/r/baskets

Photograph via snooOG

In a world constrained by corporate interests and the homogenization of society, one man in Bakersfield, California dares to follow his dream of becoming a professional clown. But after an unsuccessful enrollment at a prestigious clowning school in Paris, the only job he can find is with the local rodeo. Baskets follows Chip Baskets’ (Zach Galifianakis) pursuit of his dream, against all odds, to be a respected clown.

In a world constrained by corporate interests and the homogenization of society, one man in Bakersfield, California dares to follow his dream of becoming a professional clown. But after an unsuccessful enrollment at a prestigious clowning school in Paris, the only job he can find is with the local rodeo. Baskets follows Chip Baskets’ (Zach Galifianakis) pursuit of his dream, against all odds, to be a respected clown.

Season 1 Episode Discussions:

Episode 1 | Renoir

Episode 2 | The Trainee

Episode 3 | Strays

Episode 4 | Easter in Bakersfield

Episode 5 | Uncle Dad

Episode 6 | DJ Twins

Episode 7 | Cowboys

Episode 8 | Sugar Pie

Episode 9 | Picnic

Episode 10 | Family Portrait

/r/baskets

2,800 Subscribers

35

Just binged watched this series for the first time. Came in for Zach and his silliness, went out with a deep love for Louie and his Christine

I remember when this show was first announced, I was in my early 20s and as a teenager was Zach Galifianakis obsessed (so much so from clumsy thumbs that AutoCorrect was necessary for "Zach", but not his surname), as well as a Louis CK fan from his standup and "Louie", however I'd never really managed to get round to watching this show until now, in my 29th year.

I binged the lot within a week.

I came in for Zach's deadpan and surreal/slapstick humour, and I came away with a profound love of Christine.

I hadn't even ever heard of Louie Anderson before this show, and learned of his passing quite early on in my viewing. His depiction of Christine is easily one of the best performances I've ever seen, anywhere, anytime. He embodies that beautifully empathetic yet personally embattled mother we all know.

It's been said ad nauseum, but Christine really is a mother we all know. Knowing of his passing early on made many of the most poignant Christine scenes even more so, and I felt some things very deeply and cannot stop thinking about them even a week later. I think this show will stick with me much longer than most others ever have.

All this to say, I guess, Christine is one of the best characters and portrayals I've ever seen, and Louie's performance will forever stick with me, and has forever changed my perspective of what motherhood is. I don't have any friends who have seen Baskets, to their unknown loss, so here I am ❤️

7 Comments
2024/05/07
18:26 UTC

1

What episode?

So this is random but I watched the show a long time ago and am struggling to reconcile my memory of one scene. I have a vague recollection of a scene involving a funeral occurring in a strip club, and a somber version of an 80s song in the background. I honestly can’t even remember if it was in this show or not but vaguely recall the funeral being for the character who was killed on the train? Maybe not.

Does anyone know what I’m talking about?

0 Comments
2024/04/05
23:07 UTC

59

Happy Easter in Bakersfield

Watch this on Easter every year. One of my favorite episodes of television. Hope y'all have a great day. Be sure to enjoy a nice tall glass of Bunny Juice

2 Comments
2024/03/31
16:06 UTC

21

Martha?

4 Comments
2024/03/15
17:42 UTC

21

Martha’s arm cast

I have now started season four and she seriously STILL has his arm cast on, what’s the deal?

Does it ever get explained? Or taken off? Or is just another layer of weirdness?

18 Comments
2024/02/29
18:26 UTC

42

Tiny burgers! They look like little sugar burgers!

3 Comments
2024/02/25
16:29 UTC

122

Louie Anderson

Only halfway through the show. I love and hate that this is Louie Anderson’s magnum opus. Like he is so damn good at his delivery in this show. And I just wish he got more opportunities at a more serious role like his in this show. Rip to one of the most under appreciated actors and comedians of all time.

13 Comments
2024/02/20
04:49 UTC

20

Found this on the farm

1 Comment
2024/02/07
16:46 UTC

68

My favorite show

This show makes me cry and laugh out loud. The creativity, storyline, characters gave me so much joy. Zach G is genius and Louie is every mother. Thank you to the creators for helping me feel. ❤️

5 Comments
2024/01/05
01:23 UTC

128

Baskets is a good show; Louie Anderson is the GOAT.

I never saw Baskets when it was on TV years ago, so, last year, I decided to give it a try. A few episodes in and I hated it. However, I felt compelled to finish the 1st season at the least, since it's only 10 half-hour episodes. Then, I shelved it for a long while.

