FX has tried out talk show formats in the past, but none have stuck the landing. Whether it be due to bad hosting (cough Russell Brand) or bad marketing (Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell was phenomenal), FX is not a network that has ever successfully launched a talk show concept. With The Choe Show, FX’s trend continues.
David Choe is a world-renowned artist, infamous millionaire (after accepting stock in lieu of payment for painting murals in the original Facebook offices), and former self-described crime career man. He has now taken his unique vision to television with this “self-funded” project for FX. Over the four episodes, Choe interviews guests whilst painting portraits of them (he mentions how it’s his least favorite artistic medium, using it as a way to step out of his comfort zone).
Now, in the opening moments of the first episode, David explains how the interview we’re going to see didn’t go well. In fact, he seems to say how it was a waste of an opportunity. So, explain to me why we’re watching it then? It’s as if you go into an audition and immediately apologize for what you’re about to perform. The episode continues on with so many flourishes within the episode, as if to say “Hey, he’s an artist!”, that it’s impossible to understand if the intent is to listen closely to the interview or ignore the content because it’s subpar.
There are drawings, reenactments, home videos, cross-references between interviews, and so much more fluff that I didn’t leave any moment going “Wow, that’s a great interview.” Again, Choe tells us from the jump that one of the interviews isn’t even that good! There is also the glaring issues that comes with Kat Von D being the first guest, a highly problematic figure with a past that is never brought up.
Initially, when reading the concept for the show, I was intrigued. An artist tackling interviews, alongside creating a portrait, is a reasonably simple idea with lots of potential. Instead, I was left trying to stay aboard this technicolor wave of confusing messages and unclear motives.