Fans of the “Bad Friends” podcast, starring Bobby Lee and Andrew Santino, often tune in for their unfiltered humor and unpredictable segments. A recent episode featured a “Family Feud” inspired segment, sparking discussions among listeners about its comedic impact and overall execution within the show’s evolving landscape. While the concept held promise, some felt it didn’t fully reach its comedic potential compared to other standout moments from the podcast.
The “Family Feud” segment, while entertaining, might have landed even funnier in a different episode, one where it wasn’t perceived as practice or rehearsal. This observation hints at a broader sentiment regarding the podcast’s trajectory. Longtime viewers have noticed shifts in the show’s comedic rhythm, particularly around late 2023. Earlier episodes, especially those before this period, were often characterized by spontaneous, vlog-style moments that effortlessly generated hysterical laughter. The Halloween episode is even pinpointed by some as a possible turning point, marking the beginning of a slightly different, perhaps “weirder,” phase in the podcast’s evolution, a sentiment even echoed by Bobby Lee himself within a later episode in 2023.
Despite these perceived shifts, the affection for “Bad Friends” remains strong. Many fans, who have followed the individual careers of Santino and Lee for years prior to the podcast’s inception, remain invested in their storytelling and the behind-the-scenes glimpses into their creative processes. The podcast’s journey can even be viewed through the lens of distinct “seasons,” each with its own flavor:
- Season 1 (2020): The initial phase, marked by the duo finding their footing, yet still delivering enjoyable content.
- Season 2 (2021): A period where they solidified their dynamic, producing consistently good episodes, though not yet reaching peak form.
- Season 3 (2022): This season saw the podcast gain significant traction, arguably approaching its peak in both quality and viewership.
- Season 4 (2023): Potentially the “peak” season in terms of comedic quality, showcasing the duo at their sharpest.
- Season 5 (2024): While achieving definitive “peak” viewership, this era has also introduced more polarizing episodes and guest appearances, indicating a possible shift in the show’s dynamic.
Amidst these discussions of evolving seasons, certain comedic highlights consistently emerge. Moments like the “Indian music bit” and the “death bit” are frequently cited as examples of the podcast’s comedic brilliance. The “Indian music bit,” in particular, stands out for its rewatchability and clever callbacks within the same episode. The “death bit,” on the other hand, is lauded for its layered humor, starting with Bobby Lee’s simple premise, escalating with Fancy B. Scholar’s “Fancy Slam,” and culminating in Andrew Santino’s creatively goofy conclusion.
While individual episode ratings are subjective, the “Family Feud” segment and the broader episode it featured might be considered a solid 7.5 out of 10. However, the podcast’s strength lies in its ability to create moments that resonate deeply with fans, even if not every segment hits the comedic bullseye. The ongoing evolution of “Bad Friends” keeps the content fresh and engaging for its dedicated audience, who remain eager to see what comedic directions Bobby Lee and Andrew Santino will explore next.
