Fakiren fra Bilbao (2004)

PN & Friends is one of numerous comedy web series that can be found on YouTube that is striving to connect with an audience.  A look at the comments section of Episode 30, “Reboot,” shows that the series is connecting strongly with at least some people, but a look at the view count shows a limited reach.  There is no shame in having a show that connects deeply rather than broadly.  Some of the best art will be seen by a select group of people who appreciate it more than the average viewer watching the newest hit streaming show.  But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t ways to enhance a show’s reach.  As “Reboot” shows, one can bring in more viewers by making the show more accessible while still maintaining what makes the show uniquely appealing. 

The first order of business is acknowledging what likely gives this show staying power with its current audience.  As “Reboot” shows, the series focuses on an aspiring entertainer, surrounded by ordinary, everyday acquaintances who have a sense of humor which is always crass and sometimes clever.  A low-budget approach to relatable if alienating humor has worked before, like in Kevin Smith’s Clerks, so it has a decent foundation.  But this house needs much more construction.