Tenacious D (1997–2000) User Reviews (44)

Amazing series to watch with friends

[eeveegms · 9/10 · 1 November 2023]

"Tenacious D," the legendary comedic rock duo comprised of Jack Black and Kyle Gass, brought their unique brand of humor and musical talent to the small screen with their eponymous series from 1997 to 2000. This show was an absolute gem that captured the hearts of audiences with its uproarious wit, infectious energy, and incredible musical performances.

The series radiated an unparalleled charm, seamlessly blending over-the-top humor with the duo's genuine musical prowess. Jack Black and Kyle Gass's chemistry was electrifying, exuding an infectious camaraderie that drew viewers in, leaving them in fits of laughter with each episode.

One of the show's defining features was its ability to seamlessly infuse comedic sketches with original music. The songs were not only catchy but also brilliantly showcased the duo's musical abilities, combining hilarious lyrics with impressive guitar riffs and vocals.

The show's absurd and unapologetically bold humor never failed to entertain. Whether they were embarking on absurd adventures, encountering bizarre characters, or exploring their outrageous imaginations, the comedic genius of Tenacious D was consistently on display, creating an unforgettable viewing experience.

"Tenacious D" remains a cult classic, revered for its innovation and unbridled creativity. Its impact continues to resonate with fans, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of the dynamic duo. The series not only solidified Tenacious D as a comedic and musical powerhouse but also left an indelible mark on the landscape of comedy television.

For anyone seeking a laughter-filled, music-infused escapade, "Tenacious D" is an absolute must-watch, a timeless classic that continues to bring joy and laughter to audiences of all ages.

3.5 Stars out of 5 Stars

[ajneeago96 · 7/10 · 5 May 2021]

A great precursor to The Pick of Destiny. My only complaint is that I wish this was longer.

Great show that ended too early

[scoobyboobruh · 8/10 · 5 March 2022]

This show is quality. It actually made me laugh and the music is kick-ass. The music segments and the show segments are balanced perfectly, and the best I've seen when compared to similar cases. They actually connect together. I'm sad that this show is so short, and if there were more episodes, I could've given this show an even higher score. There's just too little to judge. This show also has unique editing and cinematography, almost as if you were watching a public access show. It gives it a unique feel. I definitely recommend this show to any comedy fan, as its short and you could watch all the episodes in about an hour and a half.

A Show Crafted On Rocket Sauce

[aprat · 2 June 2003]

Two musicians with acoustic guitars attends a weekly open mic night. Doesn't sound like much, but it really is. The comedy is truly funny (especially the parodic stand-up bits), but the highlight of the show, and it is a bright highlight indeed, is the musical numbers. The song writing is without a doubt exceptional. "...having sex with me and KG, now were talking double team..." All songs are delivered with incredible feel and musical prowess, especially "Sex Supreme", "Explosivo" and "The Greatest Song in the World". The episodes should really come out on DVD, even if there only is about 60 minutes of material. For now, you could buy their CD. It features all their best songs from this show, except "Cosmic Shame", which i really enjoyed.

Get your hands on this show, especially if you have a keen interest in alternative music.

whats not to like

[jessgreer2000 · 10/10 · 25 June 2010]

Really, who doesn't like to see regular looking people belting out funny, witty, and sexually charged music. They are two very talented, intelligent, heavy set, sexy as f**k dudes that rock our faces off. From a decade (even though they got big in 2000, they started out in the 90s) that's still to young to be recognized for it's truly great talents.

Jack Black and Kyle Gass are original and funny. I'm surprised the show got canned after only 3 episodes, but when the heads want to take your creative control, then you either bend over or give em the finger and find the door.

If you like rock, or even like the comedy from the genre that brought us David cross and the odenkirks then you should love this.

Rough and ready early skits that kick started Tenacious D's journey and Jack Black's larger career. Interesting to see where it all started.

[mickman91-1 · 6/10 · 28 January 2022]

The whole 6 'episodes' only runs at about an hour. So be clear this is just a collection of short skits that tenacious D did at the start of their journey together. We get to hear the origins of some of the classic tracks off the debut album. JB and KG are as funny and stupid as ever. It is a bit rough and ready, I imagine this would have been shown at like 2am on MTV one time in the late 90s and only a bunch of stoners watched it. But they probably saw the potential as someone else did for Tenacious D to be the brilliant troupe that they are and for Jack Black to be a legendary comedy star that he is. Worth a watch if you know Tenacious D's first album.

