You’d think after a decade of Eric Andre literally setting his desk on fire, throwing people through drywall, and hiring naked PA’s to crawl across the floor, nothing could actually rattle him. But then came Chet Hanks.
Most guests walk onto The Eric Andre Show looking like they’re entering a hostage situation. They’re nervous, they’re sweating, and they’re looking for the nearest exit. Chet? He decided to bring the hostage-taker energy himself. Honestly, it turned into one of the most legendary, high-stakes beefs in Adult Swim history, and the fallout is still being felt today.
Why Chet Hanks and Eric Andre Are a Recipe for Disaster
Basically, Eric Andre’s whole schtick is built on "breaking" the guest. He wants to find the exact moment where a celebrity realizes they’ve made a terrible mistake by showing up. But Chet Hanks, the son of the world’s most beloved actor Tom Hanks, isn't your typical Hollywood kid. Between his "White Boy Summer" era and his penchant for speaking in a Jamaican patois that baffles the internet, Chet is already living in a different reality.
When these two collided for Season 6, it wasn't just a bad interview. It was a workspace hazard.
The "Motorcycle Incident" That Broke the Crew
According to Eric Andre, Chet didn't just play along; he went rogue in a way that actually scared people. Andre told Rolling Stone that Chet was "emotionally disturbed" and "very dangerous" on set. The big story? A motorcycle.
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Apparently, a bike was brought out as part of a bit. Instead of waiting for a cue, Chet allegedly hopped on and started ripping wheelies around the tiny, cramped studio.
- He almost took out the camera operators.
- Grips and gaffers were allegedly diving off ladders to avoid getting hit.
- The crew was genuinely fearing for their safety, with Andre comparing the vibe to the tragic Rust film set.
Chet’s version is a bit different. He says he was just "matching the energy." In his mind, Eric Andre’s show is a "troll show," so he decided to out-troll the master. He claims he saw a dirt bike, knew how to ride, and simply "popped a little wheelie" before putting it back down.
The Aftermath: DNA Tests and Instagram Rants
The beef didn't stay on the set. After Andre did his press tour calling Chet a "lunatic" and the "worst guest ever," Chet fired back on Instagram. He called Andre a "pussy" and claimed the comedian was "shook" the entire time they were filming. Chet basically argued that Eric can dish out the chaos but can't take it when someone bites back.
Andre’s response? He went full "Chet Hanks Birther." He posted a video daring Chet to take a DNA test to prove he’s actually Tom Hanks’ son, jokingly implying that there’s no way "America’s Dad" could have produced such a chaotic human being.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Feud
A lot of fans think this is all a scripted bit. People assume that because it’s Eric Andre, everything—including the off-set hatred—is part of the performance. But if you look at the way the crew reacted, it seems pretty real. Usually, the "dangerous" stuff on the show is carefully choreographed by stunt coordinators. When a guest goes off-script with heavy machinery, that's not a bit; that's a liability.
Honestly, the most interesting part is how Chet perceives himself. In a 2025 interview on Steve-O’s Wild Ride!, Chet doubled down. He didn't back an inch. He still thinks Eric Andre is "soft" and was genuinely terrified of him. It’s this weird clash of "Method Pranking" vs. actual erratic behavior.
Lessons from the Chaos
So, what can we actually learn from the Chet Hanks Eric Andre disaster? For one, "matching the energy" only works if you understand the boundaries of the space you're in.
- Don't mistake chaos for a lack of rules: Even the most "anarchic" sets have safety protocols.
- The "Fail Son" dynamic is real: Chet seems to use his notorious reputation as a shield, which makes him the ultimate "un-prankable" guest.
- Conflict sells: Whether they hate each other or not, the "Chet Hanks Episode" became the most anticipated moment of the season.
If you’re looking to watch the madness yourself, Season 6 of The Eric Andre Show is the place to find it. Just don’t expect a warm reunion anytime soon. Chet is still waiting for an apology, and Eric is still wondering how the guy who played Forrest Gump has a son who does wheelies in a 20-foot studio.
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If you want to understand the full scope of Chet's brand of chaos, you've gotta look back at his 2022 appearance on Ziwe. It’s a similar vibe—a host trying to trap him in a joke, and Chet simply refusing to acknowledge the trap. He doesn't play the game; he just flips the board.
The best way to see the dynamic in action is to watch the raw clips where Chet talks in his Scottish and Jamaican accents mid-interview. It's a masterclass in making everyone in the room uncomfortable, which is usually Eric Andre's job.
Next Steps for You: Check out the Season 6 highlights on the Adult Swim YouTube channel to see the edited version of the motorcycle stunt, then compare it to Chet’s Instagram "explanation" videos to see how much the stories actually diverge.