Must-See Improv Moments: Handpicked by Improv Queensland

Must-See Portrayals of Improv

Handpicked by Improv Queensland

In response to a call-out for suggestions, your pals at Improv Queensland think the following television moments are worth watching, for obvious reasons.

I’ve grouped the suggestions under three headings:

  1. Wherein People Being Bad At Improv Is The Butt Of The Joke

  2. Wherein Improv Is The Butt Of The Joke

  3. Not a Butt. Just Improv-Related

Wherein People Being Bad At Improv Is The Butt Of The Joke

“You never shoot a hostage. It’s an invaluable skill. In improv, it is a totally permissible maneuver.”
— Michael Scott

Michael Scott in The Office

  • Throughout the series, Michael Scott uses improv as a creative outlet and always enters a scene equipped with multiple firearms.

“Let’s do some improvisational comedy now.”
— Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson in Life's Too Short

  • Refreshing in its portrayal of deathly serious, low-energy bad improv, rather than the regular, overactive, dorky bad improv.

Trey Pucker in Broad City

  • Very realistically portrays how easily somebody otherwise very attractive can be rendered entirely off-putting once they show their improv side. Also plays with that old stereotype of all improvisers being characteristically sexy and alluring.

Thanks for the recommendation, Luke R!

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Wherein Improv Is The Butt Of The Joke

Ghosts (UK)

  • Even Ghosts do improv.

Thanks for the recommendation, Scott D!

'Shenanigags' Plotline in Bojack Horseman

  • The 'Shenanigags' plotline shines a light on the cult-like aspects of improv. Hits hard.

Thanks for the recommendation, Luke R!

IMPROV IN FAMILY GUY

  • Of course it’s Quagmire. Of course the one who does improv is Quagmire.

Thanks for the recommendation, Nat B!

“I was in three improv groups in college, Peter. I was in “Improvidence”, I was in “Wackadamia Nuts” and I know I’m dating myself here, but “Three Smile Island”.”
— Quagmire (Family Guy S08E03)

SOBER STUDENTS IMPROV PLAYERS IN FREAKS AND GEEKS

  • Stay sober and still be cool.

Thanks for the recommendation, Luke R!

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Not a Butt. Just Improv-Related

Dan Espinoza improv subplot in Lucifer (Season 2)

  • Genuinely heart-warming personal growth.

Thanks for the recommendation, Scott D!

Don't Think Twice - A Movie About Improv

  • Literally a movie that depicts the goings-on of a New York City improv troupe. Very highly regarded.

Thanks for the recommendation, Adam O!

Had enough of watching improv and need to start doing more of it? Check out Improv Queensland’s upcoming courses.

Learning ImprovLiz TalbotComment