I told you I’d answer show-related questions here, so let’s start with this one:
Shawn Says:
August 30th, 2007 at 3:20 amShane — huge fan of the show, and your blog. Quick question, though. . . how did the idea for “Rob and Big†come about?
Great question. Since the origin of this show has become the stuff of fairytale and legend, let me do my best to explain how it all came to be (based on what I know)….
Back in 2003, DC Shoes released a skate movie called “The DC Video.” One of the bits in the wildly popular DVD was that Rob Dyrdek was getting hassled so much by security guards, that it forced him to hire his own security guard. Initially, it was a joke segment for the video. The very first person Rob brought in to interview for the role was Christopher “Big Black” Boykin. They filmed the segments for the movie, but the two actually did hit it off immediately and became close friends. Coincidentally, they both moved to Los Angeles and decided to room together.
Shortly after that, Ruben Fleischer was hired to direct and shoot Rob and Big Black competing in the underground road race known as The Gumball Rally. While shooting, Ruben quickly recognized the genuine buddy chemistry and the non-stop comedy that seemed to follow the two friends. He brought the idea of featuring the two of them in some kind of TV show to Jackass Executive Producer and co-creator, Jeff Tremaine. Jeff knew Rob from his days covering skating while he was an editor of the now defunct Big Brother magazine, and agreed that the unique dynamic of two unlikely best friends might make for a good comedic reality show. The four of them brought it to MTV and MTV agreed. Within a few weeks, they were shooting the pilot.
After the pilot was shot, I was brought on to help shape the story and also to help establish the format and style of the series. Since my background was on other comedic MTV shows like Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica and Rich Girls, my natural inclination was to focus the show primarily on the two guys. We chopped out most of the smaller characters and really made it about Rob and Big Black, and the simple fact that they are best friends. Rather than convolute it with confusing devices or too much imposed structure, we just let the two guys live and mined the comedy in the edit bay. “Newlyweds with two dudes,” was kind of my angle on it. It evolved from there.
Of all the shows I’ve worked on, this one is by far the most fun. Rob and Big Black are exactly as funny as they seem on camera, and that makes all of our jobs easier as we get into the edit bays. It’s a rarity to find such consistent lightning in a bottle, and in our case, the lightning never stops. We put the cameras on them and they bring the comedy. As a TV producer, it’s really the best you can hope for out of your cast. The fact that both Rob and BB are extremely hands on and vocal throughout the entire process is yet another asset. These aren’t just funny guys, they’re also extremely savvy and smart guys.
So that’s the story, to the best of my knowledge, on how this series came to be. It’s all been kind of a blur, to be honest.
And to think, the whole thing started off as a joke for a skateboard video. Kind of fitting, really.
August 31st, 2007 at 7:37 pm
GREAT STUFF
September 16th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
Hi Rob,big and Drama,
My 13 year old daughter just loves your show, she wants to know if you will be having a new season this year? She also would love to see more of Drama, he is her favorite.
October 17th, 2007 at 7:19 am
Love the show..I’m 51yrs old & I do watch alot of MTV shows. But, this is the best by far & the funniest show I’ve seen in a long time. BB & Rob just make this show one of the best. Looking forward to the coming seasons that follow, myself & family will be watching you can count on that. I have 5 kids ages 33yrs. to 17yrs. & we all watch it. Thank you Ruben Fleischer & Jeff Tremaine for getting the show started, you have a eye for talent.
October 29th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
Dear Rob,
You have no idea how much you have inspired me to skate. I was living a bad life on the streets, doing hard drugs and not wanting to do anything with my life. I got on the internet and saw a video of you skating. The way you landed all your tricks and how smooth they were just looked so fun. I started skating and I found out howw much of a release it is from the rest of the world. You saved my life, and for that I thank you. Sincerely Yours,
Kory
November 1st, 2007 at 1:40 pm
I just have to say that your show is the best ever!!! I watch it when ever I can even though that is not often!! I am 16 and I am completly in LOVE with Rob and Big,and of course Meaty,Mini Horse,and Drama.But I do have one question though:why did you name Mini Horse that instead of an actual name? I LOVE YOU ~Haleigh~
November 18th, 2007 at 4:49 pm
Rob and Big you guys just rock bro, i’m a structual ironworker from chicago local 1 and we all think you guys kick ass keep livin it up!!!!!! and take me out there to party with you guys that would be sweet!
November 29th, 2007 at 2:04 am
Rob & Big Black you two are tight as **#~ i wish i could meet ya both and skate. I don’t have a question but i have a comment for big black. i think you need to get a dodge charger or a chrysler 300c pimped out all black throw some rims on it that ride would be sick. you’d look good in one of those. jus an opinon good luck with your guys show.
peace.
