Baskets (2016)
A darkly funny and surprisingly tender FX comedy about a failed clown navigating family, failure, and rodeo life in Bakersfield, California.
Baskets - Series Information
- Original Title: Baskets
- First Air Year: 2016
- Last Air Year: 2019
- Created by: Louis C.K., Zach Galifianakis et al.
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 23 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 40
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 21, 2016 (United States - TV-MA), January 21, 2016 (Brazil - 16)
- Networks: FX
- Alternative Titles: באסקטס (IL), 彩面小丑 (CN)
- Production Companies: FX Productions, Brillstein Entertainment Partners, 3 Arts Entertainment, Pig Newton
- Production Countries: United States of America
Baskets - Plot
Chip Baskets wants to follow his dream of being a French clown—however, reality keeps interfering. Saddled with financial difficulties and facing an impenetrable language barrier, he moves back home to Bakersfield with high hopes. There, he is forced to confront his past while working as a rodeo clown and competing with his siblings for his mother's approval and affection.
Baskets - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at Chip Baskets' absurd and heartfelt journey:
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Baskets - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Louis C.K.
- Zach Galifianakis
- Jonathan Krisel
Main Cast
- Zach Galifianakis
- Martha Kelly
- Louie Anderson
- Alex Morris
- Ernest Adams
- Sabina Sciubba
- Malia Pyles
- Julia Rose
- Maree Cheatham
- Ryun Yu
Writers
- Samuel D. Hunter
- Jonathan Krisel
- Graham Wagner
- Karen Kilgariff
- Theresa Mulligan
Executive Producers
- Zach Galifianakis
- M. Blair Breard
- Andrea Pett-Joseph
- Anna Dokoza
- Marc Gurvitz
Baskets - FAQs
Who plays the dual roles in Baskets?
Zach Galifianakis pulls double duty as both Chip Baskets, the hapless aspiring clown, and Dale Baskets, his smug twin brother. It's a remarkable performance that anchors the series, with Galifianakis making each character feel completely distinct and fully realized.
Did Louie Anderson win any awards for Baskets?
Louie Anderson won three consecutive Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (2016, 2017, 2018) for his portrayal of Christine Baskets, Chip's warm and resilient mother. The performance is widely considered one of the most surprising and celebrated in recent television history.
Where can you stream Baskets online?
Baskets is available to stream on Hulu. It can also be purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Hulu remains the most convenient option for subscribers looking to binge all four seasons.
Is Baskets based on a true story?
Baskets is not based on a true story, though it draws heavily from real emotional territory. Co-creator Zach Galifianakis has spoken about the show reflecting themes of failure, family, and small-town life that feel deeply personal, giving the series an authenticity that goes beyond pure fiction.
How many seasons and episodes does Baskets have?
Baskets ran for four seasons on FX, with each season containing exactly 10 episodes, bringing the total to 40 episodes. The series premiered in January 2016 and concluded in 2019, wrapping up Chip Baskets' journey on its own terms.
What makes Baskets different from other FX comedies?
Baskets occupies a rare tonal space — equal parts deadpan absurdism and genuine heartbreak. Set in Bakersfield, California, it treats its working-class characters with unusual dignity and warmth. The show's unhurried pace and willingness to sit with sadness set it apart from most half-hour comedies on television.
Who created the FX series Baskets?
Baskets was created by Louis C.K., Zach Galifianakis, and Jonathan Krisel. Krisel also served as director on many episodes, shaping the show's distinctive visual style. The collaboration brought together three distinct comedic sensibilities to craft something genuinely unlike anything else on television.
Is Baskets worth watching for comedy fans?
Baskets earned strong critical praise throughout its run, celebrated for its melancholy humor, outstanding performances, and unexpectedly tender portrayal of family. If you appreciate slow-burn character comedy with real emotional depth — think FX's Atlanta or Louie — Baskets is absolutely worth your time.
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