A couple weeks ago, I felt like it was time to revisit and give it another shot. I am very glad I did. The 2nd season is everything. It's funny, without being too absurd. It's heartfelt, especially given Louie Anderson's dynamite performance. Now, I understand truly why he deserved his Emmys. Christine is one of the most genuine characters---perhaps, ever.

I just finished the season finale where Christine buys the rodeo. I'm looking forward to the second half of the series.

15 Comments
2023/11/29
18:34 UTC

41

Is Martha an Energy Vampire?

If anyone’s seen FX’s What we do in the shadows, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. It makes me wonder if there’s an FX Cinematic Sitcom Universe. Like what if Martha from Baskets is just an energy vampire living in California. Its a reach but i’ve noticed how many various main locations the FX shows are in. Staten Island(WWDITS), Atlanta(Atlanta), BakersfieldCA(baskets), Philly(IASIP). I’m sure there may or may not be other connections to be found, but I just had the crazy thoughts.

6 Comments
2023/10/29
23:41 UTC

18

The delivery guy from s01e08

Is it only me that finds the delivery guy ("I'm a bus guy") in s01e08 absolutely hilarious? The epic lack of timing, out of place chuckles, super excitedly drinking from his water bottle in the most awkward way... I've rewatched it more times than I'll admit.

Was there any significance to his appearance in the show? Pretty strange that he pops up from nowhere at a pivotal point, never to return again.

If you don't know what I'm talking about: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=424ygr6aObw

2 Comments
2023/09/22
17:01 UTC

19

WTF Podcast - Louie Anderson

1 Comment
2023/06/18
10:11 UTC

14

Will Ferrell the Cat?

Anyone have an idea what happened to Christine’s second cat Will Ferrell? I’m watching the show now and on season 4 where Ken brings in his cat Susan that fights with Ronald Reagan, but I noticed there’s no mention of Will Ferrell. Maybe I missed something?

6 Comments
2023/06/15
04:51 UTC

9

Comedy] The S1E1 Podcast | Episode 106 - Baskets | Rating and reviewing the first televised episodes of the best and worst sitcoms of all time | This week the boys took a look at Baskets starring Zach Galifianakis and the late great Louie Anderson | S1E1Pod.com | Available on all Podcast platforms

2 Comments
2023/04/20
19:14 UTC

63

Easter In Bakersfield

I watch this every year on Easter like it's a fucking Christmas special. I love this episode so much.

5 Comments
2023/04/09
23:39 UTC

12

Song from Easter in Bakersfield

Does anyone know the song at the end of Easter in Bakersfield S1 E4, when Chip and his mom are at the slot machines and he tells her "my life's in disarray right now Mama" This is honestly one of my favorite scenes from anything I've seen. When the music starts to hit, I can't help but get teary eyed. If anyone knows the song PLEASE let me know! Thanks y'all!

3 Comments
2023/03/13
16:55 UTC

0

When LeBron gets tapped 😂

LeFlop James

0 Comments
2023/02/19
01:23 UTC

15

how do I watch this show?

I have so much love and respect for this show, it's truly a work of art, I specifically am in love with Louie Anderson's performance. However I have a huge problem.

This show is so incredibly painful to watch. I find myself constantly having to fast forward through much of the awkwardness and pain because the characters are so real that I can't stand to watch their suffering.

I am only on the 4th episode, please tell me that there is some happiness as the show moves forward. I feel like I'm watching shameless again because that was a similar experience.

8 Comments
2023/02/10
07:22 UTC

13

Chip blowing nose in plastic shopping bag

Does anyone remember which episode this is from? Seems like he was homeless or something.

2 Comments
2023/01/24
22:42 UTC

10

Martha's Joke Book

Did anyone happen to get a screenshot of the joke book Martha found while "snooping around the dump"? Or get the title?

2 Comments
2023/01/18
04:17 UTC

44

Christine over intercom. embarrassing Chip @ the Reagan Museum xD

1 Comment
2023/01/08
11:20 UTC

15

Martha quote

Hi all,

I’m trying to remember a Martha quote from (I think) season one.

It’s something like “I don’t have a crystal ball so I can’t promise it won’t happen again”

Does anyone remember the exact quote?

3 Comments
2022/12/16
20:34 UTC

7

DENNIS RODMAN -Y- SCOTTIE PIPPIN

3 Comments
2022/11/24
22:48 UTC

0

S2's worst episode?

Probably Marthager or Bail.

View Poll

0 Comments
2022/11/01
11:36 UTC

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