What do a cult following, New Zealand, and HBO have in common? Flight of the Conchords. The band, hailing from Wellington, had a TV show on HBO that ran from 2007 to 2009. The program was a comedy about a real band comprising Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement who play fictional versions of themselves. McKenzie is popularly known as playing Figwit in “The Lord of the Rings,” and Clement has performed as various antagonists in films like “Dinner for Schmucks” and “Men in Black III.” Every episode of the television series contains music videos performed by the band that are both visually funny and musically enthralling.
Unfortunately, the television series was only around for two seasons. The band was nominated for (and won) a Grammy in 2008 for their album “The Distant Future.” In addition, the series was nominated for a total of 10 Emmy awards during its two-year run.
The band maintained a dedicated cult following and recently had a reunion, kicking off a tour through New Zealand and Australia this past summer.
The show is definitely worth a watch and is a great gateway to the band’s incredible discography.
Schaffer is a member of the class of 2016.