What Happened to Mr. Show with Bob and David?
Mr. Show with Bob and David was a highly influential sketch comedy series that aired on HBO from 1995 to 1998, starring and created by Bob Odenkirk and David Cross. Despite its short run, it garnered a significant cult following and is celebrated for its innovative, non-linear style and impact on alternative comedy. The duo and much of the original cast have reunited for various projects, including a 2015 Netflix series and a 2026 documentary about their trip to Machu Picchu.
Quick Answer
Mr. Show with Bob and David, the groundbreaking HBO sketch comedy series, concluded its original run in 1998 but has maintained a strong cult following and significant influence on comedy. Creators Bob Odenkirk and David Cross, along with many original cast members, reunited for the Netflix series 'W/ Bob & David' in 2015. Most recently, the duo starred in the documentary 'Bob & David Climb Machu Picchu,' which premiered in June 2026, chronicling their 2024 hiking adventure. Both Odenkirk and Cross continue to pursue individual projects, with Cross embarking on a stand-up tour in late 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Mr. Show with Bob and David Premieres
The innovative sketch comedy series, created by and starring Bob Odenkirk and David Cross, debuts on HBO, quickly gaining a cult following for its surreal and non-linear style.
Mr. Show Concludes Original Run
After four seasons and 30 episodes, the highly influential sketch comedy series airs its final episode on HBO.
Run Ronnie Run! Premieres at Sundance
A feature film spin-off based on a recurring 'Mr. Show' character, starring David Cross and featuring Bob Odenkirk, premieres at the Sundance Film Festival.
Run Ronnie Run! Released Direct-to-Video
After significant studio issues, the 'Mr. Show' spin-off film is released direct-to-video, a move that disappointed its creators.
W/ Bob & David Premieres on Netflix
Bob Odenkirk and David Cross reunite for a new four-episode sketch comedy series on Netflix, bringing back many original 'Mr. Show' cast members and writers.
Mr. Show Zoomtacular Annual Business Call Event for Charity
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Odenkirk, Cross, and most of the original 'Mr. Show' cast reunite for a virtual charity event featuring new sketches.
Netflix Removes 'W/ Bob & David' Episode
Netflix removes the third episode of 'W/ Bob & David' due to a sketch featuring David Cross in blackface, a decision that sparked debate regarding its satirical intent.
'Guru Nation' Series Announced
Bob Odenkirk and David Cross announce a new mockumentary series, 'Guru Nation,' where they would portray rival cult leaders.
'Guru Nation' Project Scrapped
David Cross reveals that Paramount+ cancelled the 'Guru Nation' series, citing a lack of understanding from the marketing department.
Bob Odenkirk and David Cross Hike Machu Picchu
The comedy duo embarks on a hiking trip to Machu Picchu, which is filmed for a documentary.
Mr. Show Cast Reunion at Alt Comedy All-Stars Benefit
Bob Odenkirk and other 'Mr. Show' cast members, including Mary Lynn Rajskub and Brian Posehn, participate in a benefit show for Comedy Gives Back in Los Angeles.
David Cross Discusses New Special and Machu Picchu Doc
David Cross appears on TODAY to discuss his ninth stand-up special, 'The End of the Beginning of the End,' and the upcoming 'Bob & David Climb Machu Picchu' documentary.
First Image from 'Bob & David Climb Machu Picchu' Released
The first promotional image for the documentary chronicling Odenkirk and Cross's 2024 Machu Picchu trek is released ahead of its premiere.
Bob Odenkirk and Mr. Show Cast at Alt Comedy All-Stars 2026
Bob Odenkirk and members of the 'Mr. Show' cast return for the 3rd Annual Alt Comedy All-Stars benefit for Comedy Gives Back at The Montálban Theatre in Los Angeles.
'Bob & David Climb Machu Picchu' Documentary Premieres
The documentary featuring Bob Odenkirk and David Cross's 2024 adventure to Machu Picchu has its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival.
David Cross Begins Fall Stand-Up Tour
David Cross is scheduled to begin a series of stand-up performances, including multiple dates at Wiseguys Comedy Club in Salt Lake City, Utah, showcasing a 'BRAND NEW HOUR'.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Mr. Show with Bob and David, often simply referred to as 'Mr. Show,' premiered on HBO in November 1995, quickly establishing itself as a unique voice in sketch comedy. Created by and starring Bob Odenkirk and David Cross, the show was known for its surreal, non-linear structure, often featuring sketches that seamlessly transitioned into one another, creating a cohesive, if absurd, narrative. Despite its premium cable slot limiting its mass audience, it developed a devoted cult following and became highly influential, launching the careers of many notable comedians and writers, including Sarah Silverman, Paul F. Tompkins, Jack Black, and Scott Aukerman.
Following its cancellation in December 1998 after four seasons and 30 episodes, the show's legacy continued to grow through DVD releases and word-of-mouth. Odenkirk and Cross attempted a feature film spin-off, 'Run Ronnie Run!', based on a recurring character, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2002 but faced significant studio interference and was eventually released direct-to-video in 2003, much to the creators' public dissatisfaction. Both Odenkirk and Cross went on to achieve significant individual success, with Odenkirk gaining widespread acclaim for his roles in 'Breaking Bad' and 'Better Call Saul,' and Cross for 'Arrested Development' and his stand-up comedy.
The duo reunited in 2015 for 'W/ Bob & David,' a four-episode sketch comedy series on Netflix, which also brought back many original 'Mr. Show' cast and writers. The series was well-received, offering a modern take on their classic style. However, in June 2020, Netflix removed one episode due to a sketch featuring David Cross in blackface, a decision both Odenkirk and Cross publicly objected to, stating the sketch was intended as satire. In May 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the 'Mr. Show' team, including Odenkirk and Cross, participated in a Zoom-based charity reunion event called 'The Mr. Show Zoomtacular Annual Business Call Event for Charity,' featuring new sketches.
More recently, Odenkirk and Cross planned a new mockumentary series called 'Guru Nation' in 2022, where they would play rival cult gurus. However, Cross revealed in April 2024 that Paramount+ had scrapped the project, citing a lack of understanding from the marketing department. Despite this setback, their collaboration continued. In 2024, the two embarked on a hiking trip to Machu Picchu, which was documented in 'Bob & David Climb Machu Picchu.' The documentary premiered at the Tribeca Festival in June 2026, showcasing their enduring friendship and creative partnership. As of September 2026, David Cross is also actively touring with a new stand-up hour. 'Mr. Show with Bob and David' remains available for streaming on platforms like HBO Max and Hulu.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Mr. Show with Bob and David made different choices?