I have to make a confession. I was and to a lesser extent, still am obsessed with ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ This complete and probably, unhealthy infatuation came from a deep seeded admiration for the performers. I idolized Ryan Stiles, Colin Mochrie, Brad Sherwood, and Greg Proops. The rest of America may have been in love with Wayne Brady’s improvised songs, but I couldn’t get over the smooth, laid back humor of the other cast members. Sadly, television viewers began to tire of the improvised shenanigans, and the show is currently shelved, unlikely to ever return.
After the slow decent of ‘Whose Line’, I was fairly certain it would be years before my love of unscripted madness humor would find an outlet. But no! In an attempt to pacify me or more likely, tap into some improv obsessed niche market, ‘NBC’ is premiering a new think on your feet comedy titled, ‘Thank God You’re Here.’ The David Allen Grier hosted laugher will feature random comedians being hurled into costumes and unfamiliar, unscripted situations. It’s like ‘The Gong Show’ with less Chuck Barris and slightly more structure.
Former ‘Kids In the Hall’ star and all-around funny dude, Dave Foley will star as the judge and buzzer operator. ‘Thank God’ will premiere tonight with a bevy of guest stars. Stifler’s Mom herself, Jennifer Coolidge will join the ‘The Soup’ host Joel McHale and Bryan Cranston(‘Malcolm In The Middle’). Jerry Seinfeld foe and former dinosaur snack Wayne Knight will also make an appearance. I can’t imagine four people who I would rather watch fumble and laugh through twenty plus minutes of uninhibited chaos.
I really have high expectations. Everyone involved has, at one time or another, proved their comedic prowess, and most even have a history in unscripted comedy troupes. I’m definitely tuning in tonight at 9 P.M. Eastern, and I hope you join me.
