Friday 5 – Sketch Comedy Shows

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This week for the Friday 5 I decided to go with the examining what I look at being the best of the world of sketch comedy. There are so many sketch comedy shows that don’t last very long and others that seem to go on forever like Saturday Night Live. Comedy is obviously something that is subjective so it is hard to make a list that most people could agree with. This is once again my personal top 5 for sketch comedy shows so I’m sure there are some that you like that didn’t make the list but it is only 5 after all. So without further ado here is the Friday 5 for Sketch Comedy Shows

 

5. The Muppet Show (1976-81)

Kicking off the Friday 5 is an all time classic that the entire family can enjoy. The Muppet Show brought various sketches that could infuse it’s special guests in them and carry out a show long narrative.  The Muppet Show would have great recurring sketches like “Pigs In Space,” “Gonzo’s Stunts” and “The Swedish Chef” just to name a few. Many may not have it in their top 5 but I think it has earned it’s spot.

 

4. A Bit of Fry and Laurie (1989-95)

Many may not have heard of this British sketch comedy show, and even more would be surprised to see Dr. House doing sketch comedy, not to mention his natural accent. The sketches are gold and even though it only ran for 26 episodes over 4 seasons, it is a hard to show to beat especially if you like their sense of humor. Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie were an outstanding comedy duo and I only wish they created more together.

 

3. Monty Python’s Flying Circus (1969-74)

The surreal sketch comedy show from the minds of Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam is one of the standard setters were major influences on sketch comedy shows. This was a ground breaking show interms of sketch comedy that would lead to the group creating iconic movies and allowed them to cement their places in history.

 

2. In Living Color (1990-94)

In Living Color is often a show that was over shadowed by the like of SNL but holds up so much more. In Living Color was a show created by the Wayans Family and featured them as well as notable names like David Alan Grier, Jamie Foxx and Jim Carrey. The show even featured Jennifer Lopez as a Fly Girl for 2 seasons. The show was noted for recurring sketches like Homey D Clown, Wanda and of course Fire Marshall Bill. It was a historic sketch comedy show that sadly never got it’s true due.

 

1. Chapelle’s Show (2003-06)

Chapelle’s Show didn’t run long due to Dave’s lack of desire to keep it going despite $50Million a year offer by Comedy Central. The show is that of legend with Dave Chapelle pushing the envelope with his comedy sketches that included a blind black member of the KKK (he thought he was white), the race draft, getting Oprah pregnant, a crazy night out with Wayne Brady just to name a few. The show is largely remembered for the sketches like “A Moment in the life of Lil John”, probably most remembered for the sketches where Charlie Murphy (Eddie’s brother) recounting stories of interactions he had with Rick James and Prince. The show also is noted for giving a number of artists stage time like Kanye West. The cast would see notable names like Mos Def and young Bill Burr. The few seasons of Chappelle’s show would stack up against anything.

 

 

-Everett