Mad TV

The idea of a sketch TV show based on a humor magazine might sound ridiculous [stares directly at camera before clicking over to YouTube], but MADtv did it. The show, described accurately by one of our writers as “SNL's Wilder, Louder, Messier Little Brother,” ran for a respectable 14 seasons. It even launched the careers of stars like Nicole Sullivan, Bobby Lee, and a couple of niche indie comics known as Key and Peele. Not to mention some MADtv moments outdid SNL by a mile.