Watch Fameless

Fameless is a comedy show that premiered on truTV back in 2015, featuring David Spade as himself. The premise of the show is simple - it's a hidden camera show that tricks wannabe reality show stars into believing they're on the cusp of fame, only to reveal that the whole thing was a setup. The show features a rotating cast of actors who play pranks on unsuspecting participants, all of whom believe they're auditioning for a real TV show.

Each episode of Fameless features three different pranks, all of which center on a specific genre of reality TV. For example, one episode might feature a dating show, a home renovation show, and a cooking show. In each segment, the pranksters go to great lengths to convince the would-be reality stars that they're about to hit the big time. They might bring in fake producers and directors, set up elaborate sets, and even fly the participants to different locations for big reveals.

Of course, the real fun of Fameless comes from watching these people's dreams get dashed in front of their eyes. Once the prank is revealed, David Spade and a panel of comedians appear on-screen to give their reactions to the footage. They'll crack jokes about the participants and the ridiculous situations they find themselves in, often getting in some good-natured ribbing at each other's expense.

What sets Fameless apart from other hidden camera shows is its commitment to genuinely surprising its participants. The pranks are often so elaborate and well-executed that it's hard to believe that the people involved don't suspect anything. And because the show generally avoids using famous people as its marks, the participants are all relatively average people who are thrust into bizarre and uncomfortable situations.

Throughout its two-season run (the show was unfortunately cancelled in 2016), Fameless featured a range of different pranks and setups. Some of the most memorable episodes include a fake weight loss show that convinces participants they're shrinking down to the size of an action figure, a dating show where the contestant meets a series of increasingly ridiculous suitors, and a home renovation show where the participants are subjected to increasingly chaotic and dangerous "upgrades."

One thing that sets Fameless apart from other hidden camera shows is its relatively tame sense of humor. While the pranks can be outrageous, the show never seems to want to humiliate its participants (at least, not more than they've already been humiliated by believing they were about to become TV stars). Instead, the jokes mostly revolve around the absurdity of the situation, never venturing into mean-spirited territory.

Of course, not every prank on Fameless lands perfectly. Sometimes the participants are too savvy and see through the setup, or the jokes fall flat. But more often than not, the show delivers on its promise to surprise and delight viewers with its bizarre, over-the-top pranks. And with David Spade and his rotating cast of comedian panelists providing commentary, there's never a shortage of laughs to be had.

Ultimately, Fameless is a fun, lighthearted show that delivers exactly what it promises - ridiculous hidden camera pranks and lots of laughs. While it's certainly not high art, it's a pleasant way to pass the time if you're in the mood for some mindless entertainment. And with episodes streaming on truTV's website, it's easy to get your fix of Spade and his crew whenever you need a pick-me-up.

Fameless is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (46 episodes). The series first aired on July 29, 2015.