Since there are a couple of SNL threads going around, I figured to give Mad TV some equal time. I started watching Mad TV back in the late 90’s after getting fed-up with season after season of un-funny SNL.
SNL may benefit from higher profile guest appearances, but Mad TV’s regular cast almost always makes up for a lack of guest star. I much prefer **Nicole Sullivan’s ** version of Britney Spears than having Britney Spears herself on the show. And Debra Wilson does Destiny’s Child better than Destiny’s Child does. And Steven Seagal? Please, give me Will Sasso’s version any day. I actually think some of Seagal’s movies would be improved by replacing him with Sasso.
It’s also my opinion that Mad TV stars are more convincing in their celebrity portrayals than SNL actors are. Examples:
Bobby Lee as Kim Jong-Il and Connie Chung
Frank Caliendo as the late Rod Roddy from The Price is Right and the guy on the Ace Hardware commercials
Ron Pederson’s Clay Aiken is priceless, before he even says anything.
Ike Barinholtz’s Marky-Mark & Joe Millionaire
Will Sasso’s Kenny Rogers
Debra Wilson’s Oprah
Phil Lamar’s Michael Jackson
Mo Collins as Jenny jones
And when they’re doing their own things, the characters are more memorable than SNL. Examples:
The Vancome Lady (Nicole Sullivan)
Bunny Swan (Alex Borstien)
The Abercrombie & Fitch dudes (various)
And honorable mention goes to Artie Lange for his Belushiesque presence without actually ripping-off any of Belushi’s old skits. (Don’t make me break my foot off in your ass!)
The only regular cast member who seems to try the hardest but never come out in front is Michael McDonald (Marvin Tikvah, Stuart, creepy office manager Sean).
And the Spishak commercials are usually pretty hilarious.