Movies

Tom Segura’s Netflix show ‘Bad Thoughts’ thrives on unhinged, ‘really messed up’ dark comedy

BBG News

Everyone has had their share of negative thoughts, but the macabre musings swirling in the mind of comedian, podcaster, and author Tom Segura are certainly not for the faint-hearted. Known for his morbid brand of humor, Segura’s latest venture, a six-episode series titled “Bad Thoughts,” delves deep into the darkest recesses. If you still doubt it, mark your calendars for May 13 when this series will premiere on Netflix, resembling an unsettling nightmare. It’s so offbeat that your mind might seek a protective order.

As a cinephile, I must say, bringing the chaotic whirlwind of “Bad Thoughts” from mere figments of someone’s imagination to the streaming platform of Netflix took an arduous journey spanning over years. Yet, every second of that labor was vindicated when Segura and his ingenious collaborators unleashed a torrent of twisted cinematic magic upon us.

Initially, I merely thought it would be amusing to sample one episode of a scripted series crafted within the hallowed halls of YMH Studios. I simply wanted to gauge if there was an audience for such content. Little did I know that this humble idea would snowball into a cinematic experience as wildly entertaining and messed up as my own thoughts!

Back in April of 2021, we filmed an episode that ended up being quite costly and time-consuming for post-production. By the time it was ready, it felt more like early 2022! As I watched it, my agents encouraged me to market it, confident that there was potential in it. However, at that moment, I was engrossed in my tour, so it wasn’t until 2024 that I finally thought, “Alright, let’s give this a push.

Initially, the comedian, boasting five specials on Netflix, considered premiering his work at YMH Studios. However, he decided to explore other options as well, mentioning HBO, Amazon, and other platforms. “Since I have an existing connection with Netflix,” he explained, “I thought I’d show them first to see if they’re interested.

Following its screening, Netflix promptly gave the green light for the series production. “We ended up using six episodes, but we included two of the tales from the initial pitch,” Segura explains. “Two out of three are incorporated in the actual show, and it’s evident because I weigh 40 pounds more in those episodes.

Comedian and actor Kirk Fox is well-known for his knack for creating laughter, often illuminating stages as Segura’s opening act on tour. Without hesitation, Fox agreed to collaborate with Segura when presented with the opportunity to work on the eccentric script for his roles in “Bad Thoughts.

Tom manages to turn his negative thoughts into something humorous rather than terrifying, and he maintains a smooth and concise approach to life. Fox notes that Tom is adept at conveying his vision for a scene, making it apparent to everyone involved.

Making a comeback after his initial retirement is Rob Iler, the actor best recognized for portraying A.J. Soprano on “The Sopranos” and co-hosting the “Not Today Pal” podcast alongside Jamie-Lynn Sigler, broadcasted through YMH Studios. On this podcast, you’ll find Iler sharing his initial reluctance to act again, but eventually succumbing to the allure of joining “Bad Thoughts.

According to Iler, Tom and Christina [Pazsitzky] are consistently supportive, so when Tom asked if I could do him a favor, even though it wasn’t related to Hollywood, it felt like friends creating a fun project. The fact that Tom was willing to invest a significant amount of money and have faith in himself, then entrusting me with part of it, seemed risky, but I was eager to join the adventure.

Tom might have selected the cast for “Bad Thoughts,” but their exceptional performances left him utterly astonished. In fact, everyone was simply outstanding! Did you realize that Rob Iler’s recent acting role was on ‘The Sopranos,’ and then this? And it wasn’t by chance; he chose to be a part of this production. Despite already receiving numerous offers for roles, he continues to get called up. But when viewers see him in this performance, they’ll undoubtedly think, “Wow, what an amazing actor!

In the series, noteworthy TV and movie stars such as Shea Whigham and Dan Stevens showcased their top-tier acting skills, according to Segura. He shared that it was fascinating to observe Shea on set, with his subtle actions and expressive facial expressions. “It wasn’t until we realized we were working alongside an accomplished film actor that we were truly captivated,” Segura added. “Although we usually avoid using the same actors repeatedly, Dan Stevens’ exceptional performance led us to bring him back for another role. Kirk Fox was equally impressive; he’s simply outstanding.

Instead of revealing any spoilers, we feel it’s important to discuss the remarkable opening scene that required a certain level of openness or vulnerability from the actors. In one scene, Segura says, “It’s my behind… It’s not fabulous, I know it isn’t, but I had to deal with it.” This is amusing because when his character’s backside was first revealed, Segura was self-conscious and trying to hide it. After about half an hour of filming, he became more relaxed and said, “Just look at it. I don’t care anymore!” As the series progresses, you’ll notice that this isn’t just a rear view; there’s full frontal nudity as well.

Essentially, Segura’s unique blend of humor and gloom is the common thread that unifies this vibrant assortment of short movies. As Segura himself explains, “Some of them get quite disturbing, but each story has its own distinct style.” He adds, “It’s like I attended a film school where I got to create 15 different short films spanning various genres and characters. And I was able to put my favorite twist on each one.

Fox remarks, “The quality I admire most in Tom is his willingness to consider new ideas. While he might not always act on them, he always gives them serious thought. This trait is what makes Tom such an outstanding comedian; he’s constantly attentive because you never know when a brilliant punchline or scene line will arise. Tom seems to be perfectly suited for this role, and soon the world will get to witness it.

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2025-05-07 13:32

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