{{short description|American sketch comedy television series}} {{about|the 1995 live-action television show|the 2010 animated television show|Mad (TV series)|other uses}} {{good article}} {{Use American English|date = April 2019}} {{Use mdy dates|date = April 2019}} {{Infobox television | image = Logo of MADtv.png | genre = {{ubl|Sketch comedy|Parody|Satire}} | creator = {{ubl|David Salzman|Fax Bahr|Adam Small}} | based_on = {{based on|''Mad''|EC Comics}} | starring = see list of cast members | theme_music_composer = {{ubl|Greg O'Connor|Blake Aaron}} | country = United States | language = English | num_seasons = 15 | num_episodes = 329 | list_episodes = List of Mad TV episodes | executive_producer = {{ubl|David Salzman|Quincy Jones|Fax Bahr|Adam Small}} | company = {{ubil|Quincy Jones-David Salzman Entertainment|Bahr/Small Productions}}Warner Bros. Television (season 15) | location = {{ubil|Hollywood Center Studios|Sunset Bronson Studios}} | network = Fox | first_aired = {{Start date|1995|10|14}} | last_aired = {{End date|2009|05|16}} | related = {{ubl|''Mad'' (2010–2013)|''Mad TV'' (2016)}} }}
'''''Mad TV''''' (stylized as '''''MADtv''''') is<!-- Do not change tense to "was" per WP:MOSTV#Lead_paragraphs --> an American sketch comedy television series created by David Salzman, Fax Bahr, and Adam Small. Loosely based on the humor magazine ''Mad'', ''Mad TV'''s pre-taped satirical sketches were primarily parodies of popular culture and occasionally politics. Many of its sketches featured the show's cast members playing recurring original characters and doing celebrity impressions. The series premiered on Fox on October 14, 1995, and ran for 15 seasons. Its final episode aired on May 16, 2009.
Salzman created ''Mad TV'' with record producer Quincy Jones after they purchased the rights to ''Mad'' in 1995. Salzman brought on Bahr and Small, who had formerly written for the sketch comedy television series ''In Living Color'', as showrunners. The show was intended to compete with fellow sketch comedy series ''Saturday Night Live'' (''SNL''), which was experiencing declining viewership and poor critical reception. Critics noted that ''Mad TV'' had a more diverse cast than ''SNL'' and dealt with edgier, more lowbrow humor''.''{{cn|date=April 2025}}
Fox made few efforts to promote ''Mad TV'', which typically fell behind ''SNL'' in ratings. Throughout its run, the network continually cut the series' budget before eventually canceling it in 2010. It was nominated for numerous awards, including 43 Primetime Emmy Awards, five of which it won. Critical reception of the series was mixed during its run and its sketches attracted notable controversy. Since its cancellation, it has appeared on several critics' lists of the best sketch comedy television series of all time.
A 20th anniversary reunion special aired on The CW on January 12, 2016. The CW also rebooted the series for a 15th and final season, which premiered on July 26, 2016.
==Development== [[File:Quincy Jones 1995.jpg|thumb|Record producer Quincy Jones (''pictured'') and television producer David Salzman executive produced ''Mad TV'' after buying the rights to its namesake magazine in 1995.]]
William Gaines, who owned EC Comics and published the American humor magazine ''Mad'' from 1950 until his death in 1992, refused to sell the rights to the magazine as he disliked television. In 1995, three years after Gaines's death, EC Comics sold the rights to ''Mad'' to record producer Quincy Jones and TV producer David Salzman.<ref name="vulture" /> The two launched ''Mad TV'' through their joint venture, QDE.<ref name="ptv">{{cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |date=April 11, 2016 |title=CW Revives 'MadTV' As Primetime Series |url=https://deadline.com/2016/04/madtv-revival-primetime-series-the-cw-1201735536/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412000039/https://deadline.com/2016/04/madtv-revival-primetime-series-the-cw-1201735536/ |archive-date=2016-04-12 |access-date=August 17, 2023 |website=Deadline}}</ref>
Fax Bahr and Adam Small were hired as the showrunners of ''Mad TV'' alongside Salzman. They had previously worked as staff writers on the sketch comedy television series ''In Living Color'' since 1992. The two left the show in its third season.<ref name="ptv" /> The series began with 12 writers, including Patton Oswalt, Blaine Capatch, and writers from ''The Ben Stiller Show''. Its pilot episode premiered on October 14, 1995, at 11 p.m. on Fox. The network approved of the pilot and ordered 12 episodes for its first season, which was heavily inspired by the eponymous magazine. It was pre-taped and contained a combination of short live-action sketches, movie parodies, and animated sketches.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Woodman |first1=Tenley |date=May 16, 2009 |title=MAD-funny 'tv' show signs off |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2009/05/16/mad-funny-tv-show-signs-off/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817051328/https://www.bostonherald.com/2009/05/16/mad-funny-tv-show-signs-off/ |archive-date=2023-08-17 |access-date=August 17, 2023 |website=Boston Herald}}</ref><ref name="vulture">{{cite web |last1=Greiving |first1=Tim |date=May 18, 2016 |title=An Oral History of MADtv, the Sketch Show That Never Quite Changed Comedy |url=https://www.vulture.com/2016/05/oral-history-madtv.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529164501/http://www.vulture.com/2016/05/oral-history-madtv.html |archive-date=2016-05-29 |access-date=December 14, 2022 |website=Vulture |language=en-us}}</ref> Animated segments of ''Spy vs. Spy'', a wordless comic strip originally featured in ''Mad'' and created by Antonio Prohías, appeared on the first four seasons of ''Mad TV''.<ref name="ewspies">{{cite magazine |last1=Agard |first1=Chancellor |last2=Shamsian |first2=Jacob |last3=Ward |first3=Kat |date=August 15, 2014 |title=25 Best TV Spies of All Time |url=https://archive.org/details/entertainment-weekly-1324-2014-08-15-julia-louis-dreyfus/page/n34/mode/1up?q=madtv |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |publisher= |access-date=December 29, 2022 |issue=1324 |page=38 |via=Internet Archive }}</ref> The show's theme song was created by American hip hop group Heavy D & the Boyz, who had previously created the theme song for ''In Living Color'', and composed by Greg O'Connor and Blake Aaron, the latter of whom was ''Mad TV''<nowiki/>'s guitarist.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 8, 2011 |title=Rapper Heavy D dies at 44 |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/rapper-heavy-d-dies-at-44-1.995815 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229070651/https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/rapper-heavy-d-dies-at-44-1.995815 |archive-date=2022-12-29 |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=CBC}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Blake Aaron performance |url=https://www.wbrc.com/story/32247882/blake-aaron-performance/ |website=WBRC |access-date=January 2, 2023 |date=June 17, 2016}}</ref> Filming took place in Hollywood at Hollywood Center Studios and later at Sunset Bronson Studios.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 19, 2006 |title=Making the Scene |url=https://labusinessjournal.com/news/making-the-scene/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102063203/https://www.wbrc.com/story/32247882/blake-aaron-performance/ |archive-date=2023-01-02 |access-date=January 16, 2023 |website=Los Angeles Business Journal}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=McNary |first1=Dave |date=November 13, 2008 |title=Hudson Capital rebrands studios |url=https://variety.com/2008/film/markets-festivals/hudson-capital-rebrands-studios-1117995754/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150831234604/http://variety.com/2008/film/markets-festivals/hudson-capital-rebrands-studios-1117995754/ |archive-date=2015-08-31 |access-date=January 16, 2023 |website=Variety}}</ref>
{{multiple image | align = left | direction = vertical | background color = <!-- box background --> | total_width = <!-- total width of all the displayed images in pixels (an integer, omit "px" suffix) --> | caption_align = <!-- left (default), center, right --> | image1 = HollywoodCenterStudios01.jpg | alt1 = | image2 = ExecutiveOfficeBldg OldWarnerBrosStudio nowKTLA comd.jpg | alt2 = | caption2 = Filming for ''Mad TV'' took place in Hollywood at Hollywood Center Studios (''top'') and later at Sunset Bronson Studios (''bottom''). }}
The series satirized popular culture, with sketches parodying film, television and music.<ref name="vfreboot" /><ref name="lookback">{{cite web |last1=Atwater |first1=Carleton |date=March 3, 2011 |title=Looking Back at MADtv |url=https://www.vulture.com/2011/03/looking-back-at-madtv.html#_ga=2.50482158.690379489.1669099764-1732673581.1669099764 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526105324/http://www.vulture.com/2011/03/looking-back-at-madtv.html |archive-date=2018-05-26 |access-date=December 23, 2022 |website=Vulture |language=en-us}}</ref><ref name="lasecret" /> Sketches often featured celebrity impressions and occasionally contained political satire, and Fox executive Joe Earley called the series "an equal opportunity offender".<ref name="vfreboot" /><ref name="lookback" /><ref name="cbspostal">{{cite web |date=December 11, 2003 |title=Postal Protest Over Comedy Sketch |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/postal-protest-over-comedy-sketch/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231222518/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/postal-protest-over-comedy-sketch/ |archive-date=2022-12-31 |access-date=December 31, 2022 |website=CBS News}}</ref> Bruce Leddy became the show's director and supervising producer starting in 2000.<ref>{{cite web |title='Sing Now or Forever Hold Your Peace' director Bruce Leddy |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2007/04/indiewire-interview-sing-now-or-forever-hold-your-peace-director-bruce-leddy-74685/ |website=IndieWire |access-date=January 2, 2023 |date=April 30, 2007}}</ref> After ''Mad TV''{{'}}s first season, Fox rarely promoted the series and frequently made budget cuts, with cast and crew members such as Debra Wilson and Bahr referring to the series as the "redheaded stepchild" of Fox.