On October 16, 1988, The Kids in the Hall pilot debuted on HBO in the U.S. and CBC in Canada, marking the beginning of one of the most influential sketch comedy shows of the late 80s and 90s. Starring the hilarious Canadian comedy troupe of Dave Foley, Bruce McCulloch, Kevin McDonald, Mark McKinney, and Scott Thompson, Kids in the Hall brought absurd, irreverent humor to TV screens and instantly carved out a cult following.
Plot in a Nutshell
Unlike traditional TV shows, Kids in the Hall didn’t follow a single storyline. Instead, it featured a collection of zany sketches, often featuring bizarre, satirical characters like the “Head Crusher,” who crushed people’s heads from a distance, or Buddy Cole, Scott Thompson’s flamboyant lounge lizard. The troupe frequently played with gender roles, dressing in drag for sketches and pushing boundaries in a way that was rare for the time.
The show’s humor covered a wide range of topics, from absurd everyday situations to biting social commentary, all with a fearless approach that made it stand out from other sketch comedies of the era.
Why It Was Totally Rad
Kids in the Hall became a breath of fresh air in the comedy landscape of the late 80s. Their unique brand of surreal, gender-bending, and often dark humor quickly set them apart from sketch shows like Saturday Night Live. Produced by SNL creator Lorne Michaels, the show introduced American audiences to this Canadian comedy powerhouse, gaining cult status over its five-season run.
With their strange but memorable characters and willingness to explore edgy, sometimes uncomfortable topics, Kids in the Hall left a lasting impact on comedy.
Gnarly Nuggets:
- October 16, 1988 Premiere: Kids in the Hall first aired its pilot on HBO in the U.S. and CBC in Canada, introducing the world to their irreverent humor.
- Lorne Michaels’ Influence: The show’s U.S. success was fueled by SNL creator Lorne Michaels, who helped bring it to American audiences.
- Comedy Reboot: After its 1995 finale, Kids in the Hall enjoyed several revivals, including a successful 2022 reboot on Amazon Prime, proving their comedy’s timeless appeal.
