The State (American TV series)
The State was a sketch comedy television show broadcast on MTV from 1994 to 1995. The show combined kooky characters and bizarre scenarios to present sketches that won the favor of it's target twenty-something audience. The cast consisted of 11 twenty-something comedians and actors (who, with exception of Kevin Allison, were also the show's writers.) Several memorable characters were created for the show, and for a short time their catch-phrases entered into popular lingo (see below.) Network television politics caused the show's premature cancellation when American network CBS optioned to buy the show after it's second year on MTV. The show switched networks and CBS intended to test the water with a Halloween special, which bombed. The show was not continued after that.
"The State" also refers to the comedy troupe that made up the cast of the show, as they have continued to successfully work together on film, television and in the world of journalism (in various groupings.) A book, "State by State With the State" was a best-seller.
Cast List w/ Their Memorable Characters
- Kevin Allison (The Readhead Gay)
- Michael Ian Black
- Ben Garant
- Todd Holoubek
- Michael Patrick Jann
- Kerri Kenney
- Thomas Lennon (Barry)
- Joe Lo Truglio
- Ken Marino
- Michael Showalter (Levon)
- David Wain
Popular Catch-Phrases
- "I'm gonna dip my balls in it!"
- "Ah yeah...pudding!"
Other Shows Featuring The State Cast-Collaboration
- "Viva Variety" (Kenney, Lennon, Black)
- "Reno 911" (Kenney, Lennon, Garant)
Web Site
- www.the-state.com