<ref name="vulture" /> ''The Hollywood Reporter''{{'}}s James Hibbard wrote prior to its cancellation that ''Mad TV'' had been "like a distant cousin of [Fox's] other programming" during its runtime; David Nevins, Fox's former executive vice president of programming, attributed the lack of promotion to Fox focusing on advertising its new prime time series instead.<ref name="hollywoodreporter">{{cite web |last1=Hibberd |first1=James |date=November 12, 2008 |title=Fox cancels 'Mad TV' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/fox-cancels-mad-tv-50940/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202110449/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/fox-cancels-mad-tv-50940/ |archive-date=December 2, 2021 |access-date=December 14, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref><ref name="lasecret" /> Fox executives and ''Mad TV''{{'}}s showrunners often shot down sketch ideas that were viewed admirably by the staff writers, who wanted the show to be "edgy".<ref name="vulture" /><ref name="paste" /> ''Mad TV'' was partially intended to compete with fellow late-night sketch comedy series ''Saturday Night Live'',<ref name="VarietyCancel" /> which, at the time of ''Mad TV''{{'}}s debut, was being poorly received by critics.<ref name="upi">{{cite web |date=June 23, 1995 |title=Fox's 'Mad TV' to take on 'SNL' |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1995/06/23/Foxs-Mad-TV-to-take-on-SNL/6969803880000/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229070733/https://www.pastemagazine.com/comedy/mad-tv/you-are-now-living-at-mad-tv/ |archive-date=2022-12-29 |access-date=December 24, 2022 |website=UPI}}</ref> However, ''SNL'' quickly bounced back and ''Mad TV'' typically trailed behind the show in ratings.<ref name="vulture" />
In November 2008, Fox confirmed that ''Mad TV''{{'}}s 326th episode during its shortened 14th season would be its last, telling Salzman that the show was too expensive considering its ratings and time slot. By this point, it was the fourth longest-running Fox series after ''The Simpsons'', ''Cops'', and ''America's Most Wanted''.<ref name="hollywoodreporter" /> Salzman said that he would be exploring the continuation of the show on another channel, possibly cable.<ref name=VarietyCancel>{{cite web|last1=Schneider|first1=Michael|title=Fox cancels 'Mad TV'|url=https://variety.com/2008/scene/news/fox-cancels-mad-tv-1117995723/|website=Variety|access-date=February 3, 2015|date=November 12, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122132817/http://variety.com/2008/scene/news/fox-cancels-mad-tv-1117995723/|archive-date=January 22, 2015}}</ref> In early 2009, the show was briefly moved to air after ''Talkshow with Spike Feresten'', the show that normally followed ''MADtv'', before being moved back. The series finale aired on May 16, 2009.<ref name="DailyNewsCancel">{{cite news|last1=Kinon|first1=Cristina|title='MADtv' hopes finale isn't last laugh|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2009/05/06/madtv-hopes-finale-isnt-last-laugh/|access-date=February 3, 2015|work=NY Daily News|date=May 6, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210043428/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/madtv-hopes-finale-isn-laugh-article-1.412165|archive-date=December 10, 2014}}</ref> It featured both new and old sketches and revolved around a fictional telethon called "''Mad TV'' Gives Back".<ref name="ewfinale">{{cite magazine |last1=Wheat |first1=Alynda |date=May 17, 2009 |title='MADtv' series finale blunder |url=https://ew.com/article/2009/05/17/madtv-series-fi/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121063610/http://www.ew.com/article/2009/05/17/madtv-series-fi |archive-date=2015-11-21 |access-date=December 29, 2022}}</ref>
===Reunion special=== ''Mad TV'' had a one-hour-long 20th anniversary reunion special, titled ''MADtv 20th Anniversary Reunion''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Anderton |first1=Ethan |date=December 10, 2015 |title='Mad TV' 20th Anniversary Reunion Special Hits The CW In January |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/541547/mad-tv-20th-anniversary/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925012902/https://www.slashfilm.com/541547/mad-tv-20th-anniversary/ |archive-date=2021-09-25 |access-date=December 24, 2022 |website=/Film}}</ref> It was executive produced by Salzman, directed by Bruce Leddy, and produced by Telepictures and Epicenter Ventures. It aired on The CW on January 12, 2016, at 8 p.m. and garnered 1.7 million viewers.<ref name="20thCW">{{cite news |last1=Plaugic |first1=Lizzie |date=December 11, 2015 |title=Mad TV is coming back for a one-hour 20th anniversary special |work=The Verge |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/12/11/9902188/mad-tv-anniversary-special-the-cw |url-status=live |access-date=December 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212101836/http://www.theverge.com/2015/12/11/9902188/mad-tv-anniversary-special-the-cw |archive-date=December 12, 2015}}</ref><ref name="vfreboot" /><ref name="dfp" /> Its plot involved 19 returning cast members going to an awards show where things go awry.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Petski |first1=Denise |date=December 9, 2015 |title='MADtv' Marks 20 Years With January Reunion Special On The CW |url=https://deadline.com/2015/12/madtv-reunion-special-the-cw-1201662936/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211030209/http://deadline.com/2015/12/madtv-reunion-special-the-cw-1201662936/ |archive-date=2015-12-11 |access-date=December 24, 2022 |website=Deadline}}</ref>
== Cast and characters == {{main|List of Mad TV cast members|l1 = List of ''Mad TV'' cast members}}
[[File:MadTV season 1 cast.jpg|thumb|The inaugural 1995 cast of ''Mad TV'', from left to right: David Herman, Nicole Sullivan, Phil LaMarr, Debra Wilson, Artie Lange, Orlando Jones, Mary Scheer, and Bryan Callen]]
''Mad TV''{{'}}s cast was considered diverse by critics, especially compared to that of ''SNL''.<ref name="vfreboot" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Blevins |first1=Joe |title=Read This: The inside story of MadTV, Fox's rowdy, lowbrow SNL knockoff |url=https://www.avclub.com/read-this-the-inside-story-of-madtv-fox-s-rowdy-lowb-1798247424 |website=The A.V. Club |access-date=August 23, 2023 |date=May 18, 2016}}</ref> According to casting director Nicole Garcia, the showrunners sought a diverse cast from the beginning of the series.<ref name="vulture" /> Its first season starred Debra Wilson, Nicole Sullivan, Phil LaMarr, Artie Lange, Mary Scheer, Bryan Callen, Orlando Jones, and David Herman.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ferme |first1=Antonio |date=February 26, 2021 |title=Debra Wilson Reveals She Left 'MADtv' Due to Pay Disparity With White Male Cast Members |url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/debra-wilson-madtv-pay-disparity-white-cast-members-1234916310/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203001230/https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/debra-wilson-madtv-pay-disparity-white-cast-members-1234916310/ |archive-date=2023-02-03 |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=Variety}}</ref>
Wilson was the first cast member hired for ''Mad TV''.<ref name="vulture" /> She starred in the first eight seasons of the series from 1995 to 2003, making her the longest-running original cast member and the only Black female cast member during her time on the show. She later stated that she left the series in 2003 after learning that she received a lower salary than a White male cast member who had joined after she did, and that her salary negotiations had failed.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Yang |first1=Rachel |date=February 25, 2021 |title=Debra Wilson says she left 'MADtv' due to pay disparity with 'white male cast members' |url=https://ew.com/tv/debra-wilson-madtv-pay-disparity-white-male-castmate/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227010537/https://ew.com/tv/debra-wilson-madtv-pay-disparity-white-male-castmate/ |archive-date=2022-12-27 |access-date=December 26, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Clark |first1=Anne Victoria |date=February 25, 2021 |title=Debra Wilson Says She Quit MADtv Over Pay Disparity |url=https://www.vulture.com/2021/02/debra-wilson-says-she-quit-madtv-over-pay-disparity.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609160931/https://www.vulture.com/2021/02/debra-wilson-says-she-quit-madtv-over-pay-disparity.html |archive-date=2023-06-09 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=Vulture |language=en-us}}</ref> Sullivan was added to the cast because, according to her, Bahr and Small wanted someone on the show who "the audience would like to have dinner with".<ref name="vulture" /> She starred on the show from 1995 to 2001 and left to star in the ABC sitcom ''Me and My Needs'', which was not picked up by the network after its pilot episode.<ref name="lasecret" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Goldberg |first1=Lesley |title=Ryan Seacrest Revives 2001 Comedy From Late Comedian at NBC (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/ryan-seacrest-revives-judy-tolls-613669/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=24 December 2022 |date=23 August 2013}}</ref> Herman starred in the short-lived Fox sketch comedy series ''House of Buggin''' before appearing on ''Mad TV'', while Jones had written for the Fox series ''Roc''.<ref name="upi" /> Jones, Callen, and Lange all left the show after its second season.<ref name="estart">{{cite web |date=October 14, 2015 |title=Photos from 20 Stars You Probably Forgot Got Their Start on MADtv |url=https://www.eonline.com/photos/17327/20-stars-you-probably-forgot-got-their-start-on-madtv |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225065155/https://www.eonline.com/photos/17327/20-stars-you-probably-forgot-got-their-start-on-madtv |archive-date=2022-12-25 |access-date=December 24, 2022 |website=E! Online}}</ref><ref name="ew" />
[[File:Michael mcdonald.jpg|thumb|175px|Michael McDonald (''pictured'') was ''Mad TV''{{'}}s longest-tenured cast member, starring in ten seasons.]]