November 29th, 2007 at 11:17 pm
Dear Rob and Big,
When I first watched your show I was going through a rough period in my life. I thought I would never get out of this black hole of emotion, until I viewed your show, I had not laughed that hard in a long time. From then on I watched your show faithfully and set my DVR just so I could watch your show over and over again. The best show on TV…….Please let there be a season 3, 4, 5, etc……………..
(P.S.) I love Big Black..my favorite episode is on the second season when he stripped…I screamed….I love a big man and that was sexy!!!!!
January 9th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Hello, me and my family love your show, we watch it every time it is on. My kids ages range from 43 to 9, all mine (Lol) and we love the show. I am 85 and I think this is the greatest show around! I love BB and Rob they “tha bomb” and “ride on 22’s on tv across tha county” (all quotes by me lol)
gat gat pce…gansta Jess ridin 85yrs old pce out!
March 4th, 2008 at 1:35 am
yo rob you should send me a pair of your sig shoes man. my shoes are all busted and im broke from payin for college. so what do ya say lol. anyways man you guys are funny as s***. keep doin what you do.
March 6th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Hey guyz! Your show is flippen awesome. Its so funny and its actually a show my dad will sit and watch with me :)!! Keep it up
March 9th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
I am 50 yrs old and made fun of your show to my 15 yr old daughter until I actually watched it. Now I am so hooked I watch it more than her. It is by far the funniest show on TV. If I was younger and lived in L.A. I’d go for BB. He is my man!!!! Rob’s not too bad either.
March 10th, 2008 at 9:25 am
Dear Rob and Big
i have seen every episode of rob and big. i love that show so much. i bought the dvd season one
and two and i watched every possible thiing on it
i even watched the commentary. it was the best part. but ine thing i really love about the show is the chemistry between you and big black.
p.s. big black I feel you on the vurt butt son but you did work baby!!!!
March 13th, 2008 at 9:52 am
This is our household, age 51 mom, 49 dad, 14 son and 28 daughter. EVERYONE got Rob and Big tee shirts for Christmas. I have their picture over my desk…why??? Because they help me build a bridge into the world of our teenager. WHY- they are creative, fun, motivated, dynamic and well brought up. These two fellows are good people. I wouldn’t invite BAM to dinner, let alone hang out in my living room as part of the family. Rob and Big, welcome here. BTW - we all sit down and watch Rob and Big, together!
April 4th, 2008 at 3:26 am
Hey Guys I just absolutely love your show it’s amazing. I have never laughed so hard in my life. I’m in school for nursing right now and can’t wait till me and my friend move out to Cali it would be sweet if we could hang out,
P.S.-Rob and Big we are not “dirty girls” just so you know
April 15th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
I heard this is the last season of Rob and Big. is this true? If so why? It’s the funniest show on TV!
April 15th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
i started watching since the begining of season 3 and just as fell for the boyz i find out that tonight is the last show say it aint so!!!! losing this show is like losing two close family members rob is so sweet and kind hearted and big black is like the sweet kind big brother that everyone wishes to have i hope that you guys get picked up for a few more seasons because mtv is losing te best show it has ever had i pray that you guys read all the love that your fans have for you all and i hope that you guys will always remain close as brothers because thats what you have become to one another. i can’t and won’t accept that it is over i will be watching the show tonight. mtv, bring these two great guys back for more shows and fresh comedy may god bless the entire cast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 15th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
what is going to happen to mini horse and to meaty? will rob live alone? what will become of drama and bam bam and big black hey viewers start sending in those letters to the powers that be and show your love for these wonderful people!!!!!! to you big black thank you for your service to our country and god bless you
April 16th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Absolutely the best reality show ever - MTV or any network. Hilarious, genuine, touching at times, pure entertainment. There are 3 TV shows I watch religiously - the NBA, Intervention and Rob & Big. From a 50 year old kid - thanks for a great run Rob & Big.
April 19th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Hey ROb,
whats up, i loved the season 3 of Rob and big. i love to skateboard and i have your DC Shoe. How is Big Black doing with his baby? tell him CONGRATS!! one other question. are your Going to have a Season 4????
Joe
April 21st, 2008 at 10:45 pm
First off the shows awesome. I am sad to see it go. Is there a chance of Rob and Big being on MTV again? Maybe in some other format? Hope all is well with those guys. I live a busy life being self employed but always made time to catch the show.
Take care, and good luck to Big Black