Funny or Die Presents: The Complete Second Season

Although Will Ferrell is prominently listed in the credits as executive producer, he makes only a fleeting appearance in this HBO-aired show inspired by the hit webisode comedy series, which offers edgy (or what passes for such) sketches similar to yesteryear's SCTV, only R-level nastier and profane. The central conceit here is that viewers are watching the faux TV network FOD (the titular Funny or Die), hosted by foul-mouthed Ed Halligan (Steve Tom). The series features ace production values and surprise celebrities (John C. Reilly, Tom Cruise, Kristen Wiig, Elijah Wood, Jimmie Walker, Seymour Cassel, and Adam West, among them), with the regular not-ready-for-family-viewing players including Andrea Savage, Maya Rudolph, Rob Huebel, and the duo Tim & Eric. Recurring bits include the so-so lesbian serial “Lady Refs,” the absurd and ultraviolent “United States Police Department” (featuring a cop so tough he throws bullets through suspects), and the funny “Juggalo News,” with anchors in greasepaint reporting in the obscene jargon of rappers Insane Clown Posse. The best of these has Huebel taking a variety of real-life notables (Deepak Chopra, Ben Stiller) on macabre excursions, à la Stand by Me, to look at grotesque dead bodies that happen to be lying around. Compiling all 10 episodes from 2011's second season, this series can be hit-or-miss, but there some big guffaws here. Recommended. (C. Cassady)