HBO's 'Eastbound' is down; 'Love,' 'Conchords' rise

The premiere of HBO's southern-fried comedy "Eastbound and Down" did a belly flop Sunday night, losing 40% of its lead-in from "Flight of the Conchords."

"Big Love" (2 million viewers, 1.0 adults 18-49 rating) and "Conchords" (826,000; 0.5) both delivered season highs to warm up the evening, with the former continuing its growth this season and the latter jumping 67% from last week.

But the Will Ferrell/Adam McKay-produced "Eastbound" was seen by only 671,000 viewers and drew a 0.3 rating. That's about on par with the much more under-the-radar premiere of "Summer Heights High" in November. HBO has shown a recent ability, however, to grow an audience throughout a show's season (like with "Big Love" and "True Blood") so a modest premiere rating isn't the clarion call of doom that it can be for a broadcast series.

"Eastbound" stars Danny McBride ("Foot Fist Way," "Tropic Thunder") as a vulgar down-and-out baseball player. Though its comedy auspices were summer-movie quality (Ferrell, McBride, McKay) reviews were all over the place, with THR among those giving a thumbs up.

PREVIOUS: Best of cable TCA: 'Skins,' 'Beast,' 'Eastbound,' 'Jockeys,' 'Prisoner,' trailers...

Here's the opening scene of "Eastbound," see what you think:

Comments

[Eggbert]

I actually thought it was really funny
Go Conchords

[J1616]

Eastbound and Down is great for the audience it's aimed at. It's Will Ferrell comedy...not like subtle Conchord comedy. If you take it for what it is, I'd say it's a hilarious, in your face comedy. Stupid comedy vs. smart comedy seems to be the issue with most.

[BHM1304]

This show was decent but Will Ferrell comedy is only funny in small doses. This premise could get real old real fast. Danny McBride was excellent but how long before people just get sick of the toilet humor? Adult swears in conversations with and around children - yeah, that was funny the first time. By the time he addresses the entire school on the PA it had run its course.

[Kevin]

Eastbound and down is amazing, danny mcbride plays the best a-hole i have seen since Ricky Gervais in the britian version of the office

[Matthew J. Curtis]

I absolutely love this show. I think that the critics are being ridiculous when they say this show is one dimensional. I absolutely love this show. This character is really fun to watch, and is shamelessly ill-willed towards the supporting characters, which is rare for a comedy show. I think it's possible that this show is not getting reviewed very well because mainstream comedy fans don't like sitcoms unless it resembles(or is) "Everybody Loves Raymond".
This show requires some patience, and it requires a fan of all types of comedy to really enjoy it. I completely get it. I get everything about this show. It really is something else. Congratulations to Danny Mcbride, not your average star, but a real guy, a real funny, talented guy. This guy will be another John Belushi or Will Ferrell in the next few years, I'm sure.

[Ashley Schaffer]

Most people are idiots--

This show has WAY more depth than meets the eye. Thats the catch, the real jokes are too fast for most of you. All you see is the "toilet humor" floating on top, but what you don't realize is that it all comes from one character, and the real humor is found within the relationships he spawns with the others around him. How they in turn react and adapt to his outlandish behavior.

This is not Family Guy
This is not Dancing with the Stars
This is not Flight of the Fucking Conchords

This is Eastbound and Down.. and unfortunately it will probably end up like everything else you rubes don't understand [ie: Arrested Development, Deadwood, etc...]

[christie]

I fucking love this show! I hope it comes back for a second season!

[Nicole]

I agree. the humor is lost on most people. I love this show!! You have to watch it several times to actually catch all of the jokes. I can see where many would go over most peoples heads. I find critics to be wrong most of the time anyway. Kenny is in and they are f+cking OUT!

[who dey]

the show is incredible it should come back for a second season. Funniest show on tv.

[Cortez W]

This show is freaking hilarious. Love it.

[Blackmon]

I personally havent been so impressed by an HBO comedy since Lucky Louie. Which also was pulled from the air prematurely. I think if HBO does decide not to take on Eastbound for another season they are not only losing a great series, with what I believe to have a pretty cult following for only 6 episodes, they are also losing out on the McBride/Ferrel/Mckay/Hill team of comedy which right now couldnt be more popular. There is more of these guys to come, dont let Eastbound be a 'wish that would have lasted' notch on there resumes in 3 years when they are collecting there COMEDIAN OF THE DECADE awards. Ok maybe I went a little to far. KEEP EASTBOUND!

[frank]

i love the show i hope there is a second season and ive noticed most people i know love it but the only watch it on on demand so idk if thats why the rating are down or what but i say keep up the good work

[Johannes]

The guys from Flight of the Cocklords are fucking clown shoes.

[Jodie]

Attention HBO Execs: KEEP THIS SHOW! Kenny Powers character developed immensely throughout the season, and he has taken hold of us who watch this show every week. This show teamed with the ole Concords is the best block of television going on right now.

[James]

this show is unreal, every sunday 15+ of us would get togeather and watch it, its perfect humor, to the point, cut and dry in your face, knock your socks off laughing humor, and the cast is picture pefect...

[mike]

It really is a great show, mcbride(powers) can make you laugh, cry, hate him, and love him all at the same time. It will be a shame if it gets pulled.I can see this show goin nowhere but up, great potential.

[josh]

HBO NEEDS TO RE-UP THIS SHOW. KENNY WOULD FLIP THE FUCK OUT IF IT GOT CANCELED AND DO YOU REALLY WANT THAT? HAHAH one of the funniest shows ive ever seen. the comedy is untouched.

