John C. Reilly, a name synonymous with versatile acting and comedic brilliance, is perhaps best known to a dedicated cult following as Dr. Steve Brule. This isn’t your average sitcom character; Dr. Brule is the hilariously inept host of a pre-dawn cable access show, a spinoff from the brilliantly bizarre Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!. For those in the know, “Check It Out with Dr. Steve Brule” is a masterclass in orchestrated chaos, a show that gleefully explores the most basic aspects of human life – money, relationships, family, and even boats – through the utterly skewed lens of Dr. Brule. Reilly himself is the driving force behind this comedic engine, and as he revealed in a candid interview, understanding too much of the inner workings might just spoil the unique magic.
John C. Reilly as Dr. Steve Brule in "Check It Out"
The show, which premiered its third season on Adult Swim, isn’t designed for mainstream appeal. It’s a deliberate plunge into the weird, a comedic space where improvisation reigns supreme and sincerity clashes hilariously with incompetence. Reilly, drawing parallels to his early fascination with Monty Python, sees Dr. Brule not as a vehicle for cynicism, but as an authentic, anarchic expression of comedic freedom. The show’s journey to recognition, as Reilly explains, is akin to igniting a “wildfire” amongst those who appreciate its distinct brand of humor.
In a conversation that peels back some of the layers of this comedic enigma, Reilly shares insights into the spontaneous genesis of Dr. Steve Brule and the captivatingly unpredictable nature of “Check It Out.”
The Accidental Birth of Dr. Steve Brule
The origin story of Dr. Steve Brule is as wonderfully random as the character himself. Reilly describes Brule as a “spontaneous creation,” born from the fertile ground of improvisation. His collaboration with Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim began with a voice role on Tom Goes to the Mayor. This initial foray led to an invitation to contribute to their new venture, Awesome Show. Reilly, inspired by the married news team characters, Jan and Wayne Skylar, from Tom Goes to the Mayor, envisioned a character inhabiting their world. This spark of an idea quickly evolved into Dr. Steve Brule.
“I’ll just come in and start doing something on the green screen, and that’ll be it,” Reilly recalls thinking. This improvisational approach became the bedrock of the character and the show. “We just started filming it, kept doing it, and it kept being fun,” he explains, highlighting the organic growth of Dr. Brule over the years. This initial playful exploration has blossomed into a three-season run of “Check It Out,” a testament to the comedic gold unearthed through improvisation and a shared comedic sensibility.
The Beauty in the Botched Takes: Improvisation and Authenticity
One of the alluring mysteries of “Check It Out” is its seemingly unpolished, almost accidental feel. When questioned about botched takes and the process of “nailing it,” Reilly demurs, suggesting that revealing too much of the production process would diminish the show’s enigmatic charm. “One of the beautiful things about the show is that it’s this unbelievable mystery that it even exists,” he laughs, emphasizing the show’s wonderfully improbable nature.
However, Reilly does offer a glimpse behind the curtain, revealing the sheer volume of footage shot for each episode. “We shoot enough footage for 30-minute shows, and the shows are 11 minutes,” he states, underscoring the highly concentrated and carefully curated nature of the final product. While the conceptual framework for each episode is pre-determined, the execution is almost entirely improvised, including Reilly’s interactions with the show’s guests.
These aren’t actors playing roles; they are real professionals – doctors, astronomers, and child psychologists – stepping into Dr. Brule’s chaotic world. Often unfamiliar with the show’s specific brand of lunacy, they are given minimal guidance and then thrust into improvised interviews with Reilly in character. This approach, Reilly believes, lends the show its “really honest quality.” The resulting awkwardness and unpredictable humor are not just intentional comedic devices but are byproducts of genuine, unscripted interactions.
Not for Everyone: Embracing the Extreme Flavor of Brule
“Check It Out with Dr. Steve Brule” is not designed to be universally palatable. Reilly acknowledges the divisive nature of the show, drawing a comparison to Tony Clifton and his own early experiences with Monty Python. Just as Monty Python wasn’t for every viewer, “Check It Out” embraces an “extreme flavor” that resonates deeply with some while baffling others. Reilly is not concerned with universal acclaim; in fact, he finds a certain satisfaction in the show’s polarizing effect. “I don’t care if people hate it,” he asserts, “I like that some people hate it or don’t understand it. That means that we really went for it in some way.”
This unapologetic commitment to its unique comedic vision is central to the show’s appeal. It’s not aiming for the “oatmeal” of comedy – bland and easily digestible. Instead, it’s a bold, unconventional flavor that demands an acquired taste. For those who connect with its chaotic absurdity, “Check It Out” becomes something akin to a comedic revelation, much like Monty Python was for a young John C. Reilly. He recalls his parents’ bewildered reaction to Monty Python, unable to comprehend its appeal. Yet, for Reilly, it was instantly “the greatest thing ever.”
Sincerity in Absurdity: The Heart of Dr. Steve Brule
In a comedic landscape often dominated by cynicism and sarcasm, Dr. Steve Brule stands out for his unexpected sincerity. Reilly observes that many contemporary comedic characters are characterized by “smug and sarcastic” attitudes, projecting a “world-weary” cynicism. Dr. Brule, despite his glaring ineptitude and frequent missteps, is fundamentally different. “For all of Steve’s shortcomings, he’s a really sincere guy,” Reilly emphasizes. “He really loves the things he loves.”
This sincerity is the unexpected heart of the character, a quality that Reilly identifies with personally. “I’m not a snarky person,” he explains. “I’m a person who likes genuine things instead of shitting on the world all the time.” This genuine enthusiasm, even when directed at utterly mundane or misunderstood topics, is a key element of Dr. Brule’s comedic charm. It’s this blend of absurdity and sincerity that likely contributes to the show’s surprisingly broad appeal, reaching audiences beyond just “hip people in their 30s.” Reilly notes that fans span ages, suggesting a deeper resonance with the character’s earnest, if misguided, approach to life.
Finding Joy in the Craft: Comedy, Drama, and Honesty
John C. Reilly’s career spans a wide spectrum of roles, from comedic to dramatic, blockbuster to independent. When considering the source of his greatest joy, Reilly doesn’t distinguish sharply between comedy and drama. “I get the greatest joy from just doing anything, being an actor, you know?” he states, encompassing his diverse creative pursuits, including music. For Reilly, the core principle is “just trying to be as honest, from moment to moment, as you can be.” Genre becomes secondary to the pursuit of authentic performance. “If you’re honest about the material, and the material is ridiculous, then you’re in a comedy,” he succinctly explains.
Whether navigating the improvised chaos of Dr. Steve Brule or embodying a character in a big-budget film like Wreck-It-Ralph or Guardians of the Galaxy, Reilly approaches his craft with a consistent philosophy. He embraces a degree of nervousness as a sign of engagement and effort. “I think that if you’re not a little bit nervous about what you’re doing, then you’re not trying hard enough,” he reflects. This “nervousness” he equates with “focus,” highlighting the intense concentration required to deliver a compelling performance, regardless of the project.
Ultimately, for John C. Reilly, a perfect day transcends the specifics of his profession. It’s rooted in simple, fundamental pleasures: “A perfect day is no automobiles, good food, and my family.” This grounded perspective underscores the sincerity that he brings to all his roles, including the endearingly absurd Dr. Steve Brule. “Check It Out with Dr. Steve Brule,” airing Thursdays on Adult Swim, continues to offer viewers a weekly dose of this unique comedic vision, inviting them to embrace the beautifully bizarre world crafted by John C. Reilly and his collaborators.
