Mad TV (season 2)

Mad TV (season 2)
Country of origin United States
No. of episodes 22
Broadcast
Original channel Fox
Original run September 21, 1996 – May 17, 1997
Home video release

DVD release

Region 1 March 26, 2013

The second season of Mad TV, an American sketch comedy series, originally aired in the United States on the Fox Network between September 21, 1996, and May 17, 1997.

Season summary

Despite some minor cast changes—Tim Conlon and Pablo Francisco joined as featured players and Artie Lange quietly left mid-season due to a drug scandal—the second season of Mad TV was not a radical departure from season one (largely the same cast, the same humor, and the same format).

The addition of a weekly guest host was the most notable difference of season two, the only season of Mad TV to feature one. Although every season has had several guest stars, season two's guest stars were referred to as "hosts" and appeared in nearly every sketch. Every episode had a new host, whereas in other seasons, not every episode had a guest star and the guest star usually only appeared in a few sketches. The guest host format was similar to Saturday Night Live's, but Mad TV ended this format after season two (though later seasons do have special guest stars who appear in sketches or do monologues).

Opening montage

The title sequence for season two is exactly the same as the previous season, except the theme song features more bass. The sequence starts with several fingers pointing at a bomb. The bomb explodes and several different pictures of Alfred E. Neuman appear, followed by the Mad TV logo. The theme song, which is performed by the hip-hop group Heavy D & the Boyz, begins. Cast members are introduced alphabetically with their names appearing in caption over live-action clips of them. More pictures of Alfred E. Neuman appear between the introduction of each cast member. When the last cast member is introduced, the music stops and the title sequence ends with the phrase "You are now watching Mad TV."

