DID YOU READ

11 Funniest Kate McKinnon Videos

kate-mckinnon-list

Posted by on

Since joining Saturday Night Live in April of 2012, Kate McKinnon has become the show’s MVP thanks to her hilariously insane array of characters and knack for spot-on impressions of everyone from Justin Bieber to German Chancellor Angela Merkel. To get you ready for her appearance on this week’s Comedy Bang! Bang!, here are 11 videos that showcase the breakout star’s funniest moments.

11. Penelope Cruz

McKinnon caught our attention right out of the gate during her first episode thanks to her spot-on impersonation of Penelope Cruz. We can’t remember the last time a new SNL cast member made an impression so quickly. (Joe Piscopo, maybe?)

10. Angela Merkel

Before McKinnon joined SNL, we never would’ve imagined in a million years that German Chancellor Angela Merkel would be our favorite “Weekend Update” character. We’re still laughing about “Nickelback tour schedule” and “Jason Segel no shirt” being in her Google search history.

9. Justin Bieber

While the last thing the world needs is more Justin Bieber, we can’t get enough of McKinnon’s impression. Here she gives Conan a tutorial on how to perfectly capture “The Biebs.” (The key is to look like a guilty puppy.)

8. Ann Romney

Part of what makes McKinnon great is her ability to turn what would in other hands be a dull impression into comedic gold. (Who knew Ann Romney could be funny?) We could listen to her unique pronunciation of “Beyonce” all night.

7. Long Island Medium

Most SNL reality show parodies wear out their welcome pretty fast. But Kate’s overly enthusiastic Long Island Medium is welcome on our TV anytime.

6. Kate’s Ellen Meets Ellen

McKinnon’s killer impersonation of Ellen DeGeneres’ “funky” dance moves and seeming inability to sit still in a chair is so good, it got the attention of the daytime talk show host herself. Somehow Ellen met “Ellen” without the universe collapsing in on itself.

Continue to next page > >

No Comments Leave a Comment Close Comments

Kid Cudi Reggie Watts Comedy Bang Bang

Reggie's Back!

10 Hilarious Late Night Bandleader Moments

Reggie Watts stops by Comedy Bang! Bang! Thursday starting at 11P on IFC.

Posted by on

There’s no job quite like that of a late night bandleader. Being proficient in every type of music imaginable — from hip hop to K-Pop to Opera — isn’t enough. You also have to be able to land a comedy bit, keep the show moving, and always know when to laugh at the host’s jokes. With Reggie Watts returning to Comedy Bang! Bang! this week to offer Kid Cudi some late night comedy show bandleader tips, here are a few supremely talented musicians being drop dead hysterical.

10. Cleto Escobedo III, Jimmy Kimmel Live!

When Jimmy Kimmel was given the keys to his own late night outpost, his first thought was “how can I get Cleto in on this?” Jimmy and Escobedo had grown up together in Vegas, and he’d always considered his longtime friend to be a musical savant. He was worried that ABC wouldn’t sign off on him picking his unknown, childhood friend as bandleader. Thankfully, after taking some execs to a performance, they immediately agreed. Escobedo has gone on to have a well received career fronting Cleto and the Cletones.

9. Doc Severinsen, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson

Doc first joined the The Tonight Show in the ’50s, during the Steve Allen era. He wouldn’t become the bandleader until 1967. His outrageous fashion sense soon trumped his incredible trumpet playing, becoming a staple of Carson’s nightly monologues. While never a huge part of the comedy, Severson proved he could be a natural when given the chance.

8. Bobby Rosengarden, The Dick Cavett Show

A one of a kind studio musician, Rosengarden played on The Steve Allen Show, The Ernie Kovacs Show and Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show before being given his own band on The Dick Cavett Show. While he wasn’t known for his comedy chops, Bobby and his band could jump in on virtually any song, at a moment’s notice. And because Cavett created such a casual environment — where musicians, actors and newsmakers could show a different side of themselves — it wasn’t rare to see comedians jump in with the band. Granted, Jerry Lewis’ reputation has taken a hit in the last few years. Maybe there’s a better clip.

Hmmm, Woody might be a bit too controversial too.

