Watch Not Just the Best of the Larry Sanders Show

Not Just the Best of the Larry Sanders Show is a masterpiece compilation from the critically celebrated and culturally iconic Larry Sanders Show, which originally aired from 1992 to 1998. Released in 2008, 10 years after the final original episode aired, the compilation serves as a celebration and reminder of the show's brilliant performances, satirical humor, and biting commentary on the nature of fame and television.

Set within the fictional world of a late-night talk show, "Larry Sanders Show" was renowned for blurring the lines between fiction and reality, while providing a backstage glimpse into the chaotic and often neurotic underpinnings of television production. The show is helmed by stand-up comic Garry Shandling who plays the titular character, Larry Sanders. This compilation picks some of the brightest moments from the six-season run of the original series, demonstrating why the show is often hailed as a trailblazer of sophisticated comedy in television.

In Not Just the Best of the Larry Sanders Show, audiences are reintroduced to the neurotic and self-absorbed talk show host, Larry Sanders, his loyal producer Artie (Rip Torn), and his deeply insecure sidekick, Hank Kingsley (Jeffrey Tambor). The compilation features 23 of the most acclaimed episodes from the series, displaying the creative genius of the ensemble cast, acerbic scriptwriting, and ground-breaking narrative style. The episodes are edgy, surprisingly heartfelt, and laced with a sharp and at times dark humor that explores the inherent insecurities and desperate pursuit of approval that seems to plague the world of showbiz entertainment.

Not Just the Best of the Larry Sanders Show also brings back the parade of real-life celebrities who frequently showed up as guests on Sanders’s illusory talk show, satirizing their public personas while participating in the comedic chaos. Heavyweight stars such as David Duchovny, Tom Petty, Ellen Degeneres, Carol Burnett, and Jerry Seinfeld, to name just a few, provide star-studded recall to the original series and enhance the compilation's entertainment value.

However, this collection isn't simply a rehash of the best moments from the original series. Along with the 23 episodes, the package includes hours of bonus content such as deleted scenes, outtakes, and personalized introductions by Shandling for each episode. There are also featurettes showcasing the creation and evolution of the show, providing a fascinating insight into this beloved creation.

The commentary segments also provide a unique perspective on the episodes, highlighted with Shandling's reflections about the making of the episodes and the broader experience of creating a comedy series of this caliber. He takes viewers deeper into the late-night scene with personal anecdotes, adding further layers to the edgy satire of the featured episodes.

Beyond the laughs and in-jokes, Not Just the Best of the Larry Sanders Show serves as a retrospective study of the medium of television shows itself during the ’90s. It shows how the landscape of comedy was forever altered by Shandling's novel approach to comedic storytelling. By offering a fictional yet candid look into the pseudo-glamour world of television, the show transformed the paradigm of satire, setting a new standard for realistic storytelling.

In conclusion, Not Just the Best of the Larry Sanders Show from 2008 is more than just a compilation of a sitcom series. It's an immersive journey back into the heart of a groundbreaking show that has since inspired countless others. With its balance of humor, nostalgia, and a revolutionary take on comedic narrative, the compilation manages to echo the original energy of The Larry Sanders Show, while adding its own unique value. Whether you're a long-standing fan or new to Larry Sanders's world, this collection is a fine example of television history at its comedic best.