I'm with Busey (2003– ) User Reviews

Reality TV finally spawns real genius

[evilcritic · 26 June 2004]

After years of producing endless fly-on-the-wall crap, Reality TV has finally produced something worth seeing in the form of I'm With Busey.

The premise is simple : Adam De La Pena is a comedy writer who grew up worshiping Gary Busey. So Busey takes young Adam under his wing and shows him life and the world through the eyes of Busey.

Admittedly the initial appeal of the program hinges largely on well you know Gary Busey. If like me you thought he was the high point of Point Break, then the show simply suckers you in and doesn't let up. On the other hand I initially caught the program with a friend of mine who had no idea whatsoever who Busey was and simply found him entertaining as hell. The truth is that simple - Busey is clinically insane. Not in a threatening-to-humanity sort of way, but in a Doctor-Cox-from-Scrubs sort of a way. The man is not only funny, violent, arrogant, interfering, impulsive, brash, rude and childlike, but he somehow manages to be most of these things at the same time. Don't let this fool you into thinking he's evil or anything, he's not - he's just funny as hell to see going through his motions.

To add more humour to the mix, Adam De La Pena is the polar opposite of Busey. He lives constantly in fear of anything even remotely risky and as such becomes the witless foil for old Busey on many many occasions.

Busey shows Adam a lot of different aspects of life through his eyes - dating ("Adam, tell her 'I like your scent'"), technology ("One day technology's gonna be developed that can kill your mother"), death ("You're not gonna be conscious when you die, so what's to be afraid of?"). From cooking roadkill, to absurd poetry, breaking up childhood friendships, making an enemy of Andy Dick, the show never lets up. The sight of Busey physically assaulting an organic vegetable delivery man is positively the funniest thing you'll see in years.

There is some talk of the show being more scripted than reality-based and although I agree that the final episode of the series (featuring Andy Dick) just screams "set up" the rest of the episodes are simply too insidiously twisted and darkly comical to be scripted. If De La Pena HAD legitimately scripted the show then quite frankly he'd be one of the best comedy writers in the business and he'd be an idiot for not admitting it.

Good show, good "characters" and more importantly good Busey.

Kaufman style humor

[ivko · 18 July 2003]

First of all, for those wondering "is this real", let me put an end to the suspense. It is not. The show has writers; it is a scripted work of comedy, not reality TV. The premise and humor runs along the same lines as another show from the same network, "Project Searchlight", that starred Dennis Leary. The idea is to take a reality concept that tv execs all seem to want to duplicate (i.e. reality shows based on the lives of eccentric semi-famous poeople) and parody the concept itself by stretching it to the point of absurdity. The elements of the show are all the same as others of the same genre, but taken to their logical extreme. So in "I'm with Busey", you don't just make Busey eccentric, you make him down right bat-sh*t crazy. Many (most) viewers of the show will find themselves wondering if it's possible that anyone could be that off and not be committed to a mental institution. Do you laugh or feel pitty? And that's the humor of the show. Much like the preferred comedic style of the late great Andy Kaufman, the real laughter of the show is in realizing that the show is laughing at you. Or, more specifically, at the public that eats up the garbage of these types of reality shows. Approaching "I'm with Busey" with this in mind, the show is a well written and acted parody walking that fine line between the ridiculous and the absurd. I don't know about a whole season, but it is definitely worth watching for a few episodes.

To get the show you must get Busey.

[houssic · 23 July 2004]

'I'm with Busey' was momentous.

I felt that this show was not about how funny these two were together but how entertaining they are. Whether it be comedic brilliance or stupid the entire show was entertaining. To enjoy this show you must know that Busey is not your average cliché actor in the business. He does things his way and whether or not it is funny is up to the viewer. To get the show you must get Busey.

For a complete stranger who bothered enough to follow his greatest fan and try to really get to know him has never been done before. The only time that this was even tried was some reality show where celebrities were stranded on an island together.

The show to be was about a fan (Pena) realizing that his idol (Busey) was not the same person after all and the show took a twist. The show turned into Pena trying to tolerate Busey through obstacles such as Busey as a cross dresser and Busey in the wilderness.

During the final episodes of the show Pena started to bond with Busey. The episode where the show started to show some body was when Pena and Andy Dick were together for a brief time and Pena really missed Busey.

I personally feel that this show was very entertaining and I hope the second season will come soon.

Skip this show if you think insanity is no laughingmatter.

[Glenrob · 4 July 2003]

But if you think the antics of someone who is more than a little crazy can also be more than a little amusing, then you'll find "I'm With Busey" aimlessly, hopelessly, helplessly funny.

Often you won't know whether to laugh or to summon psychiatric help for Busey, but if you don't find this show at least a little bit funny, then you're missing the point. ... Which is that there IS no point.