Michael McDonald starred on ''Mad TV'' for ten seasons starting in 1998 and was the show's longest-running and oldest cast member, also occasionally directing segments.<ref name="estart" /><ref name="lookback" /> The show's second longest-running cast member was Aries Spears, who appeared in 198 episodes from its third season in 1997 until its tenth season in 2005.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sandoval |first1=Lapacazo |date=June 10, 2021 |title=Aries Spears — an OG in comedy now hosting a podcast — Spears & Steinberg — 256 in the can and counting |url=https://lasentinel.net/aries-spears-an-og-in-comedy-now-hosting-a-podcast-spears-steinberg-256-in-the-can-and-counting.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323045715/https://lasentinel.net/aries-spears-an-og-in-comedy-now-hosting-a-podcast-spears-steinberg-256-in-the-can-and-counting.html |archive-date=2023-03-23 |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=Los Angeles Sentinel}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Fraley |first1=Jason |date=February 17, 2022 |title=Master impersonator Aries Spears brings 'uncut cocaine' comedy to DC Improv |url=https://wtop.com/entertainment/2022/02/master-impersonator-aries-spears-brings-uncut-cocaine-comedy-to-dc-improv/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102031548/https://wtop.com/entertainment/2022/02/master-impersonator-aries-spears-brings-uncut-cocaine-comedy-to-dc-improv/ |archive-date=2023-01-02 |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=WTOP News}}</ref> Other popular cast members included Alex Borstein, who starred on the show for five seasons from 1997 to 2002;<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stern |first1=Marlow |date=November 12, 2013 |title='Family Guy' Star Alex Borstein Is Ready for Her HBO Close-Up |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/family-guy-star-alex-borstein-is-ready-for-her-hbo-close-up |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805071154/https://www.thedailybeast.com/family-guy-star-alex-borstein-is-ready-for-her-hbo-close-up |archive-date=2020-08-05 |access-date=December 26, 2022 |website=The Daily Beast |language=en}}</ref> Ike Barinholtz, who joined in 2002 and left in 2007;<ref name="vfstars" /> Will Sasso, who joined the show in its third season;<ref>{{cite podcast |host=Horn, John |title=The origin story of SNL's edgy rival, MADtv |website=The Frame |publisher=KPCC |date=28 December 2022 |url=https://www.kpcc.org/show/the-frame/2015-11-20/the-origin-story-of-snls-edgy-rival-madtv-part-2 |access-date=28 December 2022}}</ref> Mo Collins, who joined in 1998 and left in 2004;<ref name="tvlinecollins" /> Stephnie Weir, who starred on the show for six years;<ref name="estart" /><ref name="bustlechar">{{cite web |last1=Gerdes |first1=Caroline |date=January 12, 2016 |title=Celebrate The 'MADtv' 20th Anniversary Special With These 11 Unforgettable Sketches |url=https://www.bustle.com/articles/135107-celebrate-the-madtv-20th-anniversary-special-with-these-11-unforgettable-sketches-videos |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320220012/https://www.bustle.com/articles/135107-celebrate-the-madtv-20th-anniversary-special-with-these-11-unforgettable-sketches-videos |archive-date=2023-03-20 |access-date=December 26, 2022 |website=Bustle |language=en}}</ref> Nicole Parker, who appeared on six seasons of the show; and Bobby Lee, who appeared on eight seasons of the show from 2001 to 2009.<ref name="avlee" /> Other cast members, such as Andy Daly, Simon Helberg, and Taran Killam, the last of whom was the youngest person ever to be cast on the show,<ref name="revengemad">{{cite magazine |last1=Rahman |first1=Ray |date=May 23, 2014 |title=The Revenge of MADtv |page=58 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |location= |publisher= |url=https://archive.org/details/entertainment-weekly-1312-2014-05-23/mode/1up |access-date=December 29, 2022 |issue=1312 |via=Internet Archive }}</ref> found fame after brief tenures on ''Mad TV''.<ref name="ew">{{cite magazine |last1=Kickham |first1=Dylan |date=June 22, 2022 |title='MADtv': Where Are They Now? |url=https://ew.com/gallery/madtv-where-are-they-now/?slide=228727#228727 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224180910/https://ew.com/gallery/madtv-where-are-they-now/ |archive-date=2022-12-24 |access-date=December 24, 2022}}</ref> Comedians Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key met after being cast on ''Mad TV'' in 2004 for its ninth season, and the two would later star together in the Comedy Central sketch comedy series ''Key & Peele''.<ref name="avkp">{{cite web |last1=Thorn |first1=Jesse |date=March 20, 2012 |title=Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele of Key & Peele |url=https://www.avclub.com/keegan-michael-key-and-jordan-peele-of-key-peele-1798230591 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226071752/https://www.avclub.com/keegan-michael-key-and-jordan-peele-of-key-peele-1798230591 |archive-date=2022-12-26 |access-date=December 26, 2022 |website=The A.V. Club |language=en}}</ref><ref name="snlkeegz">{{cite web |last1=Jevens |first1=Darel |date=May 3, 2021 |title=Keegan-Michael Key, Second City and 'Mad TV' alum, to host 'SNL' |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/movies-and-tv/2021/5/3/22418098/keegan-michael-key-snl-saturday-night-live-mad-tv |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128032424/https://chicago.suntimes.com/movies-and-tv/2021/5/3/22418098/keegan-michael-key-snl-saturday-night-live-mad-tv |archive-date=2023-01-28 |access-date=December 23, 2022 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |language=en}}</ref> Peele left the series in 2008, while Key stayed until the show's final season.<ref name="vfstars">{{cite web |last1=Desta |first1=Yohana |date=July 27, 2016 |title=7 Breakout Stars Who Got Their Start on MadTV |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/07/madtv-breakout-stars |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601133438/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/07/madtv-breakout-stars |archive-date=2023-06-01 |access-date=December 26, 2022 |website=Vanity Fair}}</ref>
Borstein and Peele were both kept from leaving ''Mad TV'' to pursue other roles due to their contracts, with Borstein having to turn down a role as Sookie on the CW series ''Gilmore Girls'' and Peele turning down a role playing Barack Obama for ''SNL''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Justin |first1=Neal |date=September 17, 2018 |title='Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' lives up to its name at the Emmys |url=https://apnews.com/article/emmy-awards-amy-sherman-palladino-archive-rachel-brosnahan-e72aa0173a744a76af8dc98f6b87f57f |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102055713/https://apnews.com/article/emmy-awards-amy-sherman-palladino-archive-rachel-brosnahan-e72aa0173a744a76af8dc98f6b87f57f |archive-date=2023-01-02 |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref><ref name="nykp" />
===Recurring characters=== Numerous characters and sketches on ''Mad TV'' became notable for their frequent appearances.<ref name="cbc" /> Michael McDonald played Stuart Larkin,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fadroski |first1=Kelly Skye |date=March 23, 2011 |title=Comedian Michael McDonald unveils new act in Brea |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2011/03/23/comedian-michael-mcdonald-unveils-new-act-in-brea/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229070653/https://www.ocregister.com/2011/03/23/comedian-michael-mcdonald-unveils-new-act-in-brea/ |archive-date=2022-12-29 |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=The Orange County Register}}</ref> an overgrown, spoiled child with a bowl cut, bright red cheeks,<ref name="nydnchar">{{cite web |last1=Amos |first1=Candace |date=May 20, 2015 |title=Remembering the best 'MADtv' sketches, from Stuart to Miss Swan |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/reminisce-best-madtv-character-sketches-article-1.2229483 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226074455/https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/reminisce-best-madtv-character-sketches-article-1.2229483 |archive-date=2022-12-26 |access-date=December 26, 2022 |website=New York Daily News}}</ref> and a rainbow plaid shirt.