Television Television > It's Garry Shandling's Show Television > The Larry Sanders Show

I took a couple years off. Just because I've done two series in a row and I felt, man, maybe I was afraid I only existed on television. So I wanted to get to know myself and God a little better. And I made a mistake. Because I realized you only exist if you're on TV. And even God goes 'Hey, hey. I can't help you. I haven't seen you. I've been flipping around. I can't help you.'

It's Garry Shandling's Show

In 1985, Shandling starred in and wrote for "It's Garry Shandling's Show."

By routinely breaking the "fourth wall," Garry, the cast, and writers subverted the traditional sitcom. The cast understood they were part of a television show. The series even incorporated the audience into storylines, allowing them to peak behind the curtain of a Hollywood production.

Bunny ears for Gilda.

The Larry Sanders Show

In 1992, Shandling launched what would become a crowing achievement in televised narrative. The Larry Sanders Show, a behind-the-scenes look at a prime-time talk show, ran for 89 episodes on HBO, and earned 56 Emmy Award nominations and three wins. The series, heavily influenced by Garry's guest-hosting stints on the Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, became an influencer in and of itself, paving the way for many other shows such as 30 Rock and Curb your Enthusiasm.

Business as usual.
Courtesy of Mark Seliger.