Zach Galifianakis’ charming ‘This Is a Gardening Show’ gives you food for thought

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Zach Galifianakis hosts “This Is a Gardening Show,” a new six-part series on Netflix premiering on Earth Day. Galifianakis repeatedly emphasizes his belief that a return to farming is essential for the future. The show focuses on growing food – apples, tomatoes, root vegetables, and corn – and gathering wild edibles, as well as the importance of composting. As Galifianakis puts it, “You have to have food.”

Zach Galifianakis, living a quiet life in British Columbia, has been a casual gardener for about 25 years. He’s not an expert like Monty Don, but rather a curious learner. The series follows him as he visits unique, down-to-earth farms on Vancouver Island, seeking advice and sampling the produce. He’s truly interested in gardening, though he often follows sincere statements with a self-deprecating joke – like saying he wants to die in a garden, then immediately adding that he’d prefer it be at The Olive Garden with an abundance of breadsticks. Each episode features beautiful time-lapse footage of plants growing, short animated segments explaining the history of the featured fruit, vegetable, or fungus, a bit of scientific information, and some helpful gardening tips. (I often found myself asking my gardening wife, “Did you know that?” and she usually did, but not always!)

I admit it’s a cultural oversight that I haven’t seen any of the “Hangover” films – they’ll probably be what Zach Galifianakis is most remembered for, and I hope that’s a long way off. However, I’ve often enjoyed his work on television. He was fantastic in the quirky mystery “Bored to Death” with Jason Schwartzman and Ted Danson, and his dual role in the poignant comedy “Baskets” was memorable. He’s also great as a sarcastic version of himself in “Only Murders in the Building.” His character in “The Audacity” on AMC is a particular highlight of that show. And while it started online, his brilliantly awkward talk show, “Between Two Ferns With Zach Galifianakis,” definitely counts as TV in my book. His unique show, “This Is a Gardening Show,” fits right in with these other successes.

Galifianakis often portrays characters who are downcast, resentful, or dislike themselves – he even describes his current persona as old and failing. Yet, these characters usually have a hidden tenderness, like a grumpy but lovable teddy bear fueled by energy drinks. His performances aren’t just acting; he shifts between moods and reacts to opportunities for humor, all to convey a sincere message. He believes that despite current pessimism, nature – gardens, the Earth, and the environment – offers hope. He feels positive change is possible if everyone actively embraces sustainability and works together.

Galifianakis spends a lot of time playfully interacting with young children, quizzing them on silly things like apple names – he might ask about a ‘McIntosh’ or jokingly suggest names like ‘Sausage Fingers’ or ‘Diarrhea Town’ – or asking what a potato reminds them of. He’ll even compare a potato to celebrities, deadpan, like saying it looks like a ‘kind of bland and plain’ Ryan Reynolds. Of course, he doesn’t actually feel that way about potatoes! While the kids are busy, he throws in jokes for the adults watching, referencing things like Ukrainian politics, current events, and even adult-themed humor.

But mostly, he meets them where they are.

Galifianakis to Lucas, a child: “My kids love mushrooms. Do you have children?”

Lucas: “Mmm-hmm.”

Galifianakis: “You do? You have children?”

Lucas: “Yes.”

Galifianakis: “How many kids do you have?”

Lucas: “I don’t know. Eleven.”

Galifianakis: “Well, I guess. You look good for your age. How old are you?”

Lucas: “Five and a half. I’m almost turning 6.”

Zach Galifianakis, seemingly confused, responded, “You’re almost six years old? Oh, that explains things… So, what are the names of your eleven children?”

Lucas: “I forget all their names.”

Galifianakis (ruefully, looking away): “Yeah, just like my mom.”

This show is both informative and genuinely touching. Each episode lasts around 15 minutes, and while you can find similar short videos online about topics like farming, produce, or heartwarming moments, this show uniquely combines all of those elements into one charming experience.

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2026-04-22 13:32