'The D' are indeed the greatest band on earth...

[kungfuonion · 5 July 2002]

Tenacious D recently has achieved a mainstream following through it's latest single 'Tribute' (receiving high rotations on MTV, and international stations such as Channel [V] in Australia), but what the everyday casual listener may not realise is the fact that the roots of Tenacious D were firmly planted long before the song graced international shores.

After some digging, I happened to come across a collection of episodes. Even though the CD was my introduction to the band, all fans need to see the shows to even grasp the genius the is 'the D'.

Of course, the show isn't just for fans. The series is a comedic delight in it's own right, outlining the very real struggle of an unsigned act, trying to make it big in the music industry and the struggles that come with it. New fans of the D who have heard the music will defiantly get a kick out of seeing the back stories behind some of the songs such as 'Lee' and 'Tribute'.

Jack Black and Kyle Gass are a great team, music wise and acting, perhaps because of the fact that they are playing themselves, and the elements of the Tenacious D story are autobiographical in nature.

Of course, Tenacious D aren't for every. Those who do not appreciate the comic stylings of the almighty Jack Black will probably not enjoy the show or the music. With that said, almost everyone with a sense of humour should be able to get a kick out of 'the D' in some way, whether through their music or acting.

The series is a must-see if not only for musicians, but also comedy lovers as well, and of course, new fans of the D.

Words cannot describe them... hilarious show!

[cinefan · 9 March 2000]

The true spirit of Tenacious D is actually captured quite accurately in the other reviews on this site (well, the fanatical ones anyway). For the uninitiated, I'll try to clear things up. Tenacious D is composed of two guys, Jack Black & Kyle Gass, who have a two man band in which they both play acoustic guitar and sing (though Jack is the primary singer). They play some bizarre hybrid of heavy metal and folk. All their lyrics center around how they are truly the greatest band in the universe and have incredible, unfathomable sexual prowess. All of this is sung with 100%, almost hyper-conviction. This is, basically, the joke. I was never a big fan of them live, or their whole act in general (it's amusing and unquestionably original in presentation, but I feel it wears kinda thin fast). However, when Bob Odenkirk and David Cross (and their creative team) from "Mr. Show" got a hold of them for a group of shows for HBO, they transformed the concept into something even better. The show, which presents the two as two out-of-work oddballs who get into all sorts of screwy adventures in between gigs, is as hilarious and out-of-left-field as "Mr. Show" (which is saying something, as "Mr. Show" is the best comedy show of the last decade, easily). Each "adventure" is about fifteen minutes long, each containing a thematically-linked live song. The whole kit-and-kaboodle is bracketed by appearances by Jack & Kyle speaking as hosts directly to the TV audience, as Burns & Allen and Abbott & Costello used to do on their shows. All in all, the total effect is as if "The Abbott & Costello Show" has been updated for the '90s starring Tenacious D and adding music. Did I mention, it was really funny?

One of the best shows to ever air on HBO

[jackrabbitslims-1 · 7 February 2002]

If you were wondering, Tenacious D is the name of the show of the greatest band in the world of the same name. It consists of Jack Black and Kyle Gass. Add a camera and if you air their crazy adventures on HBO then you have yourself one of the funniest half hours since neanderthals tried to create fire. Although it only ran for 3 episodes, I hope this goes the way of the short-lived Clerks animated series and is updated to DVD with more episodes.

this show is awesome

[mosquito12 · 1 June 2003]

i've seen this series and i must say that it is absolutely brilliant. the music is great, the characters are hilarious and jack black is just the funniest man alive. if you own or have heard any of tenacious d's album you should definitely watch the show; it will really make you have a greater appreciation for the D, as many of the songs on that album were featured, in early versions without bass or drums, on this show. so basically if you havent seen this show try to find someone who has a copy of it on tape (try ebay) and if you dont have the album then buy it. if you havent experienced the D then you simply have not lived!

the funniest, most original musical act I have ever heard

[mcmonster78 · 20 July 2001]

I was lucky enough to record all three episodes that aired on HBO before they pulled the plug on the show, and I still watch them ritualistically and laugh my butt off. Jack Black is definitely one of comedy's funniest actors, and this is the highlight of his career (so far). Kyle Gass plays a mean guitar, and together these two will rock your socks off. They have caught the national attention of Tim Robbins, Ben Stiller (producing the Tenacious D movie!), the Foo Fighters (they have a cameo in a Foo Fighters video), and have a record deal with Epic Records (owned by Sony). There was talk of a Rhino video release of these episodes, and when it happens, buy it, because unfortunately, that is the only way you will ever be able to see this extremely funny show.

