If you break down the success of comedy duos into its components, here’s what’s obvious:

• The so-called “spark” between partners: the ability to feel each other clearly, complete phrases and create a common energy is key.
• Verbal humour: this can include wordplay, irony, sarcasm and jokes based on subtle nuances of language.
• Role-playing: members of duets often take on specific roles in their performances. These may be particular archetypes (e.g. the intellectual and the fool) or characters with unique personality traits that create comic situations.
• Plot elements: these can be recurring scenarios, comic twists and unexpected events.
• Working with the audience: duo members can engage the audience in dialogue, use improvisation and create comic situations based on audience reaction.
• Visual and physical humour: this can include recognisable character gestures, facial expressions, costumes and overall comic appearance.

Now imagine that you are deprived of the lion’s share of charisma, because your jokes have no visuals – there are only sharp topics, a microphone and your and your partner’s brilliant verbal humour. It’s not an easy task!

Our today’s heroes – the duo of Alexander Babitsky and Alexei Romanov from the show Off the Beaten Path – entered the humour scene as a duo not so long ago, and yet won a huge audience in their first year.

And not to say it was predictable!

Radio shows are not uncommon in the world of humour, but unlike “The Goon Show’s”, “Round the Horne” and “Cabin Pressure”, the “Off the Beaten Path” show doesn’t use sound effects and editing to comic effect. No, it’s the old fashioned way! Two people sit down, talk about important things and do it in such a hilariously funny way that people listen to them.

The success is impressive — they’re leading the podcasts of the year on Apple and Google, as well as Zvuk.com. And there’s a reason why.

“Off the Beaten Path” stands out as a unique cultural phenomenon, breaking new ground by engaging in open and humorous conversations about intimacy from a male perspective. Its significance lies in its ability to seamlessly tackle serious topics surrounding sex while maintaining a light-hearted and comedic approach.

In a cultural landscape where discussions about sex can often be stigmatized or approached with a certain degree of discomfort, “Off the Beaten Path” fearlessly pioneers a fresh narrative. By addressing intimate subjects through the lens of humor, the show not only entertains but also serves as a bridge to destigmatize and normalize conversations about sexuality.

What sets this show apart is its capacity to bring genuine, relatable experiences to the forefront, making it accessible to a broad audience. By approaching these themes with wit and levity, “Off the Beaten Path” contributes to a more open, inclusive cultural dialogue about relationships and intimacy. By addressing serious and often sensitive topics with a light-hearted touch, “Off the Beaten Path” demonstrates that laughter can be a powerful tool for breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of connection.

In a world where humor is a universal language, this show masterfully leverages its comedic brilliance to engage listeners in meaningful conversations. It invites the audience to laugh at the shared absurdities of the human experience, creating a space where people can feel both entertained and understood. The comedic genius of the show lies in its clever and witty exploration of the human experience, particularly when it comes to navigating the intricacies of relationships and intimacy. The hosts’ comedic timing, amusing anecdotes, and clever observations create a tapestry of laughter that not only entertains but also resonates with its audience on a personal level.

In general, as is always the case with a good show: even if you just want to have fun, after listening you will come out with a piece of understanding, kindness and humanity, and isn’t that the main thing in every show?