If you’re a fan of the classic sketch comedy genre, you might remember You Can’t Do That on Television with fondness. This beloved show, filled with humor and iconic green slime, paved the way for many other entertaining series. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 19 TV shows that capture the same spirit and humor.
1. All That
All That is a sketch comedy show that aired on Nickelodeon. Starring a young Kenan Thompson and Amanda Bynes, it featured a mix of hilarious sketches, musical performances, and celebrity guest appearances.
2. The Amanda Show
The Amanda Show starred Amanda Bynes and was a spin-off of All That. The show featured a variety of sketches, including fan-favorites like “Judge Trudy” and “The Girls’ Room.”
3. Roundhouse
Roundhouse was another Nickelodeon sketch comedy series that aired in the early ’90s. The show combined music, dance, and comedy sketches, and featured a talented ensemble cast including Crystal Lewis and Dominic Lucero.
4. Kenan & Kel
Kenan & Kel starred Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, who were also part of All That. The show followed the comedic misadventures of two high school friends and included plenty of slapstick humor and catchphrases.
5. The Kids in the Hall
The Kids in the Hall is a Canadian sketch comedy show that gained a cult following. Starring Dave Foley, Bruce McCulloch, Kevin McDonald, Mark McKinney, and Scott Thompson, the show featured surreal and often absurd humor.
6. Mad TV
Mad TV was a sketch comedy series inspired by Mad Magazine. The show featured a rotating cast of comedians, including Michael McDonald and Debra Wilson, and parodied popular culture and current events.
7. In Living Color
In Living Color was a groundbreaking sketch comedy show created by Keenen Ivory Wayans. The show launched the careers of Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx, and Jennifer Lopez, and was known for its edgy humor and memorable characters.
8. SNL (Saturday Night Live)
Saturday Night Live is an iconic sketch comedy and variety show that has been on air since 1975. With a long list of famous alumni, including Tina Fey, Eddie Murphy, and Will Ferrell, SNL continues to be a staple of late-night television.
9. The Carol Burnett Show
The Carol Burnett Show is a classic sketch comedy and variety show that aired from 1967 to 1978. Starring Carol Burnett, Harvey Korman, and Tim Conway, the show featured a mix of comedy sketches, musical numbers, and guest stars.
10. The Muppet Show
The Muppet Show combined sketch comedy with puppetry and was created by Jim Henson. The show featured the beloved Muppet characters, including Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, and had numerous celebrity guest stars.
11. Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Whose Line Is It Anyway? is an improvisational comedy show where the performers create scenes and characters on the spot. Hosted by Drew Carey, the show features comedians like Colin Mochrie and Ryan Stiles.
12. The Benny Hill Show
The Benny Hill Show was a British sketch comedy show known for its slapstick humor and musical numbers. Starring Benny Hill, the show often included chase scenes and comedic misunderstandings.
13. Monty Python’s Flying Circus
Monty Python’s Flying Circus is a British sketch comedy series created by the Monty Python comedy troupe. Known for its surreal and absurd humor, the show featured John Cleese, Eric Idle, and Michael Palin, among others.
14. Chappelle’s Show
Chappelle’s Show was a sketch comedy series created by and starring Dave Chappelle. The show tackled social and political issues with sharp wit and included memorable sketches like “Rick James” and “The Racial Draft.”
15. The Tracy Ullman Show
The Tracy Ullman Show was a variety show that combined sketch comedy with musical performances. Starring Tracy Ullman, the show is also notable for introducing The Simpsons as animated shorts.
16. Mr. Show with Bob and David
Mr. Show with Bob and David was a sketch comedy series starring Bob Odenkirk and David Cross. The show featured a mix of surreal and satirical humor and has since gained a cult following.
17. Portlandia
Portlandia is a sketch comedy series created by Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein. The show satirizes hipster culture and life in Portland, Oregon, with recurring characters and quirky humor.
18. The State
The State was a sketch comedy show that aired on MTV in the ’90s. The show featured a young cast, including Michael Ian Black and Thomas Lennon, and is known for its offbeat and irreverent humor.
19. Key & Peele
Key & Peele was a sketch comedy series created by Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele. The show explored social issues and pop culture through a mix of clever and often absurd sketches.