The Commercial Break – TCB Infomercial: Tim Baltz
Release Date: April 1, 2025
Introduction of Tim Baltz
In this episode of The Commercial Break, hosts Bryan Green and Chris Hoadley welcome special guest Tim Baltz, an accomplished actor known for his roles in Righteous Gemstones, Shrink, and the newly released Deli Boys. The trio engages in an in-depth conversation about Tim's career, his experiences on various sets, and insights into the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.
Tim’s Career Highlights and Recent Projects
Bryan Green introduces Tim by highlighting his impressive portfolio:
"[04:09] Brian Green: Tim Baltz is here. And if you don't know that name, you know that face, you know that guy. He's been in some, some rather like prestigious television shows."
Tim elaborates on his roles, discussing his character BJ Barnes in Righteous Gemstones, describing him as "hilarious" and a standout in the ensemble cast. He also touches upon his work in Shrink, a critically acclaimed show available on Peacock, and the latest addition to his repertoire, Deli Boys, which has been receiving great reviews on Hulu.
Ensemble Cast Dynamics and Acting Insights
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the dynamics of ensemble casts, particularly comparing Righteous Gemstones to the improvisational style of Christopher Guest's films. Bryan shares his admiration:
"[06:38] Bryan Green: We made the conclusion that Righteous Gemstones and that whole line of Danny McBride, you know, ensemble cast stuff is similar to the 80s and 90s when Christopher Guest was knocking it out of the park."
Tim discusses the collaborative environment on set, emphasizing the trust and ownership given to each actor:
"[25:32] Chris Hoadley: They gave everyone ownership over their parts. And they trusted everyone."
He praises the show's creators for fostering a space where actors can bring their unique interpretations, enhancing the authenticity and humor of the performances.
Experiences Filming in Charleston and Building Chemistry
Tim recounts his experiences filming Righteous Gemstones in Charleston, South Carolina, highlighting the city's growth and vibrant culture:
"[21:32] Chris Hoadley: We filmed the pilot there in 2018, and then we came back in 2019 to start season one. And by the time we were finishing last year, there's massive traffic jams."
He shares anecdotes about living with fellow actors and the camaraderie that developed among the cast and crew:
"[23:38] Chris Hoadley: It was like summer camp the whole season. We were riding our bikes to dinner."
Tim emphasizes how the supportive and friendly atmosphere contributed to the seamless performances and overall success of the show.
Impact of Streaming Platforms on Television Shows
The conversation shifts to the challenges faced by shows like Shrink in the streaming era. Bryan and Tim discuss how streaming platforms can sometimes hinder the longevity and accessibility of quality content:
"[38:28] Bryan Green: Sometimes, the streamers and OTT broke something that wasn't necessary. It actually made the access to the product worse."
Tim echoes these sentiments, expressing frustration over shows getting "stuck bouncing around" without finding a stable home, ultimately impacting their ability to grow and reach wider audiences.
Tim’s Additional Ventures: Deli Boys and Comedy Podcasts
Tim introduces his latest project, Deli Boys, describing it as "Guy Ritchie meets Succession," a show that blends sharp family drama with comedic flair. He shares his enthusiasm for the project's reception and the collaborative effort involved in bringing it to fruition:
"[33:24] Chris Hoadley: They said it was Guy Ritchie meets Succession, yeah."
Additionally, Tim talks about his involvement in comedy podcasts, including his Patreon-based show "Hey Randy," which offers a unique blend of call-in advice and humorous storytelling.
"[57:51] Tim Baltz: We have a podcast on the Comedy Bang Bang Patreon called Hey Randy. It's based on Randy Snuts, one of my long-running characters."
Anecdotes and Personal Stories
The hosts and Tim share lighthearted stories, including a memorable moment when Tim attended a Cubs game, showcasing his camaraderie and dedication as a fan:
"[62:50] Brian Green: ...Tim and I were commiserating about being long suffering Cubs fans... He was standing by himself at a table... had to stand there the entire night watching the game and the Cubs won the World Series."
These personal anecdotes add a relatable and humorous layer to the conversation, highlighting the genuine friendship and chemistry between the hosts and Tim.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
As the episode wraps up, Bryan and Chris encourage listeners to check out Tim's various projects across different streaming platforms, emphasizing his versatility and talent:
"[57:17] Chrissy: I'm excited. So excited."
Bryan concludes by praising Tim's contributions and expressing hope for future collaborations:
"[59:36] Brian Green: Thank you very much, my friend. We really appreciate it."
Notable Quotes:
- "[25:32] Chris Hoadley: They gave everyone ownership over their parts. And they trusted everyone."
- "[38:28] Bryan Green: Sometimes, the streamers and OTT broke something that wasn't necessary. It actually made the access to the product worse."
- "[33:24] Chris Hoadley: They said it was Guy Ritchie meets Succession, yeah."
Conclusion
This episode of The Commercial Break offers listeners an engaging glimpse into Tim Baltz's career, his approach to acting within ensemble casts, and his perspectives on the current state of the streaming industry. Through candid discussions and entertaining anecdotes, the hosts and Tim provide valuable insights and recommendations for fans eager to explore his body of work.
Recommended Shows:
- Righteous Gemstones – Available on Max
- Shrink – Available on Peacock
- Deli Boys – Available on Hulu
- Hey Randy Podcast – Available on Comedy Bang Bang Patreon
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