"I'm With Busey" is a modern-day, unscripted "Two Stooges." The action is madcap, the dialogue mostly mindless improvisation, and the outcome of each episode -- unlike studio series and even many reality shows -- unpredictable.

In an age where viewers invest hour upon hour with reality shows where people stop acting like themselves and simply start acting, "I'm With Busey" is frighteningly genuine. Scary though it might be, Gary Busey's life probably IS this weird.

Now THAT'S entertainment.

A twisted, surreal, unique and achingly funny TV experience.

[liquidcelluloid-1 · 6 May 2004]

Network: Comedy Central; Genre: Comedy/Reality; Average Content Rating: TV-PG; Classification: Contemporary (star range: 1 - 4);

Season Reviewed: Complete Series (1 season)

Somewhere between reality and delusion, student and teacher, sanity and insanity - lies Gary Busey. And somewhere between all of those things, as well as between the documentary and the improve comedy lies Comedy Central's latest Kaufman-esquire work 'I'm With Busey'. The show, taken at face value, chronicles creator and star Adam De La Pena (writer for 'The Man Show') achieving one of his 'life long dreams': to be mentored by his favorite actor, Gary Busey. Busey puts Adam through rigorous and ridiculous training tests all in an attempt to espouse to De La Pena, his knowledge of the world. For Gary Busey, as it turns out is, or thinks himself to be something of an superhuman, his sensory perceptions and understanding of the mysteries of the universe. He thinks about things that kings and lords of great empires can't even spell. Or so he tells us.

This show is twisted, completely unique and at times howlingly funny. The bit in 'Imagination' when Gary pitches a cookbook about road-kill to a publisher who expected to get a biography almost had me hyperventilating I laughed so hard. You'd just have to have the taste for this type of material. 'I'm With Busey' is like a post-modern reality show, one that laughs back at us for laughing at it. I'm sure this show will put off many of those used to laughing at the endless parade of dysfunction on TV for just that reason. Because this time, this show is always pulling the strings. As wild and weird and loony as Busey may act, the viewers still can't be a step ahead of him. That's how far out of field the show is. It's a great world to visit.

In an odd way, what sells the show is the chemistry between Adam and Gary. At any given moment it can seem like Adam is a winy little kid led by worldly Busey or that Busey is wired on something and Adam is the grounded straight man just trying to survive. They seem to both enjoy (even need) each other's company and at the same time, can hardly stand each other to the point of nearly coming to blows in the mean-spirited (post-modern) 'Fear' episode. The show's packaging is top-of-the-line as Adam (giving monologues throughout the episode) really knows how to end each show on a high note. The best ending kicks come in 'Imagination' and 'Romance'. Each episode is about Busey explaining to Adam some abstract concept. In the process the show creates original TV moments where we see "nerd fights", Busey trying to put corks in cows to save the Ozone layer and Adam temporarily switching Busey out for another, equally ridiculous mentor - Andy Dick (complete with Busey throwing Dick's drink on the floor in a childish show of dominance). The series' finale couldn't have been more perfect.

What makes this show such a treasure and so potentially enduring (I know it was canceled) is the enigmatic nature of it all. 'I'm With Busey' is the perfectly embodied realization of Comedy Central's long-standing obsession with Andy Kaufman's brand of reality-bending comedy. Watching the show enough you get the sense that it has to be improved with some basic structures set-up around it. There are coincidences that are to perfect to be real and emotions and situations arising that are so insane they seem impossible to fake. The great mystery around the show is that it is unclear how much Gary Busey himself is in on it. Does Busey really think the show has deep messages and he is doing a service to the world? Is Adam, knowing the way he actually behaves (and he does behave this way), steering him for laughs on a show? Or is it all an exaggerated act with self-parody on Busey's part? You can look at the show 10 different ways, like a broken mirror, and it will fit into just about any explanation you bring to it. Much like Ozzy Osbourne on 'The Osbournes', Busey isn't just the butt of the joke, but a witty character whose eccentricity makes him infinitely more fascinating to watch than the would-be models that populate network reality shows. It's so weird, it's so unique, it's so off-the-wall and so brutally funny in an uncompromising way - I might even call it "brilliant".

Who's with Busey? I'm with Busey.

* * * * / 4

Brings fun to reality TV

[mrmiscellanious · 28 August 2003]

With the sudden boom of reality tv shows, I haven't found one that was even a little bit funny. Until I saw "I'm with Busey", and then the fun stuff came out. The plot is hilarious: a kid out of college finally meeting his childhood hero and learning his philosophy in life. It doesn't take Adam long to know that his hero has become... unpredictable. From the episodes where Gary dressed up like a woman, taught Adam how to get a date, shown a nerd fight between a ufo guy and a bigfoot guy, up to the nearest where the team operates a restaurant, this show is bound to have more seasons. Only reality TV show I will give a 10/10.

