Rob Schneider’s Netflix special ‘Real Rob,’ disappoints
“Real Rob,” starring Rob Schneider and Patricia Azarcoya Arce is enjoyable, but not engaging.
December 8, 2015
“Real Rob” is comedian Rob Schneider’s new Netflix special that feels more real than fake, with his wife Patricia Azarcoya Arce playing his wife in the mockumentary-style show. The show premiered Dec. 1 on Netflix with eight episodes to round off its first season.
True to its mockumentary genre, the characters often speak directly to the camera. The first episode revolves around Rob’s attempt to replace his terrible assistant with someone who is capable to meet his daily needs. Rob finds an unlikely replacement in his biggest stalker, who sits outside Rob’s house day in and day out and knows everything about his schedule, wants and needs. The dynamic between Rob and his stalker-turned-assistant is the funniest part of the first episode.
The first episode definitely had its laugh out loud moments but it was not packed with hilarity at every moment. At home, Rob deals with deciding whether to have more kids or a vasectomy, while at work he struggles with booking commercials and not getting cast in movies.The juxtaposition of his family life and work life can be funny, but it is not as funny as expected.
By the second episode, the problems between Rob and his assistant feel like old news. So do the problems between Rob and his wife, who hired a hot, male nanny/dancer to take care of their daughter. The scenes are overall enjoyable to watch, but not especially new or surprising.
The surprise of “Real Rob” comes from the combination of so many different television tropes. Not only is the show mockumentary, but it combines stand-up and sitcom as well. This is incredibly innovative for the first episode. But after a few episodes, the viewer gets used to this style and they are left with a format that feels more disjointed than anything.
Overall, “Real Rob” is mildly entertaining. Fans of “Louie” or “Curb Your Enthusiasm” will likely enjoy Schneider’s take on this type of comedy. Fans of the traditional sitcom may find the story elements lacking. There is no strong plot and while the events that do happen are original and not standard plot points, they aren’t incredibly interesting.
“Real Rob” had an enjoyable first season, but it is definitely not the most engaging show on Netflix.
Email Talia Milavetz at [email protected].
Mista Remarqable • Oct 2, 2021 at 7:44 pm
This show is so great. This is the only sitcom that I’ve seen in almost 10 years that is actually funny. Rob Schneider is hilarious and I hope that they bring this show back. I Love It!!
Justin • Feb 2, 2016 at 10:25 pm
Are only good review comments allowed? I have a hard time believing everyone thought this show was so great. I will admit it has some laughable moments… Enough to merit being on in the background while we are dinner, but overall I found it extremely contrived. The situations in the show were mostly 0% believable. Episode 8 we ended up turning off because the entire premise was ridiculous. Maybe our expextations were confused by the oft changing style of the show, but we could not get past the absurd premise to see any real humor in his life being ruined by his family. Amex just hands out cards with no limit on your account to anyone with your same last name? Sure… Sounds plausible.
Danielle • Jan 11, 2016 at 3:03 am
Love this show it totally does remind me of signfeld, I was looking to see when the second season is coming out only to find a bad review glad to see the good comments. I love Real Rob!!
wiggles • Dec 24, 2015 at 2:56 am
Terrible review.. This show is quite good and rob does a great job! His wife’s character is obnoxious though. She basically is gonna be a stripper soon and practices and networks through out the series. If that’s really how she is then rob is a fool. She kisses other guy’s bare nipple to say goodbye at dinner. Who wouldn’t send her packing immediately? Hopefully real rob is a bit more self respecting in real life..
Kal • Dec 14, 2015 at 6:33 pm
The critics don’t know anything. This is a funny show.
Eddie • Dec 12, 2015 at 6:04 pm
Loved this series, outstanding, couldn’t stop watching it..,,would like some more!!!
E • Dec 12, 2015 at 6:56 am
I’m pretty sure the media/critics have a vendetta or something against Schneider. I read another scathing review at
http://www.journalnow.com/relishnow/film_tv/netflix-series-real-rob-is-real-lame/article_b14de0e5-3a76-5132-a163-6f2360a90103.html#facebook-comments
The truth is, the show is funny. I described it to my brother as Seinfeld with the real people playing their characters (Seinfeld is based on exaggerated real stories, too if you didn’t know). It plays on many peoples’ stereotypes of the rich and famous and then runs with those assumptions, eventually putting it in a celebrity’s perspective or teaching Rob a lesson. There’s a sense of humility with Rob, as the show portrays him as a hilariously unlikable celebrity with a trophy wife that refuses to be that and frequently makes him her bitch.
Please make a second season!
Linda • Dec 12, 2015 at 6:12 am
I love Rob Schneider! I don’t care what anybody says “Real Rob” is a funny show! Loved it! I hope they continue with it for many more seasons!
Nancy • Dec 11, 2015 at 9:27 pm
I so binge watched the first season and totally LOVED it! I appreciate the laughs, they were so needed! I am a Mexican accountant who married an American man a few years ago, so I can relate to so many ‘moments’ on the show. I definitely hope ‘The Real Rob’ succeeds, and that there is more to come! I bough The Hot Chick when it first came out, and after all these years still makes me LOL, Rob is an excellent comedian!
jennifer • Dec 11, 2015 at 6:01 pm
The show made me laugh out loud! A must watch.
Christine • Dec 11, 2015 at 5:23 am
I LOVE the show I laughed so hard at many many parts PLEASE BRING IT BACK!!! I don’t know why it “disappoints” don’t listen to the critics listen to the fans 😉
Robert • Dec 11, 2015 at 12:15 am
By far one of the better comedy shows on tv!!!! This show had my wife and me cracking up the whole time. It is well written and addictive, keep up the great work Rob.
kevin • Dec 10, 2015 at 11:15 pm
The review person must have no sense of humor or stupid and brain dead this is the best show that has hit tv or netflix we love u rob we expect at least 5 seasons keep em coming I loved it and I’m sure everyone els did too can’t wait for season 2
KristieNolen • Dec 10, 2015 at 7:36 pm
Absolutely binged watched the entire season. Loved it
Laurieshappy • Dec 10, 2015 at 7:13 pm
I loved it! I want more!
The Truth • Dec 10, 2015 at 6:23 pm
Not so
Brit • Dec 10, 2015 at 2:02 pm
This show is hilarious! I’m disappointed in the poor review 🙁
It’s like the “Friends” 2015 for the people who watched Friends in the 90’s.
The humor teeters between completely inappropriate and reality. Great!
kevin • Dec 10, 2015 at 12:59 pm
Funny show……best show on TV.
Darren • Dec 10, 2015 at 11:37 am
Everyone needs to see this show, it is so funny I couldn’t stop laughing. I hope Netflix plans on more episodes
Carolyn • Dec 10, 2015 at 9:04 am
This is the funniest show I’ve seen in awhile. I really hope it comes back for a second season!
Gino Ramos • Dec 9, 2015 at 10:57 pm
I can’t wait for season 2 I love this show very funny !
norm • Dec 9, 2015 at 9:30 pm
This show is hilarious. I hope a second season follows!
James jackson • Dec 9, 2015 at 5:44 pm
Way better than Aziz’s Master of None. Thank you Netflix