Oooookay, maybe we should just move on…

7. Jon Batiste, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Colbert has said he chose Batiste as the leader of the Late Show band because he enjoyed improvising with him during his Colbert Report appearance. So far the pair have displayed a natural on-air chemistry, whether it’s in a comedy sketch or while grooving to the funky opening theme music.

6. Max Weinberg, Late Night with Conan O’Brien and The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien

It’s easy to go down a rabbit hole of classic Max bits from the glory days of Late Night. The drummer for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Conan gives Max credit for helping the show survive its turbulent, early days. Not a natural comedian, Weinberg carved out a niche for himself by being unfraid to go dark, especially with his sleazy persona. The Max of Late Night fame never met a hooker he didn’t like…at least until they ripped him off.

5. Fred Armisen, Late Night with Seth Meyers

Fred Armisen was a natural to assume the helm of the Late Night band when Seth Meyers took over as host. The duo had long been collaborators and friends on Saturday Night Live. Armisen, who began his career in music, could ably handle the various responsibilities of the job. The only problem is Armisen’s schedule with IFC’s Portlandia and Documentary Now!. (Not that we’re complaining.) Still, Fred has created some memorable moments during his time on Late Night.

4. Questlove, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon

It was quite the coup when Fallon first convinced Questlove and The Roots to be his house band on Late Night. What was a surprise was how adept Questlove proved to be at comedy. Quick with a laugh, he had plenty of personality to provide a counter balance to the show’s antic host. Fallon has excelled at putting his guests in positions where they can be silly and real. The above clip is a perfect example of how that bleeds over to the band as well. Jason Sudeikis was right — when it comes to the North and this video, the Internet never forgets.

3. Paul Shaffer, Late Night w/ David Letterman, The Late Show w/ David Letterman

Paul Shaffer must have been grown in a lab for the express purpose of being a late night bandleader. Few combine the music genius, comedy chops, and outrageous personality of the longtime Letterman sidekick. But Shaffer made a name for himself in the weird nexus of comedy and music long before Letterman came calling. A key part of the Toronto comedy scene that birthed Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd and Martin Short, he soon became the keyboard player for Bill Murray’s lounge singer act, an actor in Spinal Tap, a member of the SNL house band and the musical director for none other than The Blues Brothers. It was only a matter of time before he found his way to Late Night and the “World’s Most Dangerous Band.”

2. Reggie Watts, Comedy Bang! Bang!, The Late Late Show with James Corden

Reggie Watts built a career on his unique talent for combining improvisational music genius and downright silliness. As bandleader for Comedy Bang! Bang!, he got to be a much larger part of the action than most musical sidekicks do. While he’s moved on to Corden’s Late Late Show, we’re happy to see him back to his old tricks in his ’80s-themed “How to (Band) Lead” video.

1. Kid Cudi, Comedy Bang! Bang!

Kudi, a rapper first discovered by Kanye West, originally found his fame thanks to a popular mixtape. No one would have suspected his future lay in comedy, but we’re glad he’s chosen Comedy Bang Bang as his new home. Having recently taken over as CBB‘s bandleader and Scott Aukermanck’s musical sidekick, he’s already carving out his own incredible voice, one hilarious song at a time.

No Comments Leave a Comment Close Comments

That 70s Show Thanksgiving episode

Turkey Day Laughs

The 10 Best Thanksgiving Sitcom Episodes

Catch That '70s Show all Thanksgiving Day during IFC's Sweatsgiving Marathon.

Posted by on

Whether it’s the Connor family on Roseanne or the family of friends on That ’70s Show, there’s no holiday that brings out the comedy in dysfunctional families like Thanksgiving. Before you dig into IFC’s Thanksgiving Day That ’70s Show marathon, check out the 10 best sitcom episodes stuffed full of turkey, laughs and tears.

10. Family Ties, “No Nukes is Good Nukes”

Thanksgiving is ruined at the Keaton household, and for once you can’t blame Alex because it’s his parents Steven and Elyse who get thrown in jail for protesting a nuclear power plant. Unlike his do-gooder, aging hippie parents, the only thing Alex P. Keaton would ever protest is term limits on Ronald Reagan’s presidency.

9. Modern Family, “Punkin Chunkin”

Modern Family Pumpkin

ABC

It’s Thanksgiving time, and the intertwined families of Modern Family all have their own squabbles going on. This episode culminates at a football field with a classic Modern Family ending when Jay, Mitchell and Claire doubt that their partners, the self-proclaimed dreamers, can launch a pumpkin through a goal post.

