The entertainment industry is so densely packed with choices, so saturated with selections, that it can feel overwhelming to find new content. We all know and love the movies and shows that capture the zeitgeist of their era. But sometimes, the brightest gems lie beneath the mainstream. “On Cinema at the Cinema” is the best comedy show you’ve never heard of — an absurd, ever-expanding comedic universe with a tight-knit following.
In 2012, comedians Tim Heidecker and Gregg Turkington joined forces to form a web show for the ages. Each inhabiting an exaggerated version of themselves, the two sat down in red movie theater seats to discuss the latest films. The first season represents the series at its simplest: a satirical review show with dry, niche humor.
The first couple of seasons are relatively tame compared to the show’s grand-scale zaniness today. Turkington provides his trademark film expertise while Heidecker strays off-track in wildly unpredictable directions. At its core, the series is about their rivalry: Heidecker, a belligerent, often impaired, narcissistic sociopath; and Turkington, a lonely, socially inept, film-obsessed loser.
As we dive deeper into the series, more characters, segments, spinoffs and plot lines are introduced. Heidecker forms a band called Dekkar, featuring Italian sweethearts Axiom and Manuel. Turkington presents the beloved Victorville Film Archive. An action spin-off series called “Decker,” framed as an in-universe creation, ran alongside the main show for six seasons. Wives, babies, deaths, fires, criminal trials, you name it, it probably happened. Despite its movie-centric origins, films are hardly the focus for much of the show. That being said, if you consider yourself a film buff like Turkington, you’re going to enjoy it even more.
At the end of every season, the On Cinema team broadcasts a live Oscar Special, airing simultaneously with the Academy Awards. These three-hour extravaganzas are the culmination of each season’s storylines, typically devolving into unbridled chaos as the night goes on. Building on a boatload of lore and years of running jokes, the Oscar Special has grown considerably bigger, better and more insane over the years.
The 11th Oscar Special, which aired earlier this year, is perhaps their best yet. It’s increasingly apparent that the entire crew is just as madly passionate about this universe and these characters as its faithful fanbase. Despite over a decade of commitment to this project, Heidecker and Turkington show no signs of slowing down any time soon.
The On Cinema community might be small, but it’s a mighty bunch and an absolute privilege to be a part of. Everyone feels in on one massive, exclusive bit. Though rare to run into in the wild, the fandom has a strong, welcoming presence on social media.
It might seem daunting to start from the beginning, especially when there’s so much content to dig through. But if you need something fresh to watch, grab some friends and give “On Cinema at the Cinema” a try — you’re in for a treat.
