As I mention often, PBS and public broadcasting series have firmly entered the pop culture consciousness. So much so that they are frequently the target of parodies or send ups. Virtually every long-running sketch comedy series has spoofed a PBS show at one time or another. So I took some time to come up with the ones that really tickled my fancy, those that stuck in my mind long after I first laughed at them.
It’s important to note that these are not necessarily parodies seen on shows we’ve broadcast on PBS but lampoons shown outside of PBS based on series we’ve aired (there is one PBS show, of course). So here they are … MY TOP FIVE SEND UPS.
5) MR. PIN (KIDS IN THE HALL). The Canadian sketch comedy series is one of my all time favorites, ranking right up there with the likes of MONTY PYTHON’S FLYING CIRCUS (an obvious influence). I recall seeing this sketch in which Kevin McDonald plays a customer impatiently waiting in line at a store and commenting on how I thought it was a hilarious send up of MR. BEAN. My friend didn’t think it was a MR. BEAN spoof and I’ve no proof that it was intended to be – but come on! The suit, the hair, the attitude – McDonald is doing his best Rowan Atkinson impression so I’m counting it.
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