Tom Scharpling is a comedian, writer, producer, director and radio host that is best known for hosting The Best Show on WFMU from 2000 to 2013. He was also a writer and executive producer for the TV show Monk.

Scharpling began volunteering at WFMU, New Jersey’s freeform radio station, in the early 90s. It eventually became a platform for both music and commentary on various topics with listeners prompted to call in for discussion. Musician and friend Jon Wurster became a recurring part of the show after calling in as Ronald Thomas Clontle, a pretentious music critic promoting his book Rot Rot & Rule. Claiming the ability to categorize bands in one of these categories, the call tricked listeners and thus began an ongoing segment on the show.

On December 17, 2014, after exactly one year, The Best Show aired its first episode in the new online format airing every Tuesday from 9-12pm EST.