Here are few of my favorite sketch comedy shows and some of the sketches that I adore:
Check It Out! With Dr. Steve Brule
Starring John C. Reilly as Dr. Steve Brule, Check It Out! With Dr. Steve Brule is a spin-off of the Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! The show premiered on Adult Swim in 2010 and has since garnered a cult following. The show’s aesthetics are similar to that of a public-access television show, and John C. Reilly is absolutely hilarious as a naive, awkward, and perpetually confused TV host.
Key & Peele
Key & Peele stars Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, both of whom are former cast members of MADtv. There are many reasons to love Key and Peele, but what strikes me the most about their show is how creative, witty, and distinct their sense of humor is. Key and Peele premiered on Comedy Central in January 2012.
Tim & Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! (with Zach Galifianakis)
To be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of the Tim & Eric Awesome Show – but I do love every skit Zach Galifianakis is in! Damn is he funny.
The Chappelle Show
Dave Chappelle is the sort of classic comedian whose sketch show will go down in history as being one of the best there ever was. I saw him last fall when he headlined the 2013 Oddball Comedy Tour and I can vouch for the fact that his humor will always be relevant and unbelievably hilarious. The Chappelle Show originally aired on Comedy Central in 2003.
Portlandia
Starring Fred Armisen (of SNL fame) and Carrie Brownstein, Portlandia is an ode to the city of Portland and the unique people who inhabit it. The sketches are character based and poke fun of some of the trends and trendy people the city is known for. It’s highly creative and extremely funny. Portlandia premiered on IFC in 2011.
The Eric Andre Show
Starring Eric Andre and Hannibal Buress, The Eric Andre Show was a hysterical parody of a low budget talk show that aired on Adult Swim from 2012-2013. It’s irreverent, absurd, and amazing.