Completely ahead of its time

[mrlainformant · 2 July 2003]

From the reviews I had read of this show, I was expecting a "typical" reality series alla Ozzy Osbourne or Anna Nicole. After the first episode, I was intrigued because I sensed that maybe there was method behind the madness. Two subsequent episodes have convinced me that the creators of this show have truly done something original (a difficult task in today's television environment.)

"I'm With Busey" is, I believe, no more of a reality show than "Friends" but a carefully crafted improv show. The episodes are clearly structured as scenes and acts and though I am not sure if any of the lines are scripted, the situations definitely are. It astounds me that any television critic who has spend any credible time in this business could so clearly miss the spoof aspect of this program.

The comedic content is hit and miss for me, though I must admit to several huge outbursts of laughter during last night's episode. I'm completely hooked, and I hope this show goes on to be more than just a cult classic. Television hasn't seen anything this new in years.

Didn't get it at first

[MilB12 · 18 July 2003]

I don't know why I was actually expecting this to be a reality show, after Comedy Central had fooled me with their first "reality show" Contest Searchlight, which all turned out to be a hoax, but it wasn't really apparent to me until the end of that show. I was looking forward to the first episode of I'm With Busey, the premise seemed so great. Mr. Tough Guy actor, a little on the odd side, mentoring a young Comedy Central writer, who is a little on the wussie side. The first episode left me wanting something better, and just left me thinking that Gary Busey is either a complete idiot, or a complete psycho. But as I saw a few more episodes it dawned on me that even though Busey may be a bit nuts, he is just acting. It really became apparent that he was acting in the episode where he took Adam to the electronics store and was trying to convince him that all technology were weapons (such as a camera that will blow his mothers face off when she tries to take a picture) Also when he thought that the wax figure of John Wayne was talking to him. The Magic Indian was priceless as well. This show isn't gold, but it is entertaining. It leaves me wanting to ask Gary 2 questions. 1.) Exactly how does one play "Name That Smell?" 2.) Exactly how does a clown on the way to the electric chair behave?

Hilarious!

[forevergreen · 27 September 2003]

I have only seen this show on television two or three times but both times I have ended up in a laughing fit. This show is hilarious. Gary Busey comes up with crazy ideas, games, and activities that they should do or talk about and the things that he comes up with are absolutely hysterical ! Busey talks about what he believes and what he 'knows is true' and the things that he thinks of are crazy. It doesn't really matter whether or not he actually believes in these things or wants them to happen, either way they're so so funny. I love watching this show!

Brilliant.

[blagh · 20 June 2003]

This is quite possibly the funniest reality TV show I have ever seen.

Gary Busey is hilarious, and I don't even think he's trying to be. He's such a ham.

Forget The Osbournes. I'm with Busey is an outstanding piece of work.

Pure Humor

[UnvalidProdigy · 30 August 2003]

This is possibly the best reality show in the history of Reality TV. It adds stupid humor with confusing humor and makes Brilliant Television. Gary Busey takes Adam de la Peña on Journeys that end up comedically nowhere. All In all this is an amazing show. Hands down

VERY FUNNY!!! laugh out loud.

[expokool · 20 June 2003]

Very funny show. I can't tell if this show is scripted or a reality show or what...? But either way, the show could not be better.. I've only seen one episode, so I can't speak for future episodes other than I'm looking forward to watching them. Adam reminds me of Hank Kingsley a little...This show made me laugh out loud by myself and that's hard to do.

This Is Classic Stuff

[frankkael · 20 June 2003]

Thank God for shows like "I'm With Busey". For every bit of dreck like "Anna Nicole" and those Osbourne idiots, we need ten more shows like "I'm With Busey".

Hats off to the exec who green-lighted (green-lit?) this tremendous idea. Hats off to Comedy Central for recognizing the potential.

Busey is an ideal protagonist: unpredictable, reasonably intelligent, physically intimidating, disarmingly charming at times, I mean, I could go on, but I won't.

Watch this show and laugh your ass off!

Equal parts hilarious and disturbing.

[Laura_Tab · 20 July 2003]

Essentially this show revolves around a comedy writer/fan of Busey following around his idol learning the lessons of life from Mr. Joshua himself, Gary Busey. The show seems to be an improv show disguised as a faux reality show. The first episode with Gary Busey in drag had me laughing to the point of tears. One thing does trouble me though, I'm assuming that Busey is only (very convincingly) playing the part of a total psychopath, the only real problem is that I don't remember Busey being that good of an actor. Either way the show is not to be missed. If only all tv shows were this original...

The only show that cocaine could fuel and produce.