[pete]

I love the show, I think the first few episodes were slow and a little lame, but it all came around with the last two. "You are all my chinks!" The last episode was definitely what I expected from the show. But even going forward it doesn't have to be none stop laughs, cause I am truly interested and invested in what Kenny Powers will do next and what life will bring him. So please re-up. In Powers, we believe!

[David]

The show eastbound and down is by far the best show i have seen in ages. I completely love it and cannot wait to see season two. If there isnt a season two it woul de an awful mistake for hbo. It is the best show out.. I cannot wait to see what happens with kenny and april. THE SHOW IS AWSOME

[doc]

I cannot remember the last time a show has caught my attention so greatly and have me praying that it is sunday and time for the broadcast. The end of the episodes truly leave you full of suspense and ready for the next episode, Im truly sad the first season only contained six episodes. At times you will laugh untill you cry then at others it will almost have you cry especially when he leaves april again. GREAT SHOW

[deedee]

Best show out!

[Jamie]

This show is so funny that I woke up Monday morning giggling. The scene where he knocks the guy's eye out with his pitch should have made me sick but instead I could not stop laughing. It's so sick that it's funny...

[Brandt]

THis show is clearly a much appreciated and well needed show.....its different, captures our attention in a strange way, and somehow the progress of Kenny Powers is certain.....keep this show around...u cant end it like u did!!!

[matthew]

show is awsome...cannot wait for the next season...when the aprils man get all fucked up and is rubbing his dick has to be the funniest moment of the whole season!!!

[Rev. Dr. Mr.]

This show is more than a comedy it really is an analysis on the pressures we put on people being famous. There is a certain flamboyance and arrogance that goes with it and unlike Shattner he doesn’t want to live like common people, long live Stevie Janowski!

[J]

Eastbound and down is the funniest show of all time. If HBO doesnt bring them back, then look for showtime to jump on the Kenny Powers bandwagon. HBO has usually smart decision making, so i hope they dont drop the ball on this one.

[Pat]

Eastbound was funny as hell all season! I was disappointed that it was only 6 episodes long, and the ending was kind of lame (and I totally knew it was coming). Conchords season 2 was awful. I don't know how the show got so bad from season 1 to 2.

[Adrian]

This show has me looking forward to Sunday night's again....I hope HBO keep's Eastbound around for a long time.....The best show on TV.

[justtin]

its most deff the best show to come on in quite a while. i would say that i am a flight of the concords fan and i did like the second season but i dont think they can hold a candle to kenny powers. one of the best characters ive ever seen. danny mcbride plays a perfect a hole and is non stop hilrariious just like in basically all his movies. i was a little dissapointed in will ferrel's character ashley but i think stevie janowski was f#cking hilarious. please give us a second season!

[thorne]

PLEASE,PLEASE,PLEASE keep Eastbound and Down on the air. Although I never played baseball I had a lot of friends that played minor league ball I won't mention any names (HUTCH) and this is them.I love sunday nights because of this. And while I am at it can I get Entourage for an hour. Come on!!

[Brendan]

PLEASE KEEP THIS SHOW ON THE AIR!!!This is by far the funniest and most original comedy on tv now (even more so than 30 Rock). I love the attention to detail, like the thong tan line in the shower while drinking a Miller Highlife, or him listening to "My Milks Shake Brings all the Boys to the Yard" while in his Bronco-just perfect! The improv is classic Ferrell, and many would argue that McBride is even better-he is def the best swearer! I also think there is great character development. Every week we get more drawn into Kenny and the rest of the cast, especially Stevie. The show leaves you wanting more every week. I have done my part and got all my friends hooked. Anyway, watch this show, and pray that it gets picked up for a second season. POWERS OUT!

[john]

This show is fucking great, best show ive seen all year. I was expecting flight of the conchordes new season to be the best unfortunately i liked the first season on conchordes better than the second. Anyway this is the best and funiest fucking show ive seen all year. "Im fucking kenny powers, everyone wants a peice of my shit" lol

[frankie]

this show is fuckin hysterical! comedic genious! laughed my ass off every episode. no joke. they need to come back. there is a huge buzz about this show they need to keep re-running and get it in people's faces and come back with a longer strong new season.

[jay]

I got every point of the show and its great I had a friend from the Carolinas and he used alot of the Lingo Powers does. Its great to wanna watch HBO on sundays again and HBO do us a favor and re up the next season.

[David]

best show on tv period. If you dont think this show is funny you are ignorant or uptight. really smart comedy.

[Jeff]

Ashley Schaeffer BMW... WOOOO

[Jeff Champagne]

This show has the balls that people like to see on TV. Not to mention April who shows us what we were all hoping to see for the entire season.
If HBO decides not to bring back Kenny Powers for another season it will be making a mistake. A cult classic in the making. If Will Ferrell decides not to bring it back for another season then that is marketing genius. It does not help HBO but man what a tease!
I hope in the end the producers will make the right call and give us what we want. Another season and more from Ashley Schaeffer!

[Fowler]

I LOVE THIS SHOW. HBO has to renew it for a second season. It is so cleverly written. That line from the baseball scout, "Gold may you get you Jonas brothers tickets, black will have all 3 of them sucking your d***" OMG, that's the funniest line i've ever heard on TV. I will go crazy if HBO doesn't renew this show. Stevie Janowski is one of the funniest characters on TV. So my review is Eastbound and down is f***ing IN.