Bert Kreischer Talks Bare Chests, Box Office Bombs, and New Netflix Comedy

Bert Kreischer, the comedian known for his shirtless performances, is navigating a pivotal moment in his career. For over 15 years, he has been entertaining audiences with his unique style of comedy, earning a devoted fanbase. Recently, however, he has questioned his signature shirtless routine as more personalities embrace similar antics.

Kreischer’s latest project is a six-part dark comedy series titled Free Bert, which premiered on Netflix on Thursday. The show features Kreischer playing a fictionalized version of himself, struggling to fit in at an elite Los Angeles private school with his family. It uniquely blends elements of his real life and comedy style.

Bert Kreischer’s Identity Crisis

The inspiration for Free Bert emerged during a challenging phase in Kreischer’s life. After being let go from the Travel Channel, where he hosted shows like Bert the Conqueror and Trip Flip, he faced an identity crisis. This experience resonated with him as he observed the affluent surroundings of his daughters’ new school, contrasting sharply with his modest living situation.

Reflecting on his past performances, Kreischer shared a moment of epiphany while being paid $25,000 to perform a limited set. This led him to think about whether his comedy was diminishing into a mere gimmick: “What if that’s my life?” he pondered.

Creating Free Bert

Desiring to produce a sitcom centered around his family, Kreischer pitched the idea to Netflix, who were supportive of his vision. “What do you want it to be?” he recalled their response, indicating a collaborative spirit that has characterized his relationship with the streaming platform.

• Release Date: The entire series stream on Netflix started on a Thursday.
• Format: A six-part dark comedy.
• Theme: Family dynamics in an elite school setting.

Exploring New Creative Paths

Despite his success, Kreischer revealed that Hollywood’s approach to comedy is changing. He noted that opportunities for big-budget films have decreased, with most projects now under $10 million targeted for streaming platforms. This shift has made it uncertain how future comedic projects will be financed and produced.

In an interesting turn, Kreischer recalled a conversation with a Netflix executive regarding his previous film, The Machine. The executive expressed hope that the film would perform poorly in theaters to achieve higher viewership on the streaming service—a prediction that eventually came true.

Engaging Family in Comedy

Kreischer maintains a close relationship with his daughters, often seeking their input on his comedic material. In fact, they have played a significant role in approving or disapproving of content related to their family dynamic. This dedication to authenticity reflects Kreischer’s desire to make relatable comedy that resonates with his audience.

As he continues to explore his comedic voice, Kreischer remains open to new collaborations but has made it clear he prefers to lead rather than follow in Hollywood. His willingness to push boundaries, including tackling sensitive subjects in his material, signals a desire to evolve as a comedian.

Overall, Bert Kreischer’s journey, from questioning his once-unique comedic identity to venturing into dark comedy with Netflix, reflects his dedication to both his craft and family, promising engaging stories ahead.