<ref name="mcvult" /> His overbearing single mother, Doreen (played by Mo Collins), has a strong Wisconsin accent and was inspired by McDonald's own mother.<ref name="mcdoc">{{cite web |last1=Fadroski |first1=Kelli Skye |date=October 5, 2008 |title=Comedian Michael McDonald returns to Orange County |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2008/10/05/comedian-michael-mcdonald-returns-to-orange-county/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102031548/https://www.ocregister.com/2008/10/05/comedian-michael-mcdonald-returns-to-orange-county/ |archive-date=2023-01-02 |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=Orange County Register}}</ref> Sketches with Stuart often involve him and his mother visiting various businesses where he frustrates the employees with his antics.<ref name="lookback" /> He has a number of catch phrases, including "Look what I can do!", "I don't wanna say," "Let me do it!", and "Dooooon't!", while his mother always mentions that Stuart's father "left us on Tuesday".<ref name="mcvult">{{cite web |last1=Wright |first1=Megh |date=March 8, 2012 |title=8 of MADtv's Most Memorable Characters |url=https://www.vulture.com/2012/03/8-of-madtvs-most-memorable-characters.html#_ga=2.50482158.690379489.1669099764-1732673581.1669099764 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224023912/https://www.vulture.com/2012/03/8-of-madtvs-most-memorable-characters.html |archive-date=2022-12-24 |access-date=December 23, 2022 |website=Vulture |language=en-us}}</ref> Stuart appeared in 38 sketches in nine seasons from 1998 to 2008.<ref name="lookback" /><ref name="nydnchar" /><ref name="rslist" /> He was described by Megh Wright of ''Vulture'' as the show's most memorable character and by Thomas Attila Lewis of ''LAist'' as "incredibly popular".<ref name="mcvult" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Lewis |first1=Thomas Attile |date=March 25, 2011 |title=TV Junkie Interview: MADtv's Michael McDonald |url=https://laist.com/news/entertainment/tv-junkie-interview-madtvs-michael |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604001417/https://laist.com/news/entertainment/tv-junkie-interview-madtvs-michael |archive-date=2023-06-04 |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=LAist}}</ref>
Alex Borstein appeared in 44 sketches as the popular recurring character of Bunny Swan,<ref name="cbc" /> better known as Ms. Swan, an immigrant nail salon owner and manicurist<ref name="democrat">{{cite web |last1=Borstein |first1=Alex |date=30 October 2000 |title=Providing the Real Origin of 'Mad TV's' Ms. Swan |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-oct-30-ca-44096-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327021740/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-oct-30-ca-44096-story.html |archive-date=2023-03-27 |access-date=24 December 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> with a strong, exaggerated accent who annoys others by not being able to answer simple questions.<ref name="swanracist">{{cite web |last1=Gordon |first1=Jeremy |date=September 18, 2019 |title=Shane Gillis, Ms. Swan, and when it's acceptable to make fun of Asians |url=https://theoutline.com/post/7954/shane-gillis-snl-fired-ms-swan-madtv-alex-borstein |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224051045/https://theoutline.com/post/7954/shane-gillis-snl-fired-ms-swan-madtv-alex-borstein |archive-date=2022-12-24 |access-date=December 24, 2022 |website=The Outline |language=en}}</ref><ref name="lookback" /> She has a bob cut and wears a muumuu and a rainbow plaid jumper; she also has catch phrases such as "He look-a like-a man".<ref name="swanracist" /><ref name="mcvult" /> Although Ms. Swan was presumed by audiences to be Asian, the series identifies her as hailing from Kuvaria, the home of Santa Claus, while Borstein stated that her inspirations for the character were her Hungarian-Jewish grandmother, and Icelandic singer Björk.<ref name="cbc">{{cite web |last1=Tam |first1=Vicky |date=November 13, 2008 |title=MadTV? More like SadTV |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news2/arts/things-that-go-pop-blog/2008/11/madtv-more-like-sadtv.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228083726/https://www.cbc.ca/news2/arts/things-that-go-pop-blog/2008/11/madtv-more-like-sadtv.html |archive-date=2022-12-28 |access-date=December 24, 2022 |website=CBC}}</ref><ref name="lasecret" /> Elahe Izadi of the ''Washington Post'' included the Ms. Swan sketches on a list of the "20 defining comedy sketches of the past 20 years" in 2019, writing that they were "among the most widely remembered of ''Mad TV''{{'}}s work".<ref name="wpswan">{{cite news |last1=Izadi |first1=Elahe |date=October 23, 2019 |title=The 20 defining comedy sketches of the past 20 years, from Rick James to 'Lazy Sunday' |language=en |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2019/10/23/defining-comedy-sketches-last-years-rick-james-lazy-sunday/ |access-date=December 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531172916/https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2019/10/23/defining-comedy-sketches-last-years-rick-james-lazy-sunday/ |archive-date=2023-05-31}}</ref> Borstein briefly reprised the role outside of ''Mad TV'' for a parody of the trailer for the 2010 film ''Black Swan'' and for a video about the 2016 United States presidential election.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 11, 2011 |title=Ms. Swan Is 'Black Swan' |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ms-swan-black-swan-video_n_822085 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228143721/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ms-swan-black-swan-video_n_822085 |archive-date=2022-12-28 |access-date=December 28, 2022 |website=HuffPost |language=en}}</ref><ref name="swanracist" />
The Vancome Lady is a verbally abusive, and shamelessly bigoted woman who struggled to keep a job due to her ignorant remarks. She was played by Nicole Sullivan, made over 25 appearances on the show—starting with its pilot episode—and was the first recurring character on the show.<ref name="cbc" /><ref name="lookback" /> She was described by Candace Amos of the ''New York Daily News'' as "one of the characters fans loved to hate".<ref name="nydnchar" /> A sketch featuring cast member Anjelah Johnson as the irritable Latina fast food worker Bon Qui Qui became popular on YouTube.<ref name="ew" /><ref name="tmag">{{cite web |last1=Heyman |first1=Stephen |date=January 13, 2010 |title=The Nifty 50 - Anjelah Johnson, Comedian |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/13/the-nifty-50-anjelah-johnson-comedian/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127034248/https://archive.nytimes.com/tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/13/the-nifty-50-anjelah-johnson-comedian/ |archive-date=2023-01-27 |access-date=December 26, 2022 |website=T}}</ref> Johnson has frequently reprised the character since, releasing the album ''Gold Plated Dreams'' as the character in 2015 through Warner Records.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Garcia |first1=Patricia |date=October 2, 2015 |title=Anjelah Johnson on Her New Netflix Special and Why She's Still Scared to Get a Manicure |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/anjelah-johnson-netflix-special |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226093319/https://www.vogue.com/article/anjelah-johnson-netflix-special |archive-date=2022-12-26 |access-date=December 26, 2022 |website=Vogue}}</ref>
