In the world of standup comedy, few names evoke as much laughter and intrigue as Bert Kreischer. Known for his wild anecdotes and unique stage presence, Kreischer has now taken his comedic prowess to Netflix with his latest series, 'Free Bert.'
The Genesis of 'Free Bert'
The six-part dark comedy series, which streams in its entirety on Netflix, is a fictionalized take on Kreischer's life and career. The series opens with Kreischer performing at Rob Lowe’s birthday party, where the actor is more interested in Kreischer's shirtless gimmick than his comedy.
A New Chapter in Comedy
For Kreischer, 'Free Bert' is more than just a comedic series; it's a reflection of his life and the challenges he faced. 'I was fired from the Travel Channel, everything was going away for me, and I had to re-figure out who I was,' Kreischer shares. 'At the same time, we were at a school where it felt like everyone had money. Everyone had nice cars. Everyone had big houses. Our house was 1,100 square feet, and it was right by the Jack In the Box. We felt like we were the Beverly Hillbillies.'
The Shirtless Gimmick
Kreischer has been known for his shirtless performances for over 15 years. However, as more comedians and athletes adopted a similar approach, Kreischer felt the need to reinvent himself. 'Now, it’s like everyone’s shirtless,' he says. Despite considering wearing a full suit for his next special, Kreischer ultimately decided to stick with what made him a household name.
A Family Affair
'Free Bert' not only focuses on Kreischer's comedic journey but also delves into his family life. The series features Kreischer, his wife LeeAnn, and their two daughters, Georgia and Ila, who share names with his actual wife and daughters. The storyline revolves around their attempt to fit in at a new, elite private school in Los Angeles, adding a layer of relatable humor to the series.
Hollywood Aspirations
Beyond standup, Kreischer has always had aspirations in Hollywood. His latest project is a testament to his desire to explore different facets of entertainment. 'I got hired for a private party one time and I tried doing material, and it was terrible,' Kreischer recalls. 'So I ripped my shirt off, and it was a hit. That’s when I realized people love the chaos.' This realization has driven Kreischer to push boundaries and explore new comedic territories.
The Machine and Beyond
Before 'Free Bert,' Kreischer starred in the movie 'The Machine,' which he reveals was intentionally hoped to bomb by Netflix execs. 'They didn’t want it to do well in theaters,' he says with a chuckle. Despite the initial setback, Kreischer's career has continued to soar, with 'Free Bert' being the latest testament to his comedic genius.
A Reflection of Modern Life
'Free Bert' is not just a comedic series; it's a reflection of modern life, filled with its ups and downs, triumphs and struggles. Kreischer's ability to weave his personal experiences into his comedic narrative makes the series relatable and entertaining. Whether it's the challenges of fitting into a new environment or the pursuit of identity, 'Free Bert' captures the essence of everyday life with a comedic twist.
Conclusion
With 'Free Bert,' Bert Kreischer has once again proven his versatility and comedic prowess. The series is a must-watch for fans of his standup and those looking for a good laugh. As Kreischer continues to navigate the world of comedy and entertainment, one thing is clear: his journey is far from over.
