Skip to content
MovieCove
Root of All Evil

Root of All Evil

2008–Ongoing2 seasons18 episodes~30 min/epTV-14Midcredits score: 36th percentile of all shows

Lewis Black's Root of All Evil is an American television series that premiered on March 12, 2008, on Comedy Central and was hosted by comedian Lewis Black. The series producer was Scott Carter from Real Time with Bill Maher and the writer was David Sacks from The Simpsons. Sometimes there were pre-recorded video segments directed by supervising producer Michael Addis. Lewis Black's Root of All Evil is formatted as a mock trial acted in deadpan. Black presided over two opposing people or issues; and guest comedians acted as lawyers/advocates arguing that their client/Evil is the Root of All Evil. The series ended on October 1, 2008, with a total of 18 episodes. The series' cancellation was confirmed by Lewis Black in September 2009. The entire first season of Lewis Black's Root of All Evil was released on DVD in the United States on September 30, 2008. The remaining episodes from season two are not currently available on DVD.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Root of All Evil?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Root of All Evil to rent or buy on Apple TV, and on no subscription service.

Rent / Buy

Buy

Highlights

What stands out about Root of All Evil?

Root of All Evil earns 1 badge: Fun.

Reception

Is Root of All Evil worth watching?

Root of All Evil's Midcredits score is the 36th percentile of all shows, from 625 ratings across 2 sources. 58% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

36th percentile

Better received than 36% of shows

33rd percentile among Comedy31st percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)45th
Approval (how many liked it)29th

Acclaim

Mixed: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

70 /100

45th percentile of all shows

45th percentile among Comedy38th percentile among 2000s

Rating distribution

Big peaks at both ends — people either love this or bounce off it hard.

Approval

How many liked it

58% liked it

29th percentile of all shows

23rd percentile among Comedy24th percentile among 2000s
58% rated it 7–1042% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

48th percentile

621 ratings across platforms

31st percentile among Comedy42nd percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 5% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the show relies on a courtroom debate gimmick that gives most screen time to guest comedians rather than Lewis Black.

Fans praised

  • sharp satirical debates on pop culture
  • strong showcase for under-the-radar comedians
  • Lewis Black's trademark rants on politics, religion, celebrities

Detractors panned

  • canned laughter mismatched with studio audience
  • formulaic, fragmented debates lacking natural flow
  • Lewis Black wasted as host due to rigid scripted format

What stands out

ActingDivisive60

guest comedians like Tompkins and Daly shine

HumorDivisive55

sharp satire vs forced laugh-track comedy

OriginalityDivisive55

novel courtroom conceit but quickly formulaic

DialogueDivisive50

witty debate lines undercut by stilted delivery

CharactersDivisive40

Lewis Black's bombastic judge persona feels scripted

Plot and storyDivisive35

repetitive courtroom format limits variety

PacingDivisive30

fragmented 20-minute segments feel rushed

AtmosphereDivisive30

cheap set and obvious canned laughter break immersion

Episodes

2 seasons

Season 2 · 2008 · 10 episodes

  • S2E1
    S2E1

    Ultimate Fighting vs. Bloggers

    Jul 30, 2008
  • S2E2
    S2E2

    Steroids vs. Boob Jobs

    Aug 6, 2008
  • S2E3
    S2E3

    Olympic Games vs. Drinking Games

    Aug 13, 2008
  • S2E4
    S2E4

    NRA vs. PETA

    Aug 20, 2008
  • S2E5
    S2E5

    Red States vs. Blue States

    Aug 27, 2008
  • S2E6
    S2E6

    Disney vs. Scientology

    Sep 3, 2008

Watch experience

What is Root of All Evil like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Wry, light and gentle — an even-paced watch that leaves you entertained.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
JoyfulAbsurdContemplative
Heaviest: throughout
Satirical humor
Register
Satirical · 5% of showsPlayful
Told as
Resets each episode · 10% of showsStatus quo each season
ToneThe show approaches its mock-court premise with satirical distance, treating pop-culture targets as defendants in a comedic trial.
The rideThe show maintains a consistently upbeat and absurd comedic mood, with occasional sharper moments of critique that add tonal weight but never become heavy.
StructureStandard debate format with no narrative devices.
Episode formatEach episode is a self-contained comedic debate that resets the status quo—no ongoing storyline, just recurring format and host.
Season formatSeasons are interchangeable batches of the same format; no overarching narrative, only the same comedic premise recurring.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
FunThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe debates are entertaining, but the satirical jabs at pop culture also provoke a moment of reflection.
How it ends · evidence
Cyclical ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18%: Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12%: Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40% (this title)

No archetype fits — true of 40% of shows: ensemble pieces, satire, slice-of-life.

Why this archetypeNon-narrative debate/comedy series; each episode pairs two pop-culture targets in a mock trial format.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfCorruption
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31%: Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27%: Identity 20% · Coming of age 9% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% · Purpose 16% · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7% (this title): Power 5% · Corruption 3% (this title) · Greed 2% (this title) · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% (this title) · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Power

Corruption · 3% of showsFame · 5% of showsGreed · 2% of shows
Satirizes its theme: Attacks its theme through ridicule.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe show argues that corrupt media figures, celebrities, and pervasive commercial culture harm society, with fame and greed as driving forces behind the 'evil' being condemned.
StanceLewis Black acts as a single satirist-host, using humorous accusation and debate to attack and ridicule what he sees as the corrosive influence of celebrity and commercial media on society.

The world

ContemporaryInstitutionalRealistic
RockSupportive music · original score
SettingA television studio where comedians debate which pop-culture phenomenon is the 'root of all evil' before a live audience.
MusicEach episode opens with a short, catchy rock-riff theme that underscores the comedic tone.

Cast and crew

Who is in Root of All Evil?

Cast

Matt Price
as Post-Show Interviewer
Shae Kennedy
as Mom
Shaun Russell
as Buck Punchberg
Mary Birdsong
as Rocket Ship Captain
Chris Jai Alex
as Officer Lamb
Scott Aukerman
as Punched BBQ Guy
Jack Donner
as Priest
Chip Hormess
as Timmy
Stephanie Storey
as Secretary
Jeff Lewis
as Carl Thorpe

Crew

More like this

What are shows like Root of All Evil?

TMDB's suggestions for shows like Root of All Evil include Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (1967), My Name Is Earl (2005) and One Day at a Time (1975).

Like this, but

Explore by

What other shows share a tag with Root of All Evil?

799 other shows share the rarest tag below, kind of show: satire or spoof. Each tag opens Browse with the shows that share it.