Picture Credit: Netflix
Zach Galifianakis is best known for his iconic role in The Hangover films. Others will recognize him from the brilliantly awkward interviews in Between Two Ferns, where he dismantles celebrity guests in his own offbeat way. In This is a Gardening Show, he proves why he is so unique, this time in a setting you wouldn’t normally expect: gardening, together with experts and children.
Strangely enough, it works. In fact, it works remarkably well. What you get is effortless, easygoing entertainment that you can burn through in a single evening. The episodes are short, the tone is light, and beneath the silly jokes, there is just enough substance to give it some weight.
At a time when everything seems to aim for bigger, heavier, and more serious, with true crime, dystopian dramas, and oversized blockbusters dominating the landscape, this show does the exact opposite. It is small, simple, and genuinely entertaining. At times, it makes no sense at all, and that is precisely the appeal. This is comfort television in its purest form.
Do not be misled by the title. Anyone expecting a serious, informative gardening documentary will be disappointed. Yes, you might pick up the occasional tip, but the show is really about Galifianakis himself, his timing, his dry humor, and above all, his interactions with the children. That chemistry is consistently fun to watch.
What stands out is how Galifianakis occasionally asks surprisingly thoughtful, almost philosophical questions, only to immediately undercut them with a deliberately dumb joke. In most settings, that would feel forced. Here, it fits perfectly. The segments with adults lean into awkwardness, which only adds to the charm.
His style of humor remains difficult to pin down. There is simply no one else doing quite the same thing. It will not work for everyone, as it sometimes slips into very dry, almost childish silliness, but within this format, it all clicks.
Picture Credit: Netflix
With This is a Gardening Show, Netflix has delivered an unexpectedly delightful series. This is exactly the kind of feel-good television that has become increasingly rare in recent years. Galifianakis is a joy to watch, and the show offers something genuinely valuable: the chance to switch off and relax.
The production is tight, the informative moments are handled in a playful and accessible way, and it is also a great watch with kids. This is not the kind of television that stays with you because of its depth or urgency, but because it simply feels good.
MVP of This Is A Gardening Show
Zach Galifianakis is, without question, the beating heart of this series. It simply would not work, or at least not nearly as well, with anyone else. The show feels tailor-made for him. Its humor and charm thrive on awkward exchanges with adults, balanced by his playful, often surprisingly sharp conversations with children. It is a delicate mix that few could pull off, but Galifianakis makes it look effortless.
The Verdict
This Is a Gardening Show is an absolute joy to watch. It will not land for everyone, but its brand of silly, lighthearted humor feels refreshingly different from anything we have seen in years. This is the kind of easygoing, genuinely fun television that has become far too rare. If there is one downside, it is how quickly it is over. The episodes feel short, and the season even shorter. Netflix should not hesitate for a second to greenlight another season, because this leaves you wanting more. A lot more.
