Thaindian News

By Madhuri Dey
Oct. 23 (THAINDIAN NEWS) The Jeff Dunham Show premiered on the 22nd of October in Reality TV at nine in the evening. The show which used to be aired in Comedy Central in the Christmas of 2008, catapulted him to the zeniths of fame and brought Comedy Central the highest ratings in it’s history.

Jeff Dunham is a comedian whose puppet shows made people realize that puppets were not meant for children only. In the show, Jeff performs live in front of an audience on stage. Besides, he also interacts with people on the streets, in and around Los Angeles. He started showcasing his acts in sell out gigs. He got his first television break on Comedy Central in 2006. He was back in 2007 with yet another show, and finally in 2008, he showcased one of his most appreciated acts ever.

What enraptures the audience, beside the funny stuff that is told by the puppets, is the immense difference between them and the ventriloquists. Jeff himself is a rather unassuming guy to look at, and it comes as a shock to hear the dolls sitting on his laps speak inn such strongly phrased sentences. One of the puppets, “Achmed the Dead Terrorist”, is a favorite with the audience. Achmed has the figure of a skeleton, and keeps threatening the audience with “Silence!Kill you!”

Critics and viewers hold different opinions of the show. According to some, it is a mindless, crass use of a beautiful and difficult form of art. Many critics feel that the show verges on racism and that it’s popularity is unaccounted for. Others feel that the show is entertaining and hilarious. However, one can’t help get hooked onto it.