The Larry Sanders Show Starring Garry Shandling Season 2 Episode 5 The Hankerciser 200

The Larry Sanders Show is a satirical comedy series following the behind-the-scenes antics of a late-night talk show hosted by Larry Sanders, played by Garry Shandling. Season 2 episode 5, The Hankerciser 200, sees Larry and his staff attempting to get in shape with a new exercise machine called the Hankerciser 200.

The episode begins with Larry watching a TV commercial for the Hankerciser 200, a revolutionary new exercise machine that promises to help users lose weight and tone their bodies in just 30 minutes a day. Intrigued, Larry decides to order one for himself and his staff, much to the chagrin of his producer Artie (Rip Torn), who thinks it's a waste of money.

However, Larry is determined to try out the machine, and recruits his head writer, Phil (Wallace Langham), and his makeup artist, Paula (Janeane Garofalo), to join him for a group workout session. Things don't go quite as planned, however, as Larry struggles to keep up with the machine's intense workout regimen, while Phil and Paula bicker and compete with each other.

As the episode progresses, we see Larry and his staff continue to use the Hankerciser 200, with mixed results. Some, like Larry's sidekick Hank (Jeffrey Tambor), see significant improvements in their fitness levels, while others, like Artie and Larry's assistant Beverly (Penny Johnson), are less enthusiastic about the machine's effectiveness.

Meanwhile, Larry is dealing with his own personal issues, as he struggles to maintain his sobriety following a recent stint in rehab. His ex-wife Francine (Kathryn Harrold) comes to visit him on set, sparking a wave of anxiety and insecurity in Larry as he questions whether he's truly ready for a relationship.

As always, the episode is filled with snappy dialogue, hilarious one-liners, and plenty of biting commentary on the entertainment industry as a whole. The cast is in top form, with Shandling delivering a standout performance as the neurotic, self-absorbed Larry, while Tambor steals scenes as the lovable-but-clueless Hank.

Overall, The Larry Sanders Show season 2 episode 5 is a must-watch for fans of the show, offering a hilarious take on the fitness craze of the '90s and showcasing some of the series' best writing and performances.