Watch Mash Up

Mash Up was a unique comedy series that aired on Comedy Central in 2012. Featuring a cast of talented comedians including T.J. Miller, Mary Lynn Rajskub, and Bryan Callen, the show aimed to revolutionize the sketch comedy format by incorporating multiple elements and styles into a cohesive, hilarious whole.

The premise of the show was simple: each half-hour episode featured a rotating cast of comedians performing stand-up sets, which were then used as inspiration for a series of interconnected sketches. Unlike traditional sketch comedy programs, however, Mash Up aimed to break down the barriers between different comedic styles and genres, allowing the performers to experiment and collaborate in new and unexpected ways.

One of the most striking aspects of the show was its diverse range of comedic talent. From well-known stand-up comedians like Miller, Rajskub, and Callen to up-and-coming performers and writers, Mash Up brought together a wide variety of voices and perspectives to create a truly unique comedy experience. Each episode featured a different lineup of performers, ensuring that no two episodes were exactly alike.

Another notable aspect of Mash Up was its willingness to experiment with different formats and styles. While the show certainly had its share of traditional sketch comedy segments, it also incorporated elements of improv, animation, and even musical comedy. This meant that viewers never quite knew what to expect from each episode, which only added to the show's anarchic, anything-goes vibe.

Despite its experimental nature, however, Mash Up was never afraid to tackle serious themes or issues. While many of the sketches were pure silliness and absurdity (such as one segment where two characters argue over who has the more impressive collection of office supplies), others were more pointed in their social commentary. For example, one sketch featured a group of white hipsters appropriating Native American culture, while another tackled the issue of police brutality in a brutally funny way.

One of the most memorable aspects of the show was its recurring characters and running gags. While each episode was different, there were a handful of recurring characters and themes that emerged over the course of the season. For example, T.J. Miller's character, an over-the-top version of himself, appeared in several different sketches, often as a sort of self-aggrandizing ringmaster. Similarly, Mary Lynn Rajskub's recurring character, a frazzled mom with a dark side, popped up in several episodes.

One of the most notable aspects of the show was its production values. Despite being a relatively low-budget affair, Mash Up featured some truly impressive set pieces and visual effects. For example, one sketch featured a giant animatronic robot battling a horde of zombies, while another involved a massive Rube Goldberg machine that appeared to be built entirely out of office supplies. These elaborate set pieces added a sense of spectacle and grandeur to the show that was truly impressive.

Overall, Mash Up was a groundbreaking comedy series that pushed the boundaries of what sketch comedy could be. Featuring an incredibly talented and diverse cast of comedians, the show was able to explore a wide range of comedic styles and themes, while also experimenting with different formats and production techniques. Though it only lasted for one season, Mash Up remains a cult favorite among comedy fans, and it's not hard to see why.

Mash Up is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between October 10, 2012 and on Comedy Central