Popcorn With Peter Travers Season 10 Episode 15 Fred Armisen On 'Portlandia' Ending: 'There Are No Goodbyes'

In this episode of Popcorn With Peter Travers, host Peter Travers sits down with actor, comedian, and musician Fred Armisen to discuss the conclusion of his hit TV series, 'Portlandia,' which aired its final season earlier this year. Armisen talks about the bittersweet feeling of ending the show, which had become a cult favorite over its eight-season run.

Armisen reflects on the series' unique humor, which often relied on absurdism and a skewering of modern-day hipster culture. He also discusses the many memorable characters he and co-star Carrie Brownstein played over the years, including feminist bookstore owners, eco-terrorists, and overly enthusiastic bird enthusiasts.

Travers and Armisen delve into how 'Portlandia' was able to stay relevant and entertaining throughout its eight seasons, even as the culture it was satirizing evolved and changed. They talk about Armisen's process for creating characters and how he drew inspiration from the various quirks and mannerisms of the people he encountered in his daily life.

The two also discuss Armisen's prolific career as a musician and comedian, which has included stints as a cast member on 'Saturday Night Live' and as the bandleader on 'Late Night with Seth Meyers.' Armisen talks about how his love for both music and comedy inspired him to juggle both careers, even as he struggled to balance the demands of each.

Throughout the interview, Armisen exudes a charmingly laid-back attitude, emphasizing that the end of 'Portlandia' feels more like a transition than a true finale. He expresses hope that he and Brownstein will continue to collaborate in the future, whether on another series or as musicians.

Overall, this episode of Popcorn With Peter Travers offers an insightful and entertaining look into the making of one of the most beloved comedy series of the last decade, as well as the eclectic career of one of its stars.