Fridays was a popular sketch comedy show that aired in the 1980s, known for its edgy humor and memorable performances. If you’re a fan of Fridays and are looking for similar TV shows to binge-watch, you’re in for a treat. Here are 20 TV shows that capture the same comedic spirit and irreverent style. (TVseries’>Learn more about Fridays here).
1. Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live (SNL) is a long-running sketch comedy show that has been a staple of late-night TV since 1975. Featuring a rotating cast of comedians and guest hosts, SNL has launched the careers of many famous actors, including Eddie Murphy and Tina Fey.
2. MADtv
MADtv was a sketch comedy show that aired from 1995 to 2016, known for its outrageous parodies and memorable characters. The show starred comedians like Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, who later created the hit show Key & Peele.
3. In Living Color
In Living Color was a groundbreaking sketch comedy show that aired in the early ’90s, created by Keenen Ivory Wayans. The show featured a diverse cast, including Jim Carrey and Jennifer Lopez, and was known for its bold and provocative humor.
4. The Kids in the Hall
The Kids in the Hall is a Canadian sketch comedy troupe that had their own TV show from 1988 to 1995. Known for their bizarre and often surreal sketches, the troupe included comedians like Dave Foley and Bruce McCulloch.
5. Chappelle’s Show
Chappelle’s Show was a critically acclaimed sketch comedy show created by and starring Dave Chappelle. The show, which aired from 2003 to 2006, featured sharp social commentary and unforgettable characters like Tyrone Biggums and Rick James.
6. Monty Python’s Flying Circus
Monty Python’s Flying Circus is a British sketch comedy show that first aired in 1969. The show, starring John Cleese and Eric Idle, became famous for its absurd and surreal humor, influencing countless comedians and writers.
7. Key & Peele
Key & Peele is a sketch comedy show created by Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele. The show, which aired from 2012 to 2015, is known for its clever social satire and memorable characters like Luther, President Obama’s “anger translator.”
8. Portlandia
Portlandia is a sketch comedy show that aired from 2011 to 2018, created by Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein. The show satirizes the hipster culture of Portland, Oregon, and features a variety of quirky characters and absurd situations.
9. The Carol Burnett Show
The Carol Burnett Show was a variety/sketch comedy show that aired from 1967 to 1978. Starring Carol Burnett, Harvey Korman, and Tim Conway, the show was known for its hilarious sketches and musical numbers.
10. Mr. Show with Bob and David
Mr. Show with Bob and David was a sketch comedy show that aired from 1995 to 1998, starring Bob Odenkirk and David Cross. The show featured a mix of absurdist humor and social satire, and has since developed a cult following.
11. SCTV
SCTV (Second City Television) was a Canadian sketch comedy show that aired from 1976 to 1984. The show featured a talented cast, including John Candy and Catherine O’Hara, and was known for its clever parodies of television and film.
12. The State
The State was a sketch comedy show that aired on MTV from 1993 to 1995. The show featured a young cast of comedians, including Michael Ian Black and Thomas Lennon, and was known for its edgy and irreverent humor.
13. A Bit of Fry & Laurie
A Bit of Fry & Laurie was a British sketch comedy show that aired from 1989 to 1995, starring Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie. The show featured a mix of witty dialogue and absurdist humor, showcasing the comedic talents of its two stars.
14. The Whitest Kids U’ Know
The Whitest Kids U’ Know was a sketch comedy show that aired from 2007 to 2011, created by and starring Trevor Moore, Zach Cregger, and Sam Brown. The show was known for its edgy and often controversial sketches.
15. Little Britain
Little Britain is a British sketch comedy show that aired from 2003 to 2006, created by and starring Matt Lucas and David Walliams. The show features a variety of eccentric characters and satirical sketches that poke fun at British culture.
16. The Catherine Tate Show
The Catherine Tate Show is a British sketch comedy show that aired from 2004 to 2007, starring comedian Catherine Tate. The show features a range of memorable characters, including the foul-mouthed Nan and the clueless teenager Lauren.
17. Absolutely Fabulous
Absolutely Fabulous is a British sitcom with sketch comedy elements that aired from 1992 to 2012. The show stars Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley as two fashion-obsessed women navigating their chaotic lives with humor and style.
18. The Fast Show
The Fast Show is a British sketch comedy show that aired from 1994 to 1997, featuring a cast that included Paul Whitehouse and Charlie Higson. The show is known for its rapid-fire sketches and memorable catchphrases.
19. Inside Amy Schumer
Inside Amy Schumer is a sketch comedy show that aired from 2013 to 2016, created by and starring comedian Amy Schumer. The show features a mix of sketches, stand-up comedy, and interviews, often focusing on themes of gender and relationships.
20. The League of Gentlemen
The League of Gentlemen is a British dark comedy sketch show that aired from 1999 to 2002. Created by and starring Mark Gatiss, Steve Pemberton, and Reece Shearsmith, the show features a variety of bizarre and unsettling characters in the fictional town of Royston Vasey.