On April 22nd, 1979, the very first episode of “The Kids in the Hall” aired on Canadian television. The sketch comedy show, created by Dave Foley, Kevin McDonald, Bruce McCulloch, Mark McKinney, and Scott Thompson, would go on to become one of the most beloved and influential comedy shows of all time.
“The Kids in the Hall” was known for its irreverent and absurd humor, as well as its unique brand of sketch comedy. The show’s sketches often featured recurring characters and themes, and were known for pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. The show tackled everything from politics and religion to gender and sexuality, and became known for its progressive and inclusive approach to comedy.
One of the most iconic sketches from “The Kids in the Hall” was “The Chicken Lady,” a recurring character played by Mark McKinney. The sketch featured McKinney dressed in a chicken costume, living a mundane life as a suburban housewife. The character was simultaneously absurd and relatable, and became one of the most beloved characters in the show’s history.
Another memorable sketch was “Buddy Cole,” a recurring character played by Scott Thompson. Cole was a gay man who hosted a talk show called “Buddy’s Night Out,” where he shared his thoughts on everything from politics to pop culture. The character was groundbreaking for its time, and helped to pave the way for more LGBTQ representation in comedy.
“The Kids in the Hall” was also known for its use of music, with several sketches featuring musical numbers and parodies. The show’s theme song, “Having an Average Weekend,” became an instant classic, and is still beloved by fans of the show today.
Over the course of its five-season run, “The Kids in the Hall” became a cult favorite, and inspired countless comedians and comedy writers. The show’s influence can be seen in everything from “Saturday Night Live” to “Key and Peele,” and its legacy continues to be felt in the world of comedy today.
In 2010, the five original members of “The Kids in the Hall” reunited for a live tour, which was met with critical acclaim and sold-out shows. The group continues to be celebrated for their groundbreaking work in comedy, and their ability to push boundaries and challenge societal norms through humor.
As we look back on the legacy of “The Kids in the Hall” on this April 22nd, it’s clear that their impact on the world of comedy continues to be felt to this day. Their willingness to tackle controversial and taboo subjects through humor helped to pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse approach to comedy, and their influence can be seen in the work of countless comedians and comedy writers around the world.