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The Strange & Infectious Appeal of Kenny Vs Spenny
Have you ever licked up bird shit? Eaten cat food? Bobbed for apples out of the toilet? There are two Canadian documentarian-turned-comedians who have.
The “best friends” form a natural comedic duo, as Spencer Rice likes to point out during interviews. Spencer is the anxiety-riddled “straight” man who’s frowning mug acts as a perfect foil for the crazed mad man that is Kenny Hotz, a man who’s as clever as he is shameless.
I’ve heard the couple explain the show’s appeal, and why it “works” by explaining Spencer (Spenny) Rice grew up as an only child, ignorant of the mischief that fuel young sibling rivalries. Kenny, on the other hand, grew up in a lively household full of siblings to prank, and fall prey to in return. As young men, Spenny’s righteous indignation makes him the perfect target for Kenny’s maniacal torment.
I’ve heard many try and capture why this show has the cult following it does, which inexplicably continues to grow despite not being on the air for many years, but this telling makes the most sense to me.
Others have alluded to the show being some sort of naked display of male bonding, or try to wedge in “bromance” somehow, or try and dump the show into a collection of the “gross out” shows that were in vogue in the early 2000's like Jackass, Tom Green, etc… but when it comes down to it, the show is one guy annoying another guy with zero restraint.
Some people find that funny. I sure do.
Those of you know the show either love it or hate it. I love it. I’m not necessarily proud of my love for it, but I can’t deny it. It’s there, and it’s been there for a long time.
If you could somehow capture all my experiences, attitudes and urges growing up as a younger brother, and then made it more sinister, I think you’d have something close to Kenny vs Spenny.
The pair have been a little more active lately, with a newly minted special Paldemic, and a New Year’s Special both added to the cannon in the last couple months.
