Before I start my review of this program, I should probably mention a few things first.
First of all, I live in Canada. Therefore, we only got Dennis Miller Live earlier this year. Here in Canada, the HBO program airs on a channel known appropriately enough as "The Comedy Network" as comedy is the only genre it deals with. (Its basically the Canadian version of Comedy Central, except no bad movies)
Here is the unfortunate part. You see, The Comedy Network is supported by airing comercials like most channels are. However, Dennis Miller Live does not air commercials. For this reason, some material has to be cut for the Canadian airing to make room for advertisements (here in Canada, the show is sponsored by Volkswagon). Fortunately, the producers only cut what they find to be the least funniest moments, (this includes the closing credits). Unfortunatly, this editing and shipment takes 8 days, therefore, episodes air 8 days after there original airdate on HBO. It is a pain, but I've pretty much gotton over it.
Now on to my review. I think this is one of the most funniest programs on TV today. For those of you who have never seen the show, here's the basic overview. The program begins with Dennis making one quick comment about something going on in the world today. After that, the opening titles roll. Following the titles, Dennis presents a typical talk show-esque monolouge (albeit, with abrasive language wherever Dennis can find a place to put it.) Following the monologue is something known as The Rant. As its name suggests, Dennis begins a pre-writen rant on a particular topic. He begins by saying, "I don't want to get off on a rant here, but..." (famous last words) and always finishes with "...Of course, that's just my opinion. I could be wrong," which is a line that I'm sure he only uses to avoid lawsuits, but its funny too. After his rant, Dennis brings out a guest. Normally, this guest is on tour promoting a movie or TV show or book or whatever, but on Dennis' show, they are usually just there to chat. People call in at this time and chat with Dennis and the guests as well. The topic they chat about is usually the same topic of the rant. After this is over, the show closes with The Big Screen, or as Dennis calls it, "I gotta go do the news." In The Big Screen, Dennis presents pictures from various newspapers devoid of their origianl stories. Dennis then gives his own amusing line for it (Example:A picture of Bill and Hillary Clinton, in which Bill is holding the side of his face prompts the following line from Dennis, "Message received, Hillary. Could you please let go of the left one now?" As soon as the show is done he announces his infamous line from SNL's Weekend Update: "Folks, that's the news, and I AM OUTTA HERE!!"
What I like about Dennis Miller Live is that, although it is a comedy show, more than half the stuff that Dennis talks about are true. While he rants about a particular topic, you can't help but laugh , and then say, "Hey, he's right!" Its funny, 'cuz its true, which has always been Dennis Miller's style of comedy. Overall, I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
