TV Review: Absofreakinglutely, CBC Gem

Absofreakinglutely, released under CBC’s Absolutely Canadian series, is a 45 minute collection of sketches written and performed by Montreal-based comedians. I am thrilled to see that Montreal sketch comedy is given an opportunity to showcase itself, however Absofreakinglutely is more of a hesitant foot forward than a kick in the door.

Boasting 15 sketches, four of which are part of a COVID-19 pandemic chunk, Absofreakinglutely is fun, but suffers from over-length. 

Tonally, the show is very Mile End Montreal: cool and aloof. A disinterested hipster. While this tone helps certain sketches, it hinders others that are pushing a little stranger and goofier premises.

Standout sketches were all on the slightly darker side. For example, Starter Baby sees a couple speaking to a doctor about whether there is a way to have a baby for only three-to-four years before it dies. While the premise seems bleak and upsetting (it is), it’s also oddly playful and very funny. It’s easily my favourite of the sketches.

While I can confidently say I enjoyed most of the 15 sketches, a few of them tended to overstay their welcome. For example, when watching the Tinder Dating Musical, the song is pretty nice with some decent jokes peppered in, but it is a 4 minute musical where we get the point extremely early on without too much heightening.

All in all, I believe that if Absofreakinglutely would have been allotted to a half hour, the weaker offerings (most of the pandemic chunk) would have been left behind in favour of much stronger, funnier sketches. Every sketch (almost) has funny moments, but the ones that stand out - ASMR with Marv, Craft Rehab, Bagel Cult, and Just For Gaffes - do it well.

Absofreakinglutely premiered on CBC Gem on October 30, 2020.
Watch it here.