TV Funhouse (2000–2001)

Doug and the "Anipals" introduce animated segments, short videos and other wacky clips. Meanwhile, the other 'Anipal' puppets go on wacky adventures through the city.

Creator:

Robert Smigel

Stars:

Doug Dale, Robert Smigel, Dino Stamatopoulos

Cast

Series cast summary:
Doug Dale	...	Doug the Host (8 episodes, 2000-2001)
Robert Smigel	...	Fogey (8 episodes, 2000-2001)
Dino Stamatopoulos	...	Chickie (8 episodes, 2000-2001)
Jon Glaser	...	Hojo (8 episodes, 2000-2001)
Tommy Blacha	...	Hank (8 episodes, 2000-2001)
David Juskow	...	Larry (8 episodes, 2000-2001)

Storyline

In this spin-off of the TV Funhouse cartoons on SNL, our host Doug (Doug Dale) hosts a show on a set that resembles Blue's Clues if it wasn't computerized. He picks a theme for the day (Caveman Day, Western Day, Spaceman Day, Mexicans Day) and encourages his "Anipals" (His animal puppets) to do stuff for the day that corresponds with the theme. Of course, they never do and get themselves in crazy situations like going to a Tijuanese Bordello and Doug is stuck on the set all alone. There's also Robert Smigel cartoons and mock-educational films!

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Plot Keywords:

puppet | animal | cult tv | cult tv | turtle | 

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Taglines:

You're not a kid anymore.

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Genres:

Animation | Comedy | Fantasy

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Certificate:

TV-MA

Details

Official Sites:

Comedy Central: TV Funhouse

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 December 2000 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Comedy Central, Poochie Doochie Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Quotes

Doug: Lots of great things have come from the jungle, like monkey hand ashtrays, elephant leg umbrella holders, and jazz.

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Connections

Spun-off from Saturday Night Live (1975)

User Reviews

Best New Comedy Central Show in a While

I was skeptical at first--the weekly intro with the host in various positions while people walk around him isn't great--but this show is hilarious and gets better each week. Lots of shows try to be sick, but very few are sick AND funny in a new enough way to make them watchable each week (South Park being the obvious king of the genre). The show consists of both live action, with the kiddie-style host "Doug" and his puppets, and short clip segments (many of which are cartoons). Happily, Smigel doesn't just fall back on the Ambiguously Gay Duo or Triumph; his new creations, like the Joe Camel Pokemon take-off, are very funny if a little over the top. I do wish he wouldn't use real kids in his skits, as most of them are clearly adult-oriented. Comedy Central has had more than enough bombs lately, but "TV Funhouse" is definitely worth watching.