to some, but when you see me on Netflix doing a stand-up or recording a special, it’s not primarily for the people in the room with me. Instead, I’m creating an experience tailored for those watching from home. Some things that would be well-received in a live audience might actually detract from the enjoyment of the viewers at home.
As a mediator, it’s inappropriate for me to act boisterously or arrogantly. Instead, I aim to maintain a clear and composed demeanor, emphasizing the excitement and camaraderie of the tailgate experience. It’s important to allow others to appreciate the shared joy and spirit of the day, rather than drawing attention to myself.
It’s amazing to me that some individuals choose to attend a football match on Christmas Day. To me, that’s just awesome. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to work on Christmas Day. As a child, I used to watch people working during holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving. I would envy them, thinking how cool it must be for them to work and then return home to celebrate with their families. That seemed so wild to me. So, in a way, my job can be seen as a bridge or a conduit for fun experiences.
Today seems filled with joy as people everywhere are celebrating, be it at the tailgate or from the comfort of their homes. It feels like a day when everyone is going to be overjoyed and excited to let loose and enjoy themselves.
I think so. I think it’s gonna be really fun. I kind of know what’s gonna happen. I know some of the beats of where we’re going, and I’m excited. You know, [Nate] Bargatze is going to be on there. His special comes out the day before. He just had his CBS special last night. He’s killing it. He’s hilarious. I can’t tell you everyone that’s going to be joining, but I know some surprise guests, and it’s going to be so much fun, and it’s going to happen so fast.
Absolutely, it’s shaping up to be a full-day affair. I suspect many will be tuning in throughout the day. Thank you for your patience, and I wish you a wonderful Christmas!
Thank you brother.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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2024-12-24 18:25