The program featured numerous filmed comedy segments, many of which parodied middle of the 1980s to beginning of the 1990s pop culture. Despite receiving mostly positive reviews, Fox canceled the series after only 13 episodes, due to low ratings.[1][2]
The original MTV version of The Ben Stiller Show aired in 1990, and ran for six episodes. It is not available on DVD, although excerpts from the program are featured as a bonus on the release of the Fox series. Produced by Jim Jones, who would go on to produce the Fox series and starring Ben Stiller and co writer Jeff Kahn, it was a self effacing show within a show format.
Part of MTV's pre-Real World and experimental Vid-Com season of 1989 to 1990, it was interspersed with music videos that Ben and company would introduce in their short comedy sketches. Regulars included Harry O'Reilly and Ben's sister Amy Stiller. Guest stars included Ben's parents Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller, as well as John F. O'Donohue, Melina Kanakaredes, Al Lewis and MTV regular Martha Quinn.
Warner Home Video released all 13 episodes of the Fox version of The Ben Stiller Show on DVD in Region 1 on December 2, 2003.[3][4]
DVD Name
Ep#
Release Date
Additional Information
The Ben Stiller Show: Complete Series
13
December 2, 2003
Audio Commentaries by Ben Stiller, the entire cast and writers for the show on 7 key episodes
Featurette: A Brief History of The Ben Stiller Show including alternate versions of the pilot and two early parodies made for MTV
Deleted scenes: 5 unaired sketches with optional commentary
Outtakes
TV Special: An E! "Behind The Scenes" Special
Easter Egg
Reunion
In November 2012, there was a reunion at the New York Comedy Festival with the original cast members.[5][6] Apatow hosted the reunion which featured Stiller, Janeane Garofalo, Andy Dick and staff writers Robert Cohen and Jeff Kahn. Bob Odenkirk also appeared via Skype video chat.[7]