Senses Working Overtime with David Cross: Episode Featuring Zach Cherry

Released on March 6, 2025

Introduction In this lively episode of Senses Working Overtime with David Cross, hosted by Headgum, David Cross welcomes comedian and actor Zach Cherry. The conversation flows seamlessly through a variety of topics, showcasing the hosts' sharp wit and playful banter. Skipping past the initial advertisements and intros, the episode delves into reality TV nuances, the intricacies of show adaptations, personal backgrounds, and light-hearted discussions about dogs and popular culture.

Reality TV Show Dynamics David and Zach kick off their conversation by dissecting the mechanics of reality TV shows, particularly focusing on adaptations like "Big Brother" and the fictional "Deal or No Deal Island."

• Big Brother Analogy: Zach draws parallels between their podcast setup and "Big Brother," noting, “[00:51] Zach Cherry: I've also been watching Big Brother, and in Big Brother, the red chairs mean you've been nominated for eviction.” This comparison sets the stage for their playful exploration of reality TV conventions.

• Deal or No Deal Island: The duo humorously critiques the concept of "Deal or No Deal Island," speculating on its mysterious banker character and potential links to notorious figures. David humorously muses, “[06:13] David Cross: So they've got to earn basically the money that they're going to try to win,” highlighting the absurdity of the show's premise.

Adaptation of British TV Shows A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the American adaptation of the British classic, the Great British Baking Show.

• Great American Baking Show: Zach shares his experience hosting the American version, “[12:26] Zach Cherry: Honestly, they just asked if I wanted to do it and I said, yeah, sounds fun. And has been. It's been really fun.” He elaborates on the challenges and humorous elements of adapting a beloved British format for an American audience.

• Cultural Differences: The conversation touches on why certain British shows don't translate well to American TV, with David noting, “[20:13] Zach Cherry: It would be like on, I think. David Cross: That's channel four maybe, I'm not sure,” emphasizing the nuanced differences in audience reception and production styles.

Comedy and Personal Experiences David and Zach delve into their personal forays into comedy, contrasting stand-up with improv.

• Stand-Up vs. Improv: Zach reflects on his limited stand-up experience, “[15:00] Zach Cherry: So. No.” and contrasts it with his preference for improv, stating, “[15:32] Zach Cherry: So.” This segment highlights their differing approaches to comedy and performance.

• Upbringing in Trenton: Zach shares anecdotes about growing up in Trenton, New Jersey, adding a personal touch to the conversation. “[17:22] Zach Cherry: Yes, that's right. Yeah.”

Exploration of British TV Gems The hosts explore lesser-known British TV shows, praising their authenticity and charm.

• Come Dine With Me: David enthusiastically describes the show's premise, “[21:44] David Cross: They have four contestants, they host dinner parties, and viewers score each experience.” He praises its low-budget charm and genuine interactions.

• Goggle Box and Bullseye: Further discussion on shows like "Goggle Box," where families watch TV together, and the nostalgic "Bullseye" game show, showcases their appreciation for diverse television formats.

Insights on 'Severance' and Production Quality Zach shares his admiration for the HBO series "Severance," commending its meticulous production.

• Severance Praise: “[46:07] Zach Cherry: I love it so much, and I love. It's so.” He lauds the show's attention to detail and creative choices, reflecting on how it has influenced his own professional standards.

Light-Hearted Banter and Closing Remarks The episode concludes with humorous exchanges about dogs and a playful segment where David's daughter poses a question about cowboys wearing boots.

• Dog Stories: Both hosts share stories about their pets, adding warmth and relatability to the conversation.

• Cowboys and Boots Question: “[63:44] David Cross: Zachary, why do cowboys always wear boots?” Zach responds thoughtfully, blending humor with insightful speculation.

Notable Quotes

• “[06:13] David Cross: So they've got to earn basically the money that they're going to try to win.”
• “[15:32] Zach Cherry: So.” (Referring to his preference for improv over stand-up)
• “[21:44] David Cross: They have four contestants, they host dinner parties, and viewers score each experience.”
• “[46:07] Zach Cherry: I love it so much, and I love. It's so.”

Conclusion This episode of Senses Working Overtime with David Cross offers a rich tapestry of humor, insightful commentary on television formats, and personal anecdotes from both hosts. For listeners unfamiliar with the episode, it provides an engaging and entertaining glimpse into the dynamic interplay between David Cross and Zach Cherry, making it a must-listen for fans of conversational comedy and pop culture discussions.