Steve Buscemi’s ‘Park Bench’ Web Series Preceded Viral Talk TV

The Story

A decade before the rise of viral street-interview shows, actor Steve Buscemi created an Emmy-winning talk web series by chatting with people on a park bench, according to a report from The Hollywood Reporter. The idea came after Buscemi directed promotional shorts for the band Vampire Weekend, during which he met carpenter Geo Orlando and improvised a scene with singer Grimes on a bench. AOL Originals picked up the concept, and “Park Bench With Steve Buscemi” debuted as a web series in May 2014. The series featured Buscemi and Orlando carrying their park bench around New York City to interview both celebrities and everyday people. The first season consisted of 12 episodes shot over five days while Buscemi was also working on the final season of “Boardwalk Empire.” The show earned an Emmy nomination for short form nonfiction program in its first season and won outstanding short form variety series in 2016 for its second season.

Key Facts

• Buscemi developed the show after directing a series of promotional shorts for Vampire Weekend and meeting carpenter Geo Orlando.
• “Park Bench With Steve Buscemi” debuted as a web series in May 2014 on AOL Originals.
• Guests in the first season included Chris Rock, Rosanne Cash, Fred Armisen, GZA, and then-Mayor Bill de Blasio, as well as Buddhist nun Ani Trime Lhamo.
• The first season was 12 episodes shot over five days.
• The series earned an Emmy nomination for short form nonfiction program in 2014.
• The second season featured guests such as John Turturro, Debi Mazar, Paul Auster, then-Public Advocate Letitia James, and John Oliver.
• The series won outstanding short form variety series in 2016.

Conflicting Reports

No conflicting reports identified in the source article.

Still Unclear

No open questions identified in the source article.

Misconceptions

No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.

Key Figures

Steve Buscemi (actor-director, host), Geo Orlando (sidekick), Grimes (singer), Chris Rock, Rosanne Cash, Fred Armisen, GZA, Bill de Blasio, Ani Trime Lhamo, John Turturro, Debi Mazar, Paul Auster, Letitia James, John Oliver, AOL Originals.

Sources: The Hollywood Reporter