Fridays (1980–1982)

Live late-night comedy sketch show similar to "Saturday Night Live."

Creators:

Bill Lee, John Moffitt

Stars:

Jack Burns, Brandis Kemp, Mark Blankfield

Nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Jack Burns		(54 episodes, 1980-1982)
Brandis Kemp		(54 episodes, 1980-1982)
Mark Blankfield		(54 episodes, 1980-1982)
Maryedith Burrell		(54 episodes, 1980-1982)
Melanie Chartoff		(54 episodes, 1980-1982)
Larry David		(54 episodes, 1980-1982)
Darrow Igus		(54 episodes, 1980-1982)
Bruce Mahler		(54 episodes, 1980-1982)
Michael Richards		(54 episodes, 1980-1982)
John Roarke		(54 episodes, 1980-1982)
Rich Hall		(21 episodes, 1981-1982)

Storyline

A skit-oriented variety/comedy show, this was an attempt by the ABC network to cash in on the success of Saturday Night Live. The formula is very similar, right down to having fake commercials and a bogus newscast.

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Plot Keywords:

late night | punk | sketch comedy | live performance | tv show | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Music

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 April 1980 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

70 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

During one memorable episode, broadcast live, guest star Andy Kaufman broke character during a sketch. He got into a shoving match with Michael Richards which degenerated into an on-camera brawl. It was later revealed that this was a set-up and Kaufman and some of the brawl participants were in on the gag, but most of the cast and crew were caught completely off-guard.

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Connections

Featured in How It Began (2004)

User Reviews

A great early 80's Friday evening show!

This show was always great! I wish it could be brought back as repeats! There are a few skits that come to mind. Mark Blankfield playing a Pharmacist with unusual events happening to him, and his famous line "I can handle it". Or, Michael Richards playing the little boy burning little green plastic army men out on the lawn turned into a dirt pit, making a loud ruckus, and his Mom (played by Maryedith Burrell) having her moments with him. Or, Bruce Mahler dressing up a dancing chicken and playing the piano. Or, Darrow Igus playing the Jamican Man showing what he can do with fish and other items. And Melanie Chartoff, the cutest comedian ever! And the show also had great musical guests, Boomtown rats, J Giels Band, John Cougar, Plasmatics, B52s, ACDC, and many others. A great show. If you have been lucky enough to experience the show, I hope the above comments brought back some great memories. :-)

A devoted Fridays fan