[Nick Zbu · 2 May 2004]

TV shows only have one criteria today: to have a point. No matter how vile and stupid they can get and what issues they can use to make people watch, all they require is a point. And the point of this one is that both 'stars' are complete idiots.

Many claim that this is scripted. If it is, it makes it doubly sad. If it were truly unscripted then the lack of anything happening could be excused. We can then examine why Gary Busey thinks that intelligence is using big words and reading those little $3 pamphlets about aliens and witches that are only found in '12 Items Or Less' checkout lanes. Or why Adam De La Pena's only attribute is being a complete weakling both mentally and physically. Bet you five bucks he's the kid in Middle School who was annoying as a fruit fly and got soundly beaten for it. According to this show, we wasn't beaten enough.

But since it might be scripted, then it shows how stupid it is. People write this? It's not funny. It's more of a 'let's point at a fading Hollywood star and except someone to find the humor.' There's nothing funny about seeing horsefaced Busey go on a bender and De La Pena trying to get some sympathy by being the perpetual victim. In fact, I find it hard to sympathize with him. He's the one who 'created' this show. I think it's fitting that he's tortured for it.

What more can I say? The only thing I got from this show is that cocaine is a helleva drug and some schmucks will do anything to get a show on the air. But they have a lot of gall to expect anybody to watch it. Or even care.

Too much whining.

[hawkjoel · 11 August 2003]

I have to say that I like this show, however Adam is the most annoying thing on the planet. He professes that he doesn't fly and doesn't drive. How does he survive LA? I can't believe he's ever gotten a job. He admits to being a coward and he always is referencing his mother, what a punk. He complains and complains and it gets old fast. I think Gary is great with his ability to bring out Adam's fear and paranoia.

Hilarious, poignant.

[ArkhaMarius · 2 July 2003]

At times scary, other times hilarious, I'm with Busey gives us the chance to view the world from the eyes of someone who sees it from a completely different angle than the majority. Adam is our guide into the eccentricity of Busey. He's off the wall, and a loose cannon, but for all his bluster, he's definitely given most of his admittedly insane viewpoints a lot of thought.

Oh yeah, and he's bat$h + insane.

Truly funny and heartwarming.

Good show!

[revans9 · 5 July 2003]

I've seen quite a few episodes of this show, and so far, I believe that it's actually a pretty decent show - Okay, so it has no point, and it's very.. well, insane. However, Busey is a very good "father figure" to Adam, as he put it.. Well, a hundred "father figures", with a hundred angry heads, and thousands of angry teeth.. Again, as Adam put it.

In any case, it has no point, and it's rather decent, not really funny.. but very insightful.

This show is brilliant

[DareDevil1403 · 17 July 2003]

This show is a stroke of brilliance. They take a comedy writer who has worshipped Gary Busey since he was a child and when he meets up with him, he realizes how big of an idiot and how insane he is. I dont think he puts on the short fuse for show, I think he naturally has a short fuse when people dont understand him. Over all I think this show is hilarious and I hope they keep making it.

Strangely funny

[mwill8 · 16 July 2003]

The reactions of Adam De La Pena to Gary Busey's "antics" are priceless! This show is hilarious because of Busey's weird "ideas" throughout each show. If you liked Dumb and Dumber, you will like this show! I think that the idea of "no-script" is great, it works. I highly enjoy this show, especially the one were Busey tries to help Adam with his fears! I recommend it to anyone who likes comedy!

wonderful, genius!

[surban · 6 July 2003]

This is such an original series. Those who can't see that just don't get it. It is NOT your typical "reality show' it is improv. Busey does such a great job you wonder if maybe he really is insane. Adam is such a treasure, he is such a real person, and is genuinely surprised at the outrageous behavior of Busey. I love this show; it has been ages since I have laughed so hard!

Inspired comic insanity at the hands of a B list celebrity

[agwalmsley · 21 April 2004]

Gary Busey, whether acting in this "reality" show or not, is clearly insane. Adam De La Pena, the show's host, plays on this brilliantly to set up some of the most unlikely and hilarious scenes ever seen in this format. Anyone who isn't tickled by Busey cooking a roadkill Badger or inserting corks into the rectums of cattle to prevent ecological disaster is made of stone. Busey's attempts at matchmaking for Adam are cringe-inducing. His efforts to stab Adam in the chest with a Navy Seal knife are a little uncomfortable. But this thirteen episode series was a great success. Apart from improving Comedy Central's output by 100% it showed that with some thought and a very good gimmick the reality TV forum has life in it yet.

This show stinks

[gapboy420 · 3 July 2003]

I'M WITH BUSEY is by far one of the worst television show's I have ever seen! The show in inconsistent and Busey is less than funny. Adam is nothing more than a whining brat, who will get on your nerves after five minutes. Skip this show and do your self a big favor.