8. Seinfeld, “The Mom and Pop Store”

If this Seinfeld outing was a Friends episode, it would be titled “The One with Jon Voight’s car,” because that is the hilarious storyline that everyone remembers. The Turkey Day plotline revolves around the gang attending Tim Whatley’s pre-Thanksgiving party which happens to overlook the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Any appearance by Bryan Cranston as Tim Whatley is pretty memorable, and in this one he reveals to George who the real Jon (John) Voight is.

7. That ’70s Show, “Thanksgiving”

Kelso Thanksgiving

In the season one Thanksgiving episode of That ’70s Show, the Formans (especially Kitty) dread the arrival of Red’s mother. Laurie returns from college and brings her attractive friend Kate along, who flirts with Eric. The episode creates a classic Eric Forman dilemma as he kisses Kate and then tells Donna. Eric does get another valuable life lesson when he learns that bad things happen to him not because of rotten luck but because he’s, as Red so aptly puts it, a “dumbass.”

6. Roseanne, “Thanksgiving 1991″

Few sitcoms captured the stress of holiday get-togethers like Roseanne, and “Thanksgiving 1991″ has all the family drama and hilarious moments that fans love about the show. Roseanne’s mother Bev reveals that her husband Al has been unfaithful. Darlene is being her usual moody-but-loveable self and stays in her room while D.J. sits adorably alone at the kids table. The appearance of Roseanne’s grandmother Nana Mary, played with crotchety glee by Shelley Winters, makes this episode an instant classic.

5. The League, “Thanksgiving”

In what has to be one of the most brilliant casting choices in TV history, Jeff Goldblum in all his Goldblum glory plays Ruxin’s dad in this hilarious Thanksgiving episode. Sarah Silverman’s appearance as Andre’s promiscuous sister is the icing on the raunchy cake as the guys walk in on Goldblum right before he gives his “vinegar stroke” face. The moment is simultaneously disgusting and hilarious as Goldblum’s look of ecstasy is eerily identical to Ruxin’s look of disgust.

4. WKRP in Cincinnati, “Turkey’s Away”

If you’re old enough to have watched WKRP In Cincinnati, the first thing you probably remember is the catchy opening theme song (and rockin’ closing credits song). But when it comes to remembering an episode, it might be the only sitcom where every fan thinks of the Thanksgiving installment first. This is the show that taught the world in hilarious fashion that turkeys can’t fly, especially when dropped from a helicopter.

3. Cheers, “Thanksgiving Orphans”

A potluck dinner at Carla’s house sets up one of TV’s most famous food fights. This classic moment shows off the gang’s camaraderie in a simultaneous moment of silliness and reflection as they remember the loss of Coach, played by Nicholas Colasanto, who died the year before. The episode also contains the closest thing the audience gets to seeing Norm’s wife Vera, which make the episode even more memorable.

2. Friends, “The One With The Thanksgiving Flashbacks”

“The One With The Thanksgiving Flashbacks” is the Friends flashback episode fans had been waiting for ever since Ross was revealed to be Rachel’s “lobster.” Except in this episode, Monica is Chandler’s turkey in an adorable scene. It’s also the one where we learn why Monica got thin, the one where we find out that Chandler and Ross were way too into Miami Vice and the one where Chandler lost a toe. This episode would’ve been hilarious just for Ross’ “Mr. Kotter” ’80s look alone.

1. How I Met Your Mother, “Slapsgiving”

While the Friends creators obviously loved the fun of Thanksgiving episodes, the How I Met Your Mother writers took it to the next level with the “Slapsgiving” episodes. Slapsgiving was so beloved by fans, it became an epic holiday trilogy. The beloved Slapbet originated in the episode where Robin Sparkles is brought to glorious life, and it continues in “Slapsgiving” as Robin and Ted deal with trying to stay friends during the Thanksgiving following their breakup. Unlike the divisive series finale, Marshall’s Slapsgiving slap of Barney is a “legen (wait for it) dary” moment in the show’s history. If you’ve never seen Marshall’s “You Just Got Slapped” video, you’re in for a Thanksgiving treat.

