“You pay now, bitch!” a two-year-old screams.
And just like that, a comedy legend is born.
Founded by Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and Chris Henchy and launched on April 12, 2007, Funny or Die started with a simple premise: Comedy videos were uploaded, and viewers voted them up or down with the options of (duh) “Funny” or “Die.”
Ferrell’s extremely lo-fi “The Landlord” started things off. It hit. Stars soon flocked to the site: Jon Hamm, Kristen Bell, Eva Longoria, Don Cheadle, Justin Bieber, Bryan Cranston. Eventually, Funny or Die launched its own show, a TV/film production company and a series of comedy tours.
Safe to say it’s been a success.
So at 10 years, let’s take a look at the best FoD’s had to offer.
The Landlord
The site’s first video, featuring Ferrell interacting with a foul-mouthed two-year-old landlord (McKay’s daughter Pearl). 87 million views can’t be wrong.
Paris Hilton Responds to McCain Ad
FOD’s first foray into the political realm. Shot in two takes and edited overnight, the quick response to a John McCain attack ad was also the first non-Will Ferrell video to really click for the site. While charming, similar concepts (Katy Perry Votes Naked) didn’t always have the same effect.
Drunk History
Famous moments in history, dubiously narrated by famous people on a bender. Now a Comedy Central series going on five years, DH started it as a web series that Funny or Die got behind way back at its start.
Billy on the Street
One of FOD’s first TV productions came about after the site reposted man-on-the-street interviews shot by extremely manic comedian Billy Eichner. Five seasons later, it’s still going strong.
Tig Notaro: Boyish Girl Interrupted
Produced by Funny or Die for HBO, this standup special features Notaro frankly discussing her breast cancer (including her performing topless to expose her mastectomy scars). This great promo for the special had the award-winning comedian pointing at her billboard and harassing disinterested people on the street.
Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis
The most uncomfortable of talk shows has become a must-visit for political types. Here, the 2014 interview with former President Obama on healthcare, which was credited with a massive increase in enrollees into the Affordable Care Act.
Sense of Smell
Bryan Cranston plays an Iraqi vet who loses his sense of smell. Copious fart jokes ensue.
Bat Fight
Will Ferrell gave director Andy Paley 20 minutes of footage from Eastbound and Down and told him to edit the dialogue into lyrics and add music.
American Psycho with Huey Lewis and Weird Al
Mr. Hip to Be Square nails the Christian Bale role in this parody of the satirical slasher.
Michael Shannon Reads the Insane Delta Gamma Sorority Letter
The majority of FoD productions are decidedly low-budget. Like this one, where Boardwalk Empire star Shannon channels the writer of the legendary “c–t punt” letter. A one-set, one-man tour de force.
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