7 Jonathan Katz, comedian, "Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist"

Published: July 2, 2012, 5:31 p.m.

Jonathan Katz is neither a doctor nor a cartoon. But he has been known to be one entertaining funnyman. His old show on Comedy Central, “Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist,” was perhaps best known for two elements during its six-year run: its squiggly animation and the remarkable list of guests who sat on Dr. Katz’s couch, including Ray Romano, Conan O’Brien, Jon Stewart and Louis C.K. Now Katz is back with a new animated show, “Explosion Bus.” Like “Dr. Katz,” “Explosion Bus” was created by Tom Snyder. The new show co-stars comedian Tom Leopold, whose writing credits including “Seinfeld” and “Cheers.” JONATHAN KATZ podcast excerpt: "Louis C.K.'s act has changed so much. He got older; he got bolder. Some of my favorite stuff he does is about the Catholic church, which a young kid wouldn't do."  So what is “Explosion Bus”? I have to admit I’m having a hard time figuring that out myself. I’ve watched several first season episodes and had a sneak peak at excerpts from season two. Like “Dr. Katz,” it is a model of subtlety and irony. “Explosion Bus” seems to satirizes the reality TV conceit of the moment found in “America’s Got Talent,” “The Voice” and “American Idol” that everyone has talent and could potentially be famous. But it goes in a lot of different directions from there, including being a reality show within a reality show—and one with real viewer submissions. And fans from season one will notice a change in animation style in season two. Check him out in animated form at ExplosionBus.com or on YouTube. Meanwhile, the doctor is in and I’m hoping he can make sense of it all for me. Jonathan Katz • • • • • • •