The Jeff Dunham Show

Did You Know?

• The series was described as "broader and cleaner" than Dunham's standup act.
• It was part of a multi-platform deal Dunham signed in March 2009 that included stand-up specials, DVDs, a consumer product partnership, and a tour.
• The show combined segments with Dunham and his characters onstage in front of a live audience with segments where the characters visited real people and places around Los Angeles.

Episodes

In the pilot, Walter and Jeff visit a psychologist, Achmed stars in a stand-up comedy DVD, Peanut meets Brooke Hogan, and Bubba J visits a rifle range. The second episode features Achmed throwing himself a funeral, Peanut getting Walter to interview Good Charlotte, and Bubba J recounting Walter's examination by a female doctor. The third episode includes Achmed attempting to become a U.S. citizen, Walter's "Technology Minute" segment, Sweet Daddy Dee trying to attract more black viewers, and Peanut starring in an infomercial for an energy drink based on his catchphrase "Neow!"; José Jalapeño on a Stick appears during Walter's segment. In the fourth episode, Peanut records a dance song with "Kundry Black", Bubba J visits Dr. Hsu and a psychologist, and Achmed watches his first adult film; José Jalapeño on a Stick appears at the end of Bubba J's skit. The fifth episode has Sweet Daddy Dee trying to understand Civil War reenactments, Achmed recording ringtones, Walter seeking a vacation for his wife, and Bubba J attempting to "drunk-proof" a home. In the sixth episode, Peanut tries to get dancers, Walter shows his relationship advice segment, Achmed again tries to become a citizen by joining the Marines, and Bubba J records ringtones. The finale features Bubba J entering rehab, Walter apologizing to his wife in advance, Achmed trying to sell terrorism, and Walter recording ringtones; Peanut appears during Bubba J's skit. A skit with Sweet Daddy Dee trying to make an a cappella group acquainted with Germans running a bar below their practice space was filmed but not aired; it parodies The Sound of Music and is viewable on the DVD.

Ratings and critical reception

The show received universally unfavorable reviews, scoring 20 out of 100 on Metacritic from seven critics. Many questioned the series' concept or expressed prejudice against Dunham or ventriloquism, while Randee Dawn of The Hollywood Reporter criticized the puppets as "racist caricatures." The premiere drew 5.3 million viewers, a Comedy Central record, but the second week saw a 55% drop to 2.3 million, partly attributed to the World Series.