Matt Berninger, the frontman of the acclaimed band The National, has been tantalizing fans with the promise of a semi-autobiographical sitcom for quite some time. This creative endeavor involves his brother, Tom, and his wife, Carin Besser, and the excitement surrounding it has experienced its fair share of ups and downs. In a recent profile for The New Yorker by Amanda Petrusich, we get an inside look into the journey of bringing this intriguing project to life.
Back in 2014, Matt Berninger and Carin Besser embarked on a move to Los Angeles with their four-year-old daughter, Isla, and settled into a bungalow in Venice, not too far from the mesmerizing ocean. Tom, Matt’s brother, joined the adventure and set up shop in a guesthouse in the backyard. The trio’s mission? To develop a television series loosely inspired by Tom’s film about The National, but with a dash of fiction. “The pitch was a show not unlike ‘The Monkees,’ but more modern,” Berninger explained. “A real, honest look at the music industry.” Berninger even formed a band for this endeavor, cheekily named “Das Apes,” and penned new songs, some of which found their way onto his first solo album, “Serpentine Prison” (released in 2020). They went the extra mile by shooting a pilot, scouting locations, and engaging in discussions with HBO. Over the course of nearly a decade, they dedicated their hearts and souls to this project, oscillating between excitement and disappointment. As Tom put it, “It was this endless circle of excitement and failure.”
Finally, the spring of 2021 brought the bitter taste of surrender. Matt Berninger candidly admitted, “There was real, genuine heartbreak. A lot of it was connected to my brother. I felt responsible for pulling him along on a long climb toward something that wasn’t going to work out.”
However, in a recent interview with NME, Matt Berninger reignited hopes as he revealed that “Das Apes” is still very much alive. He humorously compared it to Frankenstein, saying, “Not unlike Frankenstein, a lightning bolt has started its heart again.” Berninger expressed his enthusiasm for the show, confirming its title as “Das Apes.” He also acknowledged that the pandemic had forced them to pause the project but assured fans that it’s not forgotten. He hinted at the challenges they faced, including writer’s strikes, but left us with a glimmer of hope, saying, “I’m not going to drown in projects like I was before. I’m gonna make sure that I only take on the things that I can really, really do, but that it is one of them that I really want to do still and that might happen.”
So, while “Das Apes” experienced its fair share of setbacks, it seems the quirky and intriguing sitcom is not ready to be shelved permanently. Fans of Matt Berninger and The National can continue to hold onto the hope that one day, we’ll get to experience this unique and undoubtedly entertaining glimpse into the world of music through the eyes of “Das Apes.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sitcom Revival
What is “Das Apes,” and who is involved in its creation?
“Das Apes” is a semi-autobiographical sitcom project led by Matt Berninger, the lead singer of The National. He collaborated with his brother, Tom, and his wife, Carin Besser, to develop this TV series that offers a modern and honest look at the music industry.
What were the initial plans for “Das Apes”?
The initial concept for “Das Apes” was to create a show reminiscent of “The Monkees,” but with a contemporary twist. It aimed to provide a unique perspective on the music industry while incorporating elements from Tom’s film about The National.
Why did it take so long for “Das Apes” to materialize?
The development of “Das Apes” spanned nearly a decade and was marked by a rollercoaster of excitement and setbacks. Factors like changing circumstances, writer’s strikes, and other challenges contributed to the extended timeline.
What happened in the spring of 2021?
In the spring of 2021, there was a period of disappointment and surrender when it seemed like “Das Apes” might never come to fruition. Matt Berninger acknowledged feeling responsible for the project’s challenges, particularly in relation to his brother, Tom.
Is there hope for “Das Apes”?
Yes, there is hope for “Das Apes.” In a recent interview with NME, Matt Berninger expressed that the project is still alive and well. While it faced obstacles, including the pandemic and writer’s strikes, he remains enthusiastic and determined to make it happen, indicating that it might still become a reality.
More about Sitcom Revival
- Matt Berninger Talks About His TV Sitcom “Das Apes” in NME
- The New Yorker Profile on Matt Berninger and “Das Apes”
- Matt Berninger’s Solo Album “Serpentine Prison”
- The National – Official Website
2 comments
I herd abt this b4, it’s been a long ride 4 them, but it’s alive again! Yay!
Wow! Matt Berninger’s sitcom “Das Apes” sounds cool, can’t wait 2 watch it!