Rating NYC Street Interview Shows
FUCK ISIS! WE FROM NEW YORK!
The man-on-the-street interview is not a new concept. Also known as a vox pop, these interviews usually consist of a reporter with a microphone and a cameraperson approaching random people on the street to get their opinions on certain topics. It’s a complicated business, and sometimes, it’s far from enjoyable for both parties involved: the reporter is often shooed away or cursed at by people they approach, and the interviewee’s day is interrupted for a quick sound bite, often about an issue they likely don’t care about.
However, vox pops can be a comedy goldmine, especially in the weirdest city in the world. Billy Eichner seized the opportunity to ambush disgruntled New Yorkers in 2011 with his show “Billy on the Street,” where he literally runs around with a microphone asking nonsensical questions (and sometimes accompanied by celebrities). Soon, people realized that anyone with a phone could conduct interviews, and the rest is TikTok and Youtube history.
Thanks to its unique residents and walkability, New York City is the ideal location for a street talk interview. Some internet microcelebrities like BKTIDALWAVE (R.I.P.) even found fame through these interviews, thanks to their distinctive personalities. But because the genre is so inundated, it can be hard to find a real, quality NYC street talk show — so let me put you on to some of my personal favorites.
‘Billy on the Street’
The blueprint. The man, the myth, the legend. All the other girls want to be her. “Billy on the Street” has an undeniable place in internet culture, and every single episode delivers. He doesn’t rely on his interviewees to be weird — his in-your-face personality steals the show, even upstaging his rotating cast of celebrities that run around NYC with him. Billy is your best friend, your worst nightmare, and humble leader to a gang of running lesbians. I completely understand how you could forget the name of every single woman on Earth when graced with his presence.
My favorite episode:
Rating: 5/5 stars
‘Sidetalk NYC’
BING BONG! “Sidetalk NYC” is the absolutely insane minute-long show that has commenters calling NYC “a GTA lobby,” “a government experiment,” and “Florida in a puffer jacket.” Its hosts — Tisch junior Trent Simonian and Gallatin junior Jack Byrne — always manage to find the craziest corners of New York. Some of the locations of their episodes include the Coney Island hot dog eating contest, a snowball fight in Washington Square Park, and a funeral for pandemic unemployment benefits.
The energy is unmatched, the quotes are iconic, and they don’t have nearly as many followers as they should, so go check out their Instagram or Youtube. WE OUTSIDE!!!!
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My fave episode:
Rating: 5/5 stars
Nicholas Nuvan’s ‘What song are you listening to?’
I get it, it’s kind of cool to see what songs people are listening to as they go about their day. But this man has disturbed my peace. Every time I step outside, I feel like I need to be listening to socially acceptable music just in case I run into him. Three points off for that.
My fave episode:
Rating: 2/5 stars
‘What’s Poppin? with Davis!’
In “What’s Poppin? with Davis,” the titular Davis mostly hangs around Washington Square Park, seemingly asking strangers whatever comes to mind. Questions like “What foods should you avoid on a first date,” “What’s your opinion on the Gucci belt,” and “Do you have a drunk alter ego” prompt funny answers from young people who look like they hopped right out of a Y2K Pinterest board. But it leaves you wanting a little more than cute answers from off-duty NYU students, you know? Where’s the chaos? Where are the people yelling into the mic? Step out of your comfort zone, Davis.
My fave episode:
Rating: 4/5 stars
All the other, more random ones
These aren’t really shows, per se — these are the ones that have some kid approaching random people and asking questions like “Would you rather have a gay son or a thot daughter?” or “What race would you not date and why?” We know you’re trying to get reposted by Barstool, but it’s just not it. Back to the drawing board, find another career, etc. Sorry!
My fave episode: Literally none.
Rating: 1/5 stars
