Chris Redd, a name synonymous with vibrant comedy, whether from his stand-up routines, prime-time TV slots, or his memorable stint on Saturday Night Live, is embarking on a new, thrilling journey. Netflix is reviving the spirit of automotive makeovers with Resurrected Rides, a show that promises to capture the essence of MTV’s Pimp My Ride but with Redd’s unique comedic flair at the helm. In a recent interview, Redd shared insights into this exciting venture, his burgeoning interest in the automotive world, and what else he has in store. Let’s delve into the world of Resurrected Rides and explore what cars and comedic moments Redd will be driving into our homes.
From Comedy Stages to Garage Bays: Chris Redd Takes the Wheel
Redd’s career path, seemingly weaving through rap, improv, and now car customization, is united by a common thread: improvisation and thinking on his feet. He explains, “They all have a sense of ‘coming off the top.’ I’ve always loved to create off the top of the dome.” This inherent ability to improvise, honed through freestyle rap and improv comedy, became his entry point into the world of comedy. Seeking an edge in the competitive comedy scene, Redd recognized the transferable skills from his musical background. He equates improv and freestyle, stating, “improv and freestyling are literally the same thing — you’re just utilizing different elements.” This mindset allowed him to quickly adapt and excel in comedy, viewing it as another avenue to express his creativity.
When the opportunity to host Resurrected Rides arose, Redd’s characteristic humor and practicality came to the forefront. Recalling his initial reaction, he joked about the infamous lawsuits associated with Pimp My Ride, emphasizing his need to avoid similar pitfalls. However, his concerns were met with understanding and collaboration from Netflix and the production team. He praised Michael O’dair and the producers for embracing his comedic style and ensuring the car modifications were not just for show but had lasting value. Addressing the over-the-top modifications of the past, Redd humorously assured, “There’s no fish tanks, you know, the fish community can chill.” Instead, Resurrected Rides focuses on meaningful upgrades that genuinely benefit the car owners and their families.
Becoming a Car Guy: Redd’s Automotive Apprenticeship
While known for his comedic talents, Redd openly admits to being a “car guy in training.” His enthusiasm for cars is undeniable, even if his mechanical expertise is still developing. “I f*ck with cars now, you know, I just can’t build one. I want to get there one day though!” He envisions a future where he can tinker with classic cars in his driveway, but for now, his skills are grounded in the basics – tire changes and essential maintenance.
Resurrected Rides is proving to be an on-the-job learning experience for Redd, who embraces his role as the “car guy’ that knows the least about cars” on the show. This self-awareness and willingness to learn adds to the show’s charm, as viewers can relate to Redd’s journey of automotive discovery. He jokes about the convenience of hiring professionals, “Oh, it’s so nice to be able to pay for a service and then be like, *British accent* oh thank you very much. I love it.” This humor underscores his relatable approach to car ownership and maintenance.
More Than Just Laughs: The Heart of ‘Resurrected Rides’
While humor is central to Resurrected Rides, the show distinguishes itself from its predecessor by emphasizing genuine connection and assistance. Redd highlights his hands-on involvement in the garage and the comedic roasting of the cars’ initial condition. However, he stresses the show’s deeper purpose: “We help these folks. We get to know everybody in a real, cool way.” A key element is the “ride-arounds,” where Redd interviews the car owners to understand their needs and stories. These conversations inspire creative and functional car modifications tailored to each individual.
Redd emphasizes the show’s heartfelt mission: “We’re helping out families and we’re helping out people, real people, who couldn’t really do this without us.” This focus on helping deserving individuals resonated deeply with Redd, drawing him to the project. Having experienced the challenges of owning older, less reliable vehicles himself, he appreciates the transformative impact of Resurrected Rides. He describes the joy of seeing people receive revitalized cars that hold significant meaning for them as “super cool.”
Dream Rides: Which ‘Resurrected Rides’ Car Would Redd Choose?
When asked about choosing a car from the series for a cross-country road trip, Redd’s answer is surprisingly about vans. Initially disliking vans, his perspective shifted after seeing the incredible transformations on the show. “I don’t like vans — like big vans — but there are a couple vans on this I’d be in between, just because of how awesome they turned out.” He was so impressed with the van makeovers that he jokingly considered keeping one for himself.
Redd’s road trip contemplation goes beyond just the vehicle’s features. He reflects on the broader experience, stating, “It’s not just about, like, how the car drives. It’s about what it can do, how it can satisfy your trip — and your life — along the way.” This sentiment captures the essence of Resurrected Rides – it’s about more than just cars; it’s about improving lives and creating memorable experiences.
Adding a humorous twist, Redd is asked about a past co-star he would take on a road trip. Without hesitation, he names Will Ferrell, expressing a desire to witness Ferrell’s comedic endurance and the person behind the persona. “Will Ferrell would be crazy. Like, ‘cause he did the show and that would be funny as hell, ‘cause I want to see when the funny stops; I want to see who’s under there.” He playfully acknowledges the trip could be either “great or terrifying,” but regardless, a memorable story would emerge.
SNL in the Trump Era: A Surreal Experience
Reflecting on his time at SNL during the Trump presidency, Redd describes it as a “pivotal time in American culture” and “surreal.” He notes the intense political climate and the amplified reactions to the show’s satire. “When you’re on television — on a show that’s known for skewing this sort of thing… it just amplifies all of that.” He recounts encountering strong opinions about Trump even internationally, highlighting the pervasive nature of the political discourse.
Redd acknowledges the comedic goldmine Trump’s presidency provided, yet also the overwhelming nature of the political saturation. “It just sounded like we were in an echo chamber of Trump, because everybody was doing Trump, everybody had a take on Trump.” He humorously describes feeling “inside of a red hat” due to the constant Trump-centric content. The surreal aspect was further amplified by Trump’s direct responses to SNL sketches. Redd found it bizarre that the President would engage with comedic television in such a manner, questioning the priorities.
Beyond ‘Resurrected Rides’: Music and Future Projects
While Resurrected Rides is currently in the spotlight, Redd’s creative pursuits extend far beyond. Music remains a constant in his life. “Yes, I’m still doing music — just for the record, I do all of this stuff, all of the time. [I] just shift when things are at the forefront.” He is actively exploring new musical directions, including comedy music for an Audible project with Will Stephen, a former SNL collaborator.
Additionally, Redd is involved in another exciting, yet still under wraps, project with Phil Augusta. He hints at its alignment with his non-musical SNL work, expressing immense enthusiasm: “It’s everything I’ve wanted to make.” While details are scarce, Redd’s excitement suggests a promising venture that will further showcase his multifaceted talents. His daily routine remains consistently creative, filled with writing, stand-up, and navigating the ever-evolving world of online content creation.
Resurrected Rides is now available for streaming on Netflix, offering viewers a blend of automotive transformations, heartfelt stories, and Chris Redd’s signature humor. Tune in to see what cars get resurrected and experience the ride.