Great Show

[Garett2 · 2 November 2001]

The looks of Jack Black and Kyle Gass are part of the comedy. They are unlikely rock stars, and after the series, they have begun to tout themselves as the greatest rock act ever. Their looks totally contradict their rock attitude and that is where most of the humor comes from. They are hilarious and Black's delivery makes the show.

Amazing

[shageydope · 8 September 2002]

Tenacious D is the most amazing show I have ever seen in my life. It mixes comedy and music together so well. The open mic performances are creative and written well. Kyle Gass is a classically trained musician and Jack Black can throw down some insane lyrics. Folk-Metal is what I would classify the music as. Songs like "Jesus Ranch" and "Kyle Took a Bullet for Me" are two examples of their talent as both musicians and comedians. Too bad HBO canceled the series. If you havent, go buy the CD.

greatest show in the world.

[belfasttbloke · 19 October 2005]

In case you have been in a coma for the last few years and haven't heard of Tenacious D. They are a running joke as the greatest rock band in the world. The joke being they play acoustic rock solely on 2 acoustic guitars. But they really are one of the greatest rock bands in the world. Jack Black has the greatest rock voice since Ian Gillan off Deep Purple fame (check out the original CD of Jesus Christ Superstar, you'll see what i mean).

As for Kyle Gass, he truly is an incredibly talented guitar player as is JB. But KG is up there with paco pina and Julian Bream in my opinion. The short lived HBO Tenacious D episodes now available on The complete masterworks of Tenacious D are a cross between the monkees and Ren and Stimpy. Sheer genius. And on the DVD you get a lot of bang for your bucks.. The episodes. live concert. road footage. skits. and music vids and TV appearances. Ask Santa to bring you it this Xmas, you will not be disappointed!

Tenacious D Rocks

[macgruder · 8 April 1999]

Tenacious D is a different kind of show. It revolves around a pair of guys who apparently have no jobs and whose lives revolve around going to the local bar on open mike night and playing together and calling themselves Tenacious D. I have no idea what that name means, though. A lot of the jokes are inside jokes between the two cast members (Kyle Gass and Jack Black). Although you kind of get the idea of what they mean by some of the made up words and phrases that they use (i.e. poops MgGee). The songs that they play have lyrics that are hilarious but also the songs have a great melody to them, not just some crap that sounds bad. It sounds GOOD and so does the vocals of Jack Black, who really has a great voice. So, if you like Mr. Show on HBO (Bob and Dave from Mr. Show produce this series), then there's a good chance that you'll like the offbeat humor that Tenacious D has.

A Classic: A-la Spinal Tap for the Garage Musician

[shephund · 1 August 2002]

From their garage, to the Comedy Clubs to HBO, this series (produced by David Cross "Mr. Show") helped add fuel to an underground following for Tenacious D that would lead to their debut Album in 2001 "Tenacious D" and their sold out shows across the US and England. Each of the 6 episodes that aired on HBO start out with Jack and Kyle heading out to open mic night with guitars in hand. Starting out with an opening tune that usually meshed their clever comedic talents with beautiful harmonies and acoustic guitar, this would set up a Pulp style storyline that led to yet another open mic night and another great tune. This series is a modern Spinal Tap for the Garage Musician. I would like to see HBO offer the episodes on DVD so everyone can enjoy this classic. SM

Great music, great comedy, what else do you need in a TV show?

[RocketSauceTD · 11 February 2003]

Quite simply, my favorite TV show of all time. Even though there are only 6 episodes, each one is brilliant enough to make you want to watch them again and again. The show revolves around 2 musicians, Kyle Gass and Jack Black, trying to live out their rock star fantasies. You'd expect them, since it's a comedy, to be horrible, but the whole "gag", for lack of a better term, is that they are 2 incredibly talented musicians. And now, ironically, Tenacious D are in fact legitimate rock stars. I give it my highest recommendation.

