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Mad TV

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File:Madtv.BMP
The MADtv logo, in a bumper for the show.

MADtv is a sketch comedy television series in the United States. First broadcast on October 14, 1995, the successful show is the Fox Network's only late night program. The one-hour show airs Saturday nights on Fox and is in syndication on Comedy Central. It is a spin-off from MAD magazine and was created by Fax Bahr and Adam Small, who are also responsible for "Gary and Mike" and "Blue Collar TV".

The format of MADtv is a mixture of scenes shot live for a studio audience, and pre-taped short films—both place a heavy emphasis on pop culture parody. Skits and sketches are performed in a manner similar to other variety shows.

In addition, MADtv spoofs other shows, particularly the long-running game show The Price is Right, with actors playing Bob Barker and the late Rod Roddy, and it also takes on other celebrities, like Wayne Brady, Kenny Rogers and John Madden. One recurring skit is the show-within-a-show called Real Mother****ing Talk with Dollar Bill Montgomery, which is a spoof of other forum-style shows such as Hardball with Chris Matthews and Real Time with Bill Maher. Maher made a cameo appearance on a 10th-season episode, opposite cast lead Aries Spears. Real Mother****ing Talk is known for its excessive use of (comically censored) foul language.

Comparisons with NBC's Saturday Night Live are inevitable, given the two shows' similar formats and close airtimes on Saturday night (MADtv runs from 11:00 PM to midnight, while SNL begins at 11:30 PM and 1:30 AM).

MADtv casts by season

1995-96

1996-97

  • Bryan Callen
  • David Herman
  • Orlando Jones
  • Phil LaMarr
  • Artie Lange
  • Mary Scheer
  • Nicole Sullivan
  • Debra Wilson

1997-98

1998-99

1999-2000

  • Alex Borstein
  • Mo Collins
  • Pat Kilbane
  • Phil LaMarr
  • Michael McDonald
  • Will Sasso
  • Aries Spears
  • Nicole Sullivan
  • Debra Wilson
  • Nelson Ascencio (F)
  • Brooke Totman (F)

2000-01

2001-02

2002-03

2003-04

2004-05

  • Ike Barinholtz
  • Frank Caliendo
  • Daniele Gaither
  • Keegan-Michael Key
  • Bobby Lee
  • Michael McDonald
  • Nicole Parker
  • Ron Pederson
  • Jordan Peele
  • Aries Spears
  • Paul Vogt
  • Stephnie Weir
  • Crista Flanagan (F)
  • Spencer Kayden (F)
Further information: MADtv recurring characters

Current

Former

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