One of my all-time favorite shows - "
Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist." It's an unusual show in several ways. For starters, it's not actually animated. The show uses "Squigglevision," an early computer "animation" trick that involves still pictures with squiggley outlines. It gives the show a unique look (later used for the first few episodes of "Home Movies," which is by the same people) that makes some people sick.
Another interesting aspect is the use of "retroscripting," also later used in "Home Movies." Basically, each episode had a rough outline drawn up ahead of time, but the actors improvised almost all of their dialogue. This was all edited together to make the story arc for each episode. Lines of dialogue or complete scenes were then scripted and recorded to tie things together. The show ends up feeling like improv because, well, it is, but with the bits that didn't work trimmed out. This "tightly edited improv" (seen in Christopher Guest movies, some scenes in "The Office" (American), or all of "The Office" (British)) technique gives the show a unique feel that I really love. The funniest bits aren't the jokes (Jonathan Katz has a real love for bad jokes), but rather the conversations that the characters have.
Each episode also involves a comedian appearing as one of Dr. Katz's patients. Most guests end up doing their stage act, with a varying degree of interaction with Dr. Katz. This half of the show is kind of hit or miss - some comedians are funnier than others. For me, the real meat of the show is the other half, in which Dr. Katz interacts with his son, Ben, his receptionist, Laura, and his buddies at a local bar. There's something very silly and surreal about these conversations (particularly when Ben is involved), but they're also surprisingly sweet. It's hard to describe, but I really identify with the idea of humor as the basis for close relationships (my family works like this).
Comedy Central started releasing DVDs of each season a few years ago, complete with hilarious commentary by the cast. After season 2, they decided to just release everything in a single box set. It's great to have all of the episodes, but none of the later seasons got any commentary. Still, it's nice to have all of the episodes (for 85 bucks at Amazon) - I spent years slowly tracking them down in college.
It's a series that slowly grows on you. The later episodes focus more on Dr. Katz and Ben, providing the show's best moments. My wife initially hated the series, after watching part of the first season. It was only when we jumped ahead to the 4th and 5th seasons that she fell in love with it. The Thanksgiving episode, in particular, is a family favorite. We watch it every Thanksgiving.
If you like "Home Movies," give "Dr. Katz" a try. It's by all of the same people and has a similar feel or sensibility, or whatever.