The Greatest Band/Show On Earth

[birdsell · 17 August 2002]

First of all I would like to say that Tenacious D premiered in 1997.

This is the greatest show in the world. The D kick ass and take names. This show can only be outdone by a live performance. Take it from me, the music in the show is almost as good as it is live, and better than the album. This gives all Tenacious D fans the opportunity to listen to their music in a non-studio setting, they way it should be heard. Again, it premiered in 1997 not 1999.

A great show that got cancelled.

[dootuss · 1 March 2002]

This was a pretty cool, and funny show that used to air on HBO which starred the band "Tenacious D" which is a two guy band consisted of Jack Black (also a great actor), and Kyle Gass. This show also had some of their songs on it too. Thanks to the creators of "Mr.Show" for bringing the "D" to the tube. 10/10.

Hilarious;Creative;Original;and simply a great show

[JohnnyUtahOSU · 14 February 2001]

"Tenacious D" is a magnificent creation starring two of my favorite people of all time. As a huge fan of the actual band, I loved their show and was very upset that it was taken off of the air. However, all that that means is that the duo is able to record under a major record label and kick some serious ass, rock and roll style! Despite my love for this show, one can only really appreciate the D when they have seen them live, in concert. I speak from experience, they rocked the house on Philly at the TLA in front of a packed crowd, of which I was a part of. If you have ever heard them play songs like Rocketsauce, or The Greatest Song in the World, you would be as enthused as I am. Jack Black and Kyle Gass are on the verge of greatness today, and without their stint on HBO, this greatness may have been delayed three, or maybe four days. For these reasons, I suggest you write HBO and show your hatred to the big-wigs who took "Tenacious D" off the air!

The "D" rocks the house!!!

[ryanmcgraw · 19 September 2000]

These two are perfect together! Not since Abbot and Costello has there been such chemistry. A virtual Penn and Teller with guitars sans tricks. The magic is their blend of humor and vocal harmony. They have become some what of a cult following and with the comedic successes of Jack Black on the big screen, has only increased their popularity. I highly recommend seeing this duet-ing duo.

i enjoy comedy

[haut_nickels · 9 February 2001]

a fresh look at comedy. i enjoy watching any david cross- produced show nowadays. he continues to pump new life into the concept of laughing at the seriousness of life. with jack black (j.b.) alongside kyle, these two had some pretty wild times. unfortunately hbo cut the funding. i mean as we all could have seen for our selves, show such as "seinfeld" started out a little rough around the edges. nobody has any patience any more, everything has to BE seinfeld right off the bat. and that's simply not fair. anyways, this show is...er... was, a refreshing look at life, and is well worth anyones time. hysterical.

8/10

The greatest band on Earth!

[pahool · 11 September 1999]

The D is the greatest band on Earth (Jesus Ranch the best song), and anywhere else for that matter. If you do not understand this, that is your problem. It doesn't make it any less true.

Music from the other side of the fence. Satan himself couldn't make more rocking tunes than this (although he shows up for an occasional cameo.) Tenacious D wield great power and emanate powerful waves of sexual energy (they warn that ovulating women should not sit in the front row, for the very real fertilization danger.) Those who haven't had the good fortune to see them live may never understand. But at least now have them on HBO, so you can worship them at your home altar (blood sacrifices preferred, cheeseburgers welcome.) When Tenacious D rides into town, the truly wise will offer up their women, and fresh horses.

Seeing Tenacious D is like taking Mott the Hoople, Iron Maiden, Uriah Heep, Gwar, John Denver and the muppets, stuffing them in a bong and smoking them. All other opinions are invalid, null, void, and past warranty: a plague on your unbelieving souls!

TenaciousD rocks the house

[PusBag · 6 April 1999]

The D isn't just some other HBO special. It is a mindbending spiritual journey that will change your life forever. Not really, but it is a hilarious comedy with 2 fat guys singing. What more could you want? Be prepared to have your a$$ blown away...

Tenacious D is the bomb

[ebert_jr · 15 October 1999]

These guys have to be A.) Seen and B.) Heard (not necessarily in that order) to be fully appreciated. Completely off the wall presentation that's fresh, with a hybrid comedy/music/two man theatre act that stands alone. Frank Zappa would have appreciated this.