HBO’s 2 Dope Queens makes a convincing case for the two-person talk show

Vulture

Jessica Williams and Phoebe Robinson’s four-episode TV adaptation of their popular podcast, directed by Tig Notaro, works especially well because there are two of them, says Jen Chaney. “Anyone who listens to podcasts — or, for that matter, anyone who used to watch old ’70s variety shows like Sonny and Cher — knows there’s something special about watching a program co-hosted by two people who really know how to catch each other’s passes,” says Chaney. “Yet most late-night shows are solo acts with the occasional sidekick or bandleader who acts as a sounding board for jokes. We rarely see hosting partnerships that are true partnerships. The late-night talk format could use some shaking up, and the best way to shake it up on a more regular basis might be to send in the Queens.” ALSO: How do Williams and Robinson keep their show spontaneous when they spend so much time together? And when was the first time they struck comedy gold together?