Cast

Repertory cast members

Featured cast members

Episodes

Episode Airing Date Host/Guest(s) Sketches Other notes
#201 September 21, 1996 Christina Applegate (host) Christina Applegate delivers monologue which is interrupted by clips of a stripper dancing, and stars in a parody of Jeopardy! where all three contestants suffer from schizophrenia. Michael Jackson (Phil LaMarr) stars in a new movie. Three women (Christina Applegate and Mary Scheer) use elaborate pantomime during a funeral to confess that they murdered the man they're mourning. First episode to have a host
#202 September 28, 1996 Ice-T (host & musical guest) A claymation car is oblivious to a ticking sound in a parody of Chevron commercials. Ice-T introduces the cast of Mad TV, unfortunately he only introduces the African American cast members. Bob Dole (David Herman) appears at a press conference as Dolemite, while Bill Clinton (Bryan Callen) picks Ice-T as his running mate. Ice-T is a guest on a talk show hosted by a cosmetic-surgery junkie (Mary Scheer). Kathy Lee Gifford (Nicole Sullivan) runs afoul of labor laws at sweatshops producing her line of clothing in a parody of Live with Regis and Kathy Lee. Antonia (Nicole Sullivan) finds work at a pizzeria. Future cast member Daniele Gaither appears in this episode as one of Bob Dole's Dolemite girls.
#203 October 5, 1996 Kim Coles (host) A man (David Herman) keeps masturbating even after rehabilitation. In a commercial for the Helpful Hands Insurance, an agent (Artie Lange) berates a customer (Nicole Sullivan) like a parent would chastise a bratty child. A health education teacher (Kim Coles) teaches Catholic schoolgirls about sex. An extremely-tan tanning salon manager (Kim Coles) prepares to tan a client (Bryan Callen). The Vancome Lady (Nicole Sullivan) refuses to help certain patients at the Betty Ford Clinic. Ike (Orlando Jones) and Tina Turner (Debra Wilson) argue during play versions of several children's stories. The Linder parents (David Herman, Mary Scheer) embarrass their son Mark (Bryan Callen) in front of his date (Nicole Sullivan) by talking about sex. Spy vs. Spy cartoon
#204 October 16, 1996 Jack Wagner (host) Spishak promotes its maxipads which can be used once a year. Demi Moore (Mary Scheer) plays Mother Teresa, who is ogled by perverted Middle Eastern citizens in the movie Mother of Mercy. Bill Clinton (Bryan Callen) and Bob Dole (David Herman) debate before a pre-teen audience. Dr. Jack Kevorkian (Bryan Callen) gives presents to his 100th patient (Nicole Sullivan), who is unsure that she wants to die.
#205 November 2, 1996 Neve Campbell (host) A witness on the stand (Mary Scheer) is unable to tell her story. Neve Campbell tries to perform a comedy routine during her monologue, but it turns depressing. Spishak's advertises a car wax that doesn't guarantee full protection for your car. X-News reporters discuss presidential nominees; a classmate (Phil LaMarr) holding a grudge against Amy (Nicole Sullivan) appears on the show. Tony Bright (Bryan Callen) promotes a do-it-yourself dentist kit. Julia (Neve Campbell) romances presidential candidate Bob Dole (David Herman) in a Party of Five parody. Ed McMahon (Artie Lange) stars in a parody of Dead Man Walking. A preacher (Orlando Jones) uses pop-culture references to describe the events of Jesus's life. Craig Anton lets loose another screaming monologue. A baggage claims guard (Phil LaMarr) berates a passenger (Neve Campbell). Spy vs. Spy - Cactus.
#206 November 9, 1996 Kevin McDonald (host), Tony Cox (special guest) A couple (Kevin McDonald, Mary Scheer) try to lure a family member out from under the bed. Kevin McDonald forces Artie Lange to hit his bodyguard (Tony Cox). Creepy employees and customers run amok in a commercial for a Wal-Mart-type store. On Incredible Findings, Tony Bright (Bryan Callen) promotes a shock therapy kit to cure depression. Woody Allen (David Herman) directs an urban film starring Snoop Doggy Dogg (Orlando Jones) and Rosie Perez (Debra Wilson). UBS guy Jaq (Phil LaMarr) goes on a date. The Vancome Lady (Nicole Sullivan) berates people while working at a casino.
#207 November 16, 1996 Joe Rogan (host) and Ken Norton Jr (special guest) A game show contestant (Debra Wilson) puts her skills to the test when she pays for her food. In "Be-Bitched", a parody of Bewitched, Samantha (Nicole Sullivan) twitches her nose and transforms herself into a mean black girl (Debra Wilson) whenever she's provoked. Host Joe Rogan appears on Cabana Chat with Dixie Wetsworth (Mary Scheer). A boxer (Joe Rogan) doesn't realize the dive he's supposed to take won't happen as expected.
#208 December 7, 1996 French Stewart (host) Host French Stewart plays an impatient boss who demands his employees to talk faster, then appears in a sketch where other houseguests do impersonations of each other. Incredible Findings introduces a do-it-yourself cosmetic kit. Sammy Hagar (Bryan Callen) is a bachelor on Lowered Expectations. Bill Cosby (Orlando Jones) revises the format of his show to give it a more urban flavor. A woman (Nicole Sullivan) is forced to break up with her bank.
#209 December 14, 1996 Harry Connick, Jr (host) "The Vancome Lady: Virgin Mary"; "The Reinfather"; "The Greatest Action Story Ever Told"; and Spy vs. Spy: Karate School. Christmas episode
#210 January 4, 1997 Andrea Martin (host) A promotion for toilet water-scented perfume. Host Andrea Martin introduces the cast of Mad TV. African-Americans try to prevent whites from using black slang. A boss (Andrea Martin) is forced to fire several employees. A government agent (Artie Lange) informs a man (David Herman) that he's President of the United States. A TV drama focuses on the personal and professional lives of car valets. A doctor (Phil LaMarr) entertains his patient (Debra Wilson) with a puppet. Artie Lange's Last Episode
#211 January 25, 1997 Brian Bosworth and Dom Irrera (special guests) "Gato-Ade" commercial parody; "UBS Super Bowl Party"; "Vancome Locker" sketch; and "Vud Bowl V." Super Bowl special
#212 February 1, 1997 Rodney Dangerfield (host) Marsh (David Herman) proves that he loves African-Americans on X-News. R&B singer Savante (Phil LaMarr) is asked to sing for a children's benefit album, but his language offends two executives (David Herman, Debra Wilson). Thriller and humor mix in a parody of Suddenly Susan and Millennium. Host Rodney Dangerfield plugs his film Meet Wally Sparks on Cabana Chat. At a rental car agency, a man (Orlando Jones) tries to prove he didn't pass wind. A college student (Phil LaMarr) unwittingly finds himself in a fight courtesy of his dorm roommate (Bryan Callen)
#213 February 8, 1997 Queen Latifah (host) David Herman delivers a message from The Man. Debra Wilson gets host Queen Latifah's autograph. A lawyer (Bryan Callen) helps clear the names of people accused of witchcraft. Doctors and nurses try to conceal a newborn baby's extreme height from its mother (Debra Wilson). Rick (Phil LaMarr), unaware that he's in a lesbian bar, hits on one of the patrons (Queen Latifah). A young Alanis Morissette (Debra Wilson) sings during a press conference. Samuel L. Jackson (Orlando Jones) fumes when his mailbox is vandalized in a parody of A Time to Kill. An ardent fan disrupts Queen Latifah during her monologue on the various forms of rap music. A little girl (Nicole Sullivan) causes havoc in a restaurant. Bum Joe Don (David Herman) is dissatisfied with his stink-sucking job. A robber (Orlando Jones) hosts his own cooking show. A man (David Herman) constantly asks his friend (Phil LaMarr) if he can borrow his car.
#214 February 15, 1997 Tommy Davidson (host), Tom Kenny (special guest) and Pauly Shore (special guest) "Hospital"; "Town Meeting" and "Progressive Parenting."
#215 March 8, 1997 Bobcat Goldthwait (host) A Lowered Expectations bachelorette (Mary Scheer) proves there's no fury like a woman scorned. Host Bobcat Goldthwait delivers several public service announcements, and stars as a fast-food worker gunning for the employee-of-the-month award. A dance-calling couple (David Herman, Mary Scheer) argue with each other during a hoedown. A night of drinking leaves a woman (Nicole Sullivan) with more than just a hangover. A Lowered Expectations bachelor (Phil LaMarr) looks to have a one-night stand for cash. A nerd (Debra Wilson) hosts her own TV show in which she interviews a forest ranger (Mary Scheer). A babysitter (Mary Scheer) tries to kill a youngster (Bryan Callen).
#216 March 15, 1997 Pauly Shore (host) While Bill Clinton (Bryan Callen) addresses the nation, Orlando Jones translates the President's speech in ebonics. Host Pauly Shore delivers stand-up comedy routine and appears on Cabana Chat. A new show called Test Pattern appears between