No Comments Leave a Comment Close Comments

David Cross on Daily Show with Trevor Noah

Cross Country

David Cross Announces Stand-Up Tour on The Daily Show

Todd Margaret returns January 7th at 10P on IFC.

Posted by on
Comedy Central

You loved his Busch Gardens elephant story. You doubled-over during his bit about porn exhibits at CES. And soon, you’ll get to enjoy David Cross’ all-new stand-up act during his three-month nationwide tour. (It’ll likely be as NSFW as before.) Officially announced during his visit to the Daily Show set, the tour (Cross’ first in six years) will begin at the end of January in San Diego, crisscrosses the country, and concludes in Oklahoma City on April 24.

Tickets are available for some locations via Cross’ official tour site — fittingly tagged “Making America Great Again!” — but in the meantime, check out the Todd Margaret star chatting with Daily Show host Trevor Noah as he provides a very unique version of what the third season of his IFC program is really about. (Turns out it involves horse farming. Who knew?)

David Cross Making America Great Again Stand-Up Tour Dates

1/26/2016 San Diego, CA. Observatory North Park

1/27/2016 Claremont, CA. Pomona College – Bridges Auditorium

1/28/2016 San Francisco, CA. Davies Symphony Hall

1/29/2016 Los Angeles, CA. The Theatre at Ace Hotel

1/30/2016 Monterrey, CA. Golden State Theater

1/31/2016 Santa Rosa, CA. Wells Fargo Theatre

2/2/2016 JFL Vancouver, Vogue Theatre

2/3/2016 Seattle, WA. Moore Theatre

2/4/2016 Spokane, WA. Bing Crosby Theatre

2/5/2016 Portland, OR. Aladdin Theatre

2/6/2016 Portland, OR. Revolution Hall

2/12/2016 Madison, WI. Orpheum

2/14/2016 Royal Oak, MI. Music Hall

2/16/2016 Columbus, OH. Capitol Theatre

2/17/2016 Cleveland, OH. Masonic

2/18/2016 Pittsburgh, PA. Carnegie Hall

2/19/2016 Washington, DC. Warner Theatre

2/21/2016 Richmond, VA. Carpenter Center

2/23/2016 Charlotte, NC. Knight Center

2/24/2016 Durham, NC. Carolina Theater

2/25/2016 Charleston, SC. Galliard Theatre

2/26/2016 Nashville, TN. Polk Theatre

2/27/2016 Louisville, KY. Brown Theater

2/28/2016 Atlanta, GA. Atlanta Symphony Hall

3/8/2016 Denver, CO. Paramount (JP)

3/9/2016 Boulder, CO. Boulder Theatre

3/10/2016 Lincoln, NE. Rococo Theatre

3/11/2016 Kansas City, MO. Midland

3/12/2016 Minneapolis, MN. Skyway Theatre

3/13/2016 St. Paul, MN. Fitzgerald

3/15/2016 Milwaukee, WI. Pabst Theatre

3/16/2016 Chicago, IL. The Vic Theatre

3/19/2016 Buffalo, NY. UB Center for Arts

3/20/2016 Troy, NY. Troy Music Hall

3/22/2016 Englewood, NJ. Bergen Pac

3/23/2016 Red Bank, NJ. Count Basie Theatre

3/26/2016 Mashantucket, CT. Fox Theater

3/27/2016 Boston, MA. Wilbur Theater

3/29/2016 Boston, MA. Wilbur Theater

3/30/2016 South Burlington, VT. Higher Ground

3/31/2016 Northampton, MA. Calvin Theatre

4/1/2016 Port Chester, NY. Capitol Theatre

4/2/2016 New Haven, CT Lyman Center

4/3/2016 Philadelphia, PA. Merriam Theatre

4/14/2016 Orlando, FL. Hard Rock Live

4/15/2016 Tampa, FL. Louise Lykes Ferguson Hall

4/16/2016 Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Parker Playhouse

4/18/2016 New Orleans, LA. Orpheum Theater

4/19/2016 Shreveport, LA. Strand Theatre

4/20/2016 Houston, TX. Warehouse Live

4/23/2016 Dallas, TX. Majestic Theatre

4/24/2016 Oklahoma City, OK. Farmer’s Market

Click here for ticket info and more information on David’s tour.

No Comments Leave a Comment Close Comments

Powered by ZergNet

Always On Slightly Off