Many of the show's recurring characters were parodies of celebrities such as Will Sasso's portrayal of singer Randy Newman and Aries Spears's portrayal of Bill Cosby.<ref name="mcvult" /><ref name="nydnchar" /> Debra Wilson and Aries Spears frequently appeared on the show as married singers Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown, who they portrayed as drug-addled, frantic, and "ghetto".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lindsey |first1=Craig D. |date=July 14, 2005 |title=Whitney's Dookie Bubble |url=https://www.houstonpress.com/music/whitneys-dookie-bubble-6548991 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629170907/http://www.houstonpress.com/music/whitneys-dookie-bubble-6548991 |archive-date=2023-06-29 |access-date=December 26, 2022 |website=Houston Press |language=en}}</ref><ref name="brown">{{cite web |last1=Velasquez |first1=Angelina |date=May 24, 2022 |title='It Was Hateful': Bobby Brown Talks Taking Offense to Him and Whitney Houston Being Spoofed on 'SNL,' 'Mad TV' |url=https://atlantablackstar.com/2022/05/24/it-was-hateful-bobby-brown-talks-taking-offense-to-him-and-whitney-houston-being-spoofed-on-snl-mad-tv/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325102048/https://atlantablackstar.com/2022/05/24/it-was-hateful-bobby-brown-talks-taking-offense-to-him-and-whitney-houston-being-spoofed-on-snl-mad-tv/ |archive-date=2023-03-25 |access-date=December 23, 2022 |website=Atlanta Black Star}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Cheyenne |first1=Angelica |title=17 of the most iconic '90s celebrity marriages we're still obsessed with |url=https://www.insider.com/iconic-90s-celebrity-marriages-we-still-love-2022-8#bobby-brown-and-whitney-houstons-relationship-made-many-headlines-once-they-jumped-the-broom-in-1992-7 |website=Insider |access-date=December 26, 2022 |date=August 12, 2022}}</ref> Along with her impression of Houston, Wilson also earned fame and acclaim for her impression of Oprah Winfrey on the show, with ''Vanity Fair''{{'}}s Yohana Desta describing Wilson's impression of Winfrey as "the gold standard" and ''HuffPost''{{'}}s Pollo Del Mar writing that Wilson's impressions of Winfrey and Houston were "as iconic as they were scathing".<ref>{{cite web |date=January 8, 2015 |title=Oprah, the movie: Who should play the queen of talk? |url=https://theweek.com/articles/492764/oprah-movie-who-should-play-queen-talk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229205308/https://theweek.com/articles/492764/oprah-movie-who-should-play-queen-talk |archive-date=2022-12-29 |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Del Mar, Pollo |date=January 28, 2017 |title=Debra Wilson Talks the Queer Legacy of MADtv, New Series 'My Sister Is So Gay' |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/debra-wilson-talks-the-queer-legacy-of-madtv-whitney_b_588bef5fe4b0de286b257356 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129141534/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/debra-wilson-talks-the-queer-legacy-of-madtv-whitney_b_588bef5fe4b0de286b257356 |archive-date=2023-01-29 |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=HuffPost |language=en}}</ref> Wilson went on to play Winfrey on the animated sitcom ''The Proud Family'' and in the 2006 parody film ''Scary Movie 4''.<ref name="vfstars" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Punter |first1=Jennie |date=April 14, 2006 |title=Scary Movie 4 |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/scary-movie-4/article1098203/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229205308/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/scary-movie-4/article1098203/ |archive-date=2022-12-29 |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=The Globe and Mail |language=en-CA}}</ref> Other frequent celebrity impressions included Sasso's impressions of actors Robert De Niro and James Gandolfini, Lee's impression of newscaster Connie Chung, and Frank Caliendo's impressions of John Madden and George W. Bush.<ref name="estart" />
== Release ==
=== Episodes === {{main|List of Mad TV episodes|l1 = List of ''Mad TV'' episodes}}
{{:List of Mad TV episodes}}
=== Broadcast and syndication === ''Mad TV'' was owned by Warner Bros. and broadcast every Saturday at 11 p.m. on Fox until its final episode in 2009.<ref name="avlee" /><ref name="lasecret">{{cite web |last1=Keck |first1=William |date=February 24, 2001 |title=Fox's Satiric Little Secret Finds a Growing Audience |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-feb-24-ca-29561-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223214954/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-feb-24-ca-29561-story.html |archive-date=2022-12-23 |access-date=December 23, 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> Reruns also aired on Fox during prime time starting in 1999.<ref name="ppl99" /> TNN aired reruns of the series after acquiring the nonexclusive cable TV rights to it in 2000, while Comedy Central acquired the rights to the show's first nine seasons in 2004 and aired reruns until 2008.<ref name="tnn">{{cite web |last1=Dempsey |first1=John |date=April 19, 2000 |title=TNN 'Mad' for sketch skein reruns |url=https://variety.com/2000/tv/news/tnn-mad-for-sketch-skein-reruns-1117797436/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230163223/https://variety.com/2000/tv/news/tnn-mad-for-sketch-skein-reruns-1117797436/ |archive-date=2022-12-30 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=Variety}}</ref><ref name="VarietyCancel" />
=== Home media and streaming services === A DVD set of the first season of ''Mad TV'', entitled ''Mad TV: The Complete First Season'', was released in 2004 by Warner Bros. It includes a blooper reel, unaired sketches, and the show's 200th episode from 2003.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Vera |first1=Marc |date=October 1, 2004 |title=Mad TV: The Complete First Season |url=https://ew.com/article/2004/10/01/mad-tv-complete-first-season/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231230525/https://ew.com/article/2004/10/01/mad-tv-complete-first-season/ |archive-date=2022-12-31 |access-date=December 31, 2022}}</ref> It was reviewed positively by Chris Hicks of the ''Deseret News'', who said that it "demonstrates that the show is frequently very funny, in its own subversive way."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hicks |first1=Chris |date=September 23, 2004 |title='MADtv,' 'Mean Girls' among releases |url=https://www.deseret.com/2004/9/23/19851940/chris-hicks-madtv-mean-girls-among-releases |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102031548/https://www.deseret.com/2004/9/23/19851940/chris-hicks-madtv-mean-girls-among-releases |archive-date=2023-01-02 |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=Deseret News}}</ref> Warner Bros. also released a "best of" DVD for seasons eight, nine, and ten on October 25, 2005.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lacey |first1=Gord |title=Mad TV - Warner switches things up - Best of Seasons 8, 9, and 10 |url=https://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=3643 |website=TVShowsOnDVD.com |access-date=December 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051226005659/https://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=3643 |archive-date=December 26, 2005 |date=July 6, 2005}}</ref>
Episodes of the series were also made available to stream on The WB's website, TheWB.com, after its launch in 2008, and on The CW's streaming service, CW Seed, after the announcement of the show's 2016 reboot.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Garrett |first1=Diane |date=August 15, 2008 |title=TheWB.com set for Aug. 27 launch |url=https://variety.com/2008/digital/features/thewb-com-set-for-aug-27-launch-1117990615/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080916110702/https://variety.com/article/VR1117990615.html?categoryid=1009&cs=1 |archive-date=September 16, 2008 |access-date=January 2, 2023 |url-status=live |website=Variety}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Swift |first1=Andy |date=April 11, 2016 |title=MADtv Revival Series Set at The CW; Original Cast Members Will Guest-Host |url=https://tvline.com/2016/04/11/madtv-revival-series-the-cw-original-cast/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205020048/https://tvline.com/2016/04/11/madtv-revival-series-the-cw-original-cast/ |archive-date=2023-02-05 |access-date=December 26, 2022 |website=TVLine}}</ref> The series was also available to stream on HBO Max when it premiered in 2020, though the only episodes shown were the FOX episodes, and a lot of episodes weren't shown due to music licensing and copyright issues involving the musical guests and celebrities who cameoed on the show, with seasons 11, 13, and 14 as the only seasons with every episode present and accounted for (the revival season from 2016 were available on streaming, but were only shown on Hulu).
As of 2025, HBO Max no longer streams ''MADtv'', but it is currently available on the Roku streaming service, Howdy, using the same version from HBO Max.
==Reception== ===Viewership=== ''Mad TV'' was particularly popular among teenage viewers, who, according to Fox executives, watched the show more than ''SNL'' by 2001.<ref name="lasecret" /><ref name="timebattle" /> Former cast members have stated that teenagers often made up the majority of the show's studio audience.<ref name="avkp" /> In 2000, 59 percent of ''Mad TV''{{'}}s audience was between the ages of 18 and 49.<ref name="tnn" /> By late 2003, ''Mad TV'' averaged 4.4 million viewers per week.<ref name="bridal" /> Upon the series's cancellation in 2008, the series was averaging 2.6 million viewers, which was a 6 percent decrease from the previous year.<ref name="hollywoodreporter" />
===Critical reception=== In a review of ''Mad TV''{{'}}s pilot, the ''Orlando Sentinel'' called ''SNL'' "a corpse trying to reanimate itself" while praising ''Mad TV'' as "promising".<ref name="ospilot">{{cite web |last1=Boedeker |first1=Hal |title='Mad TV' clobbers 'SNL' |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1995-10-14-9510130058-story.html |website=Orlando Sentinel |access-date=December 14, 2022 |date=October 14, 1995}}</ref> Another review of ''Mad TV''{{'}}s pilot in the ''Hartford Courant'' by James Endrst stated that ''Mad TV'' was "only occasionally terrible".<ref name="courant">{{cite web |last1=Endrst |first1=James |date=October 13, 1995 |title='Mad TV' Isn't As Bad As 'SNL,' But Just Wait |url=https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-xpm-1995-10-13-9510130036-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819054850/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1995/10/14/mad-tv-clobbers-snl/ |archive-date=2023-08-19 |access-date=December 24, 2022 |website=Hartford Courant}}</ref> A review of the pilot episode by Tom Shales in ''The Roanoke Times'' wrote that ''Mad TV'' was "bad TV", criticizing it as tasteless and unintelligent.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shales |first1=Tom |date=October 26, 1995 |title='Mad TV' Takes Tastelessness to a New Level |url=https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/ROA-Times/issues/1995/rt9510/951026/10260015.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230162043/https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/ROA-Times/issues/1995/rt9510/951026/10260015.htm |archive-date=2022-12-30 |access-date=December 23, 2022 |website=The Roanoke Times}}</ref> For ''People'', Craig Tomashoff gave the pilot a C−, stating that it was "pretending to be daring and irreverent" despite being "just unimaginative".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tomashoff |first1=Craig |title=Picks and Pans Main: Tube |url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0%2C%2C20101917%2C00.html |website=People |access-date=December 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110110131039/http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20101917,00.html |archive-date=January 10, 2011 |date=October 30, 1995}}</ref> In 1996, ''Mad TV'' was reviewed favorably by Steve Johnson of the ''Chicago Tribune'', who wrote that it "looked consistently fresh, with more energy, imagination and edge [than ''SNL'']" and "rewards the effort of tuning it in".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Steve |date=December 14, 1996 |title='Mad TV' |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1996-12-14-9612140114-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225074302/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1996-12-14-9612140114-story.html |archive-date=2022-12-25 |access-date=December 24, 2022 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> Ginia Bellafante of ''Time'' also wrote in 1996 that "it has steadily improved since its unpromising early episodes", but that many of its politically incorrect sketches were "so heavy-handed" that they were "virtually unwatchable".<ref name="timebattle" /> After the end of the show's fourth season, Terry Kelleher of ''People'' wrote that ''Mad TV'' was "not a bad product" but had a "policy of putting recurring characters through the same tired paces".<ref name="ppl99">{{cite web |last1=Kelleher |first1=Terry |title=Picks and Pans Main: Tube |url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20128380,00.html |website=People |access-date=December 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110109220338/http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20128380,00.html |archive-date=January 9, 2011 |date=June 7, 1999}}</ref> ''Entertainment Weekly''{{'}}s Alynda Wheat was critical of the show's finale, writing that "maybe it was time for ''Mad TV'' to go" due to "how thin its material has grown".<ref name="ewfinale" />
''The A.V. Club''{{'}}s John Hugar called ''Mad TV'' "eh" with "some memorable recurring characters" such as Stuart that relied on "excessively broad comedy".<ref name="avclub2016" /> In 2016, Jesse Thorn of ''The A.V. Club'' retrospectively described ''Mad TV'' as "long-running" and "critically maligned", and ''The A.V. Club''{{'}}s Chris O'Connell wrote in 2010 that it was "the worst sketch-comedy show on television".<ref name="avkp" /><ref name="avlee">{{cite web |date=January 27, 2010 |title=Former MADtv star Bobby Lee doesn't understand how the show ever existed in the first place |url=https://www.avclub.com/former-madtv-star-bobby-lee-doesnt-understand-how-the-s-1798218916 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709131239/https://www.avclub.com/former-madtv-star-bobby-lee-doesnt-understand-how-the-s-1798218916 |archive-date=2023-07-09 |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=The A.V. Club}}</ref> The ''Detroit Free Press''{{'}}s Julie Hinds wrote that the show "wasn't the most consistent vehicle", and that it "sometimes went too far with a joke but could still crack you up regularly".<ref name="dfp" /> Common Sense Media's Lucy Maher gave the series three out of five stars, stating that it "purposely pushes the limits of decency to the breaking point" but that it had "moments of brilliance".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Maher |first1=Lucy |date=May 29, 2022 |title=MADtv TV Review |url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/madtv |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102031546/https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/madtv |archive-date=2023-01-02 |access-date=January 2, 2023 |publisher=Common Sense Media}}</ref> In a retrospective review of the show, Carleton Atwater of ''Vulture'' criticized it as "so lazy and unambitious" and wrote that it "appeals to the lowest common denominator".<ref name="lookback" /> Aisha Harris of ''Slate'' wrote that the show "could so often be joke-writing at its laziest", but that it "could also occasionally be very good and smart" when it struck a balance between "titillation, insight, and hilarity".<ref name="slate" /> For ''The New Yorker'', Zadie Smith wrote that ''Mad TV''{{'}}s humor was "broad—and too reliant on celebrity subjects".<ref name="nykp">{{cite magazine |author1=Smith, Zadie |date=February 16, 2015 |title=Key and Peele's Comedy Partnership |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/02/23/brother-from-another-mother |magazine=The New Yorker |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812013346/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/02/23/brother-from-another-mother |archive-date=2023-08-12 |access-date=December 29, 2022}}</ref>
===''Saturday Night Live'' comparisons=== ''Mad TV'' has frequently been compared to ''Saturday Night Live''. ''Rolling Stone'' described ''Mad TV'' as a "more cultish weekend cousin to ''Saturday Night Live'' aimed squarely at teens", while the ''Detroit Free Press''{{'}}s Julie Hinds called it "a boisterous second cousin" of ''SNL''.<ref name="rslist">{{cite magazine |last1=Weingarten |first1=Christopher R. |last2=Ciabattoni |first2=Steve |last3=Suarez |first3=Jessica |last4=Love |first4=Matthew |last5=Grierson |first5=Tim |last6=Adams |first6=Sam |last7=Fear |first7=David |last8=Fischer |first8=Reed |date=February 26, 2020 |title=40 Greatest Sketch-Comedy TV Shows of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-lists/40-greatest-sketch-comedy-tv-shows-of-all-time-142581/mad-tv-1995-2009-187037/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330144533/vhttps://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-lists/40-greatest-sketch-comedy-tv-shows-of-all-time-142581/exit-57-1995-1996-187009/ |archive-date=2023-03-30 |access-date=December 14, 2022}}</ref><ref name="dfp">{{cite web |last1=Hinds |first1=Julie |date=January 9, 2016 |title='MadTV' celebrates 20th anniversary with a CW special |url=https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/movies/julie-hinds/2016/01/09/madtv-20th-anniversary-keegan-michael-key/78362348/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112060327/http://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/movies/julie-hinds/2016/01/09/madtv-20th-anniversary-keegan-michael-key/78362348/ |archive-date=2016-01-12 |access-date=December 26, 2022 |website=Detroit Free Press}}</ref> ''Slate''{{'}}s Aisha Harris called ''Mad TV'' "a scrappy, less sophisticated cousin of SNL", and ''IGN'' called ''Mad TV'' "the young, scrappy upstart to ''SNL''{{'}}s elder statesman brand of sketch comedy".<ref name="slate" /><ref name="ign">{{cite web |last1=Schedeen |first1=Jesse |date=July 27, 2016 |title=MADtv: Season 15 Premiere Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/07/27/madtv-season-15-premiere-review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728150238/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/07/27/madtv-season-15-premiere-review |archive-date=2016-07-28 |access-date=December 20, 2022 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> Luke Winkie of ''Vulture'' wrote that, despite not having the "live kinetic energy" or "the all-star glitz" of ''SNL'', "most children of the '90s have a special place in our hearts for ''MADtv''".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Winkie |first1=Luke |date=January 1, 2020 |title=14 of the Greatest Breaks in Comedy History |url=https://www.vulture.com/2020/01/best-breaks-in-comedy-history.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321050708/https://www.vulture.com/2020/01/best-breaks-in-comedy-history.html |archive-date=2023-03-21 |access-date=December 23, 2022 |website=Vulture |language=en-us}}</ref> Terry Kelleher of ''People'' wrote, "It would be easy to dismiss [''Mad TV'']{{nbsp}}... as the poor man's ''Saturday Night Live''. But basically ''Mad TV'' has everything ''SNL'' has—the virtues and the defects."<ref name="ppl99" />
Cast and crew members later stated that ''Mad TV'' lacked the "hipness" that ''SNL'' had, but noted that it instead appealed more to "the average person" and to middle-class people of color.<ref name="vulture" /> Ginia Bellafante of ''Time'' wrote in 1996 that ''Mad TV'' had a "more balanced cast" than ''SNL'' and "an edginess that Lorne Michaels' once revolutionary show has long lacked".<ref name="timebattle">{{cite magazine |last1=Bellafante |first1=Ginia |date=February 12, 1996 |title=Television: The Battle for Saturday Night |url=https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,984100-2,00.html |magazine=Time |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320150759/https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,984100-2,00.html |archive-date=2023-03-20 |access-date=December 24, 2022}}</ref> Salzman stated that ''Mad TV''{{'}}s racially diverse cast and "urban sensibility" set it apart from ''SNL''.<ref name="vfreboot">{{cite magazine |last1=Rhymes |first1=Shameika |date=July 25, 2016 |title=Meet the New MADtv, Same as the Old MADtv |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/07/mad-tv-cw-revival |magazine=Vanity Fair |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161015065639/http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/07/mad-tv-cw-revival |archive-date=October 15, 2016 |access-date=December 18, 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Mad TV''{{'}}s former video researcher Asterios Kokkinos, who was fired in 2007 after helping to shut down a ''Mad TV'' shoot as part of the Writers Guild of America Strike,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Biter |first1=Heath |title=Tales From The Picket Line |url=https://laist.com/2007/11/20/writers_strike_8.php |website=LAist |access-date=January 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216032013/https://laist.com/2007/11/20/writers_strike_8.php |archive-date=February 16, 2008 |date=November 20, 2007}}</ref> wrote for ''Paste'' that the show was "a cheaper copy of [''SNL'']" that "nobody seemed to care about".<ref name="paste">{{cite web |last1=Kokkinos |first1=Asterios |date=September 1, 2016 |title=You are Now Living at Mad TV |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/comedy/mad-tv/you-are-now-living-at-mad-tv/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229070733/https://www.pastemagazine.com/comedy/mad-tv/you-are-now-living-at-mad-tv/ |archive-date=2022-12-29 |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=Paste}}</ref>
===Controversies=== Some celebrities and organizations have spoken out against parodies of themselves on ''Mad TV''. Bobby Brown said in 2022 that the show's parodies of him and Whitney Houston "really offended" him, while Rosie O'Donnell shared on her self-titled talk show that she was offended by the show's parody of her, in which Borstein portrayed her as a closeted lesbian.<ref name="brown" /><ref name="lasecret" /> In 2003, the United States Postal Service and the National Association of Letter Carriers both publicly called on all of their employees to protest ''Mad TV'' over a then-upcoming sketch about a group of gun-wielding postal workers arguing over who should be able to "go postal" first.<ref name="bridal">{{cite news |last1=de Moraes |first1=Lisa |title=No Bridal Bouquet for Capital's Viewers |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2003/12/12/no-bridal-bouquet-for-capitals-viewers/781d0155-f035-4d45-b520-ff83d040c530/ |newspaper=Washington Post |access-date=December 31, 2022 |date=December 12, 2003}}</ref> The Postal Service's then-vice president of public affairs, Azeezaly S. Jaffer, called the sketch "ugly", "untrue", and "an insult to every man and woman in the Postal Service".<ref name="cbspostal" />
The show was also criticized by audiences and critics for relying on stereotypes.<ref name="avclub2016" /> Borstein's character Ms. Swan in particular has frequently been identified by journalists<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kumar |first1=Naveen |date=January 15, 2020 |title=Asian American racism is the unfunny joke the comedy world needs to reckon with |url=https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/2020/1/15/21065939/comedy-racism-asian-american-rosie-odonnell-shane-gillis-awkwafina-ali-wong |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708173133/https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/2020/1/15/21065939/comedy-racism-asian-american-rosie-odonnell-shane-gillis-awkwafina-ali-wong |archive-date=2023-07-08 |access-date=December 24, 2022 |website=Vox |language=en}}</ref><ref name="slate" /> and by Asian activists such as Guy Aoki<ref name="democrat" /> and Margaret Cho<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Sullivan |first1=Michael |title=Margaret Cho Gets Serious |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2002/08/30/margaret-cho-gets-serious/42267690-9689-4b16-855c-dbd07c15e24a/ |newspaper=Washington Post |access-date=24 December 2022 |date=August 30, 2002}}</ref> as an example of yellowface.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Musto |first1=Michael |date=June 22, 2020 |title=10 Comedy Moments That Absolutely Could Not Be Done Now |url=https://www.logotv.com/news/euetcn/comedy-moments-that-could-not-be-done-now |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230162048/https://www.logotv.com/news/euetcn/comedy-moments-that-could-not-be-done-now |archive-date=2022-12-30 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=Logo TV |language=en}}</ref> The character was protested by Aoki's organization Media Action Network for Asian Americans (MANAA).<ref name="rafu">{{cite web |date=8 February 2020 |title=MANAA Urges Academy Voters to Consider Actors' Whitewashing and Yellowface History |url=https://rafu.com/2020/02/manaa-urges-academy-voters-to-consider-actors-whitewashing-and-yellowface-history/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530140613/https://rafu.com/2020/02/manaa-urges-academy-voters-to-consider-actors-whitewashing-and-yellowface-history/ |archive-date=2023-05-30 |access-date=24 December 2022 |website=Rafu Shimpo}}</ref> In 2019, the ''Washington Post''{{'}}s Elahe Izadi called Ms. Swan an example of "the kind of 'problematic' stuff TV networks used to air" and {{"'}}edgy' comedy from the early aughts that more overtly trafficked in racial stereotypes".<ref name="wpswan" /> Candace Amos of ''New York Daily News'' wrote that Ms. Swan would "both anger and delight fans" and "was often called out for being racist", and Lara Zarum of ''Flavorwire'' wrote that "we're all in agreement that Ms. Swan, the nail-salon-owning, squinty-eyed, walking Asian stereotype, is a problem".<ref name="flavorwire">{{cite web |last1=Zarum |first1=Lara |date=April 12, 2016 |title=The 20 Best TV Parodies on 'MADtv' |url=https://www.flavorwire.com/571076/the-20-best-tv-parodies-on-madtv |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226081719/https://www.flavorwire.com/571076/the-20-best-tv-parodies-on-madtv |archive-date=2022-12-26 |access-date=December 26, 2022 |website=Flavorwire |language=en}}</ref>
''Mad TV'' also featured two instances of blackface: one in which Bobby Lee plays George Foreman's fictional half-Asian son, and another wherein Michael McDonald plays a magical busboy from a foreign island.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Diffrient |first1=David Scott |title=Beyond Tokenism and Tricksterism: Bobby Lee, MADtv, and the De(con)structive Impulse of Korean American Comedy |journal=The Velvet Light Trap |url=https://muse.jhu.edu/article/417302 |date=2011 |volume=67 |issue=1 |pages=41–56 |doi=10.1353/vlt.2011.0003 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |publisher=University of Texas Press|s2cid=191230691 |url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref name="blackface">{{cite web |last1=Dessem |first1=Matthew |date=June 30, 2020 |title=Just How Many Recent Shows Featured Blackface, Anyway? |url=https://slate.com/culture/2020/06/blackface-tv-episodes-30-rock-scrubs-community-snl.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328123654/https://slate.com/culture/2020/06/blackface-tv-episodes-30-rock-scrubs-community-snl.html |archive-date=2023-03-28 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=Slate |language=en}}</ref>
===Accolades=== {{Main|List of accolades received by Mad TV|l1 = List of accolades received by ''Mad TV''}}
Rotten Tomatoes, ''Rolling Stone'', and ''Screen Rant'' all placed ''Mad TV'' on their lists of the greatest sketch comedy TV series of all time, with ''Rolling Stone'' writing that it was "beholden to no one and often about as subtle as Artie Lange laughing at a fart" and a "ceaseless roast".<ref name="rslist" /><ref>{{cite web |title=The 40 Best Sketch Comedy Shows of All Time |url=https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/40-best-sketch-comedy-shows-of-all-time/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331104255/https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/40-best-sketch-comedy-shows-of-all-time/ |archive-date=2023-03-31 |access-date=December 29, 2022 |via=Rotten Tomatoes}}</ref><ref name="srlist">{{cite web |last1=Persaud |first1=Christine |date=September 20, 2020 |title=The 15 Best Sketch Comedy Series Ever (That Aren't Saturday Night Live) |url=https://screenrant.com/best-sketch-comedy-series-ever-not-saturday-night-live/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705010725/https://screenrant.com/best-sketch-comedy-series-ever-not-saturday-night-live/ |archive-date=2023-07-05 |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=Screen Rant}}</ref> The Black Spy and the White Spy from ''Mad TV''{{'}}s animated ''Spy vs. Spy'' sketches were listed as two of the best TV spies of all time by ''Entertainment Weekly'' in 2014.<ref name="ewspies" />
''Mad TV'' was nominated for 43 Primetime Emmy Awards, all of which were for technical achievements, and won five of them.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hickey |first1=Walt |date=September 14, 2016 |title=What's The Most Iconic TV Show In Emmys History? |url=https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/whats-the-most-iconic-tv-show-in-emmys-history/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521054911/https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/whats-the-most-iconic-tv-show-in-emmys-history/ |archive-date=2023-05-21 |access-date=December 28, 2022 |website=FiveThirtyEight}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Spata |first1=Christopher |title='MADtv' Is Coming Back to TV for One Night Only |url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2015/12/mad-tv-reunion-special |website=Complex |access-date=December 28, 2022 |language=en |date=December 9, 2015}}</ref> It won the Emmys for Outstanding Hairstyling for a Series in 2001, for Outstanding Costumes for a Variety or Music Program in 2005 and in 2006, for Outstanding Music and Lyrics for the song "A Wonderfully Normal Day" in 2006, and for Non-Prosthetic Makeup for a Multi-Camera Series in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title=Winners at the 53rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards |url=https://www.capecodtimes.com/story/news/2001/11/05/winners-at-53rd-annual-primetime/50989093007/ |website=Cape Cod Times |access-date=January 2, 2023 |date=November 5, 2001}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=September 19, 2005 |title=2005 Emmy awards winner list |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2005/09/18/2005-emmy-awards-winner-list/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102021133/https://www.denverpost.com/2005/09/18/2005-emmy-awards-winner-list/ |archive-date=2023-01-02 |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=The Denver Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Winners of the 2006 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards Announced |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2006/08/19/winners-of-the-2006-primetime-creative-arts-emmy-awards-announced--22086/20060819atas01/ |website=The Futon Critic |access-date=January 2, 2023 |date=August 19, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Watson |first1=R. T. |date=September 12, 2009 |title=HBO leads Creative Arts Emmy winners |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/hbo-leads-creative-arts-emmy-88771/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102021133/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/hbo-leads-creative-arts-emmy-88771/ |archive-date=2023-01-02 |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> In 2007, ''Mad TV''{{'}}s Emmys campaign, VoteMadTV.com, allowed Emmys voters to view clips of the series online rather than being shipped DVD screeners in an attempt to be more eco-friendly.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 31, 2007 |title='Mad TV' goes green for Emmys |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/mad-tv-goes-green-emmys-137611/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230163622/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/mad-tv-goes-green-emmys-137611/ |archive-date=2022-12-30 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> Anjelah Johnson was nominated for an ALMA Award for her performance on ''Mad TV'' in 2008.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 6, 2012 |title=Mad TV's Bon Qui Qui Releases First Single 'I'm a Cut You' (Video) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/bon-qui-qui-im-a-cut-you-mad-tv-anjelah-johnson-297193/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226093320/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/bon-qui-qui-im-a-cut-you-mad-tv-anjelah-johnson-297193/ |archive-date=2022-12-26 |access-date=December 26, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref>
==2016 reboot== {{Infobox television | image = Mad TV 2016 reboot logo.png | image_alt = | caption = | alt_name = | genre = {{ubl|Sketch comedy|Parody|Satire}} | creator = David Salzman | starring = {{ubl|Carlie Craig|Chelsea Davison|Jeremy D. Howard|Amir K|Lyric Lewis|Piotr Michael|Michelle Ortiz|Adam Ray}} | language = English | num_seasons = 1 | num_episodes = 8 | list_episodes = List of Mad TV episodes#Season 15 (2016) | executive_producer = {{ubl|David Salzman|John R. Montgomery|Mark Teitelbaum}} | runtime = 60 minutes | company = {{ubl|Epicenter Ventures|Montgomery Studios|Teitelbaum Artists|Telepictures}} | network = The CW | first_aired = {{Start date|2016|07|26}} | last_aired = {{End date|2016|09|27}} }}
A reboot of ''Mad TV'', which was produced by Telepictures, created by Salzman, and executive produced by him, John R. Montgomery, and Mark Teitelbaum, premiered on The CW on July 26, 2016.<ref name="ptv" /> It ran for eight hour-long episodes on Tuesday nights and starred eight new cast members: Carlie Craig, Chelsea Davison, Jeremy D. Howard, Amir K, Lyric Lewis, Piotr Michael, Michelle Ortiz and Adam Ray.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Barrie |first1=Emma |date=April 11, 2016 |title=MADtv Is Coming Back With Cast Members New and Old |url=https://www.vulture.com/2016/04/madtv-is-coming-back.html#_ga=2.50482158.690379489.1669099764-1732673581.1669099764 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414010859/http://www.vulture.com/2016/04/madtv-is-coming-back.html |archive-date=2016-04-14 |access-date=December 23, 2022 |website=Vulture |language=en-us}}</ref><ref name="ign" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Stanhope |first1=Kate |date=June 15, 2016 |title=New 'MadTV' Cast Unveiled for CW Revival |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/madtv-cast-cw-revival-unveiled-903088/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802104811/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/madtv-cast-cw-revival-unveiled-903088/ |archive-date=2021-08-02 |access-date=December 19, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> Cast members from the original series such as Sullivan, Sasso, Collins, Lee, Barinholtz, and Wilson, hosted.<ref name="vfreboot" /><ref name="tvlinecollins">{{cite web |last1=Swift |first1=Andy |date=August 5, 2016 |title=Mo Collins Returning to MADtv |url=https://tvline.com/2016/08/05/mo-collins-madtv-returning-episode-4-the-cw/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208144429/https://tvline.com/2016/08/05/mo-collins-madtv-returning-episode-4-the-cw/ |archive-date=2023-02-08 |access-date=December 26, 2022 |website=TVLine}}</ref><ref name="slate">{{cite web |last1=Harris |first1=Aisha |date=July 28, 2016 |title=The New MadTV Is Not Nearly As Offensive As the Original. Or As Interesting. |url=https://slate.com/culture/2016/07/madtv-returns-in-2016-and-the-mean-stereotypes-are-gone-along-with-any-provocation-or-laughs-whatsoever.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130181051/https://slate.com/culture/2016/07/madtv-returns-in-2016-and-the-mean-stereotypes-are-gone-along-with-any-provocation-or-laughs-whatsoever.html |archive-date=2019-01-30 |access-date=December 20, 2022 |website=Slate |language=en}}</ref> The reboot placed a greater emphasis on political comedy than its predecessor and included parodies of former U.S. Presidents such as then-candidate Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, the latter of whom had been spoofed in the original series several times during the late 1990s.<ref name="guardianrev">{{cite web |last1=Moylan |first1=Brian |date=July 26, 2016 |title=MadTV: sketch show makes disappointing return |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/jul/26/madtv-trump-impressions-disappointing-review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220042318/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/jul/26/madtv-trump-impressions-disappointing-review |archive-date=2022-12-20 |access-date=December 20, 2022 |website=The Guardian |language=en}}</ref>
The reboot received mostly negative reviews from critics. Ray Rahman of ''Entertainment Weekly'' wrote that it was "inconsistent and lack[ed] any urgency" while "fail[ing] to justify its existence", calling its humor "not just lame, but also stale".<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Rahman |first1=Ray |date=July 27, 2016 |title=EW Review: 'MADtv' |url=https://ew.com/article/2016/07/27/ew-review-madtv/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220042312/https://ew.com/article/2016/07/27/ew-review-madtv/ |archive-date=2022-12-20 |access-date=December 20, 2022}}</ref> Aisha Harris of ''Slate'' similarly wrote, "In its new, blander incarnation, it's hard to imagine why ''MadTV'' needs to exist at all."<ref name="slate" /> ''IGN''{{'}}s Jesse Schedeen gave the revival a score of 3.2 out of a 10, writing that it had a "simplistic, toothless brand of humor" and failed "to recapture any of the show's old spark".<ref name="ign" /> ''The A.V. Club''{{'}}s John Hugar gave the premiere a C− and wrote that "the new ''Mad TV'' can't help but seem like an off-brand version of the original, which was an off-brand ''SNL'' to begin with".<ref name="avclub2016">{{cite web |last1=Hugar |first1=John |date=July 27, 2016 |title=The MADtv reboot feels like an off-brand version of the original |url=https://www.avclub.com/the-madtv-reboot-feels-like-an-off-brand-version-of-the-1798188612 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226075413/https://www.avclub.com/the-madtv-reboot-feels-like-an-off-brand-version-of-the-1798188612 |archive-date=2022-12-26 |access-date=December 26, 2022 |website=The A.V. Club |language=en}}</ref> ''The Guardian''{{'}}s Brian Moylan praised the diversity of the new cast but wrote that it was mostly not funny, while Common Sense Media's Melissa Camacho gave it three out of five stars and wrote, "Fans of the original show will find it funny, but its irreverent humor isn't for everyone."<ref name="guardianrev" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Camacho |first1=Melissa |date=July 26, 2016 |title=MADtv (2016) TV Review |url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/madtv-2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220042312/https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/madtv-2016 |archive-date=2022-12-20 |access-date=December 20, 2022 |publisher=Common Sense Media |language=en}}</ref> {{-}}
==See also== * ''Mad'' (TV series)
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{Wikiquote}} * {{IMDb title|id=0112056}}
{{MADtv|state=expanded}} {{Mad magazine}} {{Rough Draft Studios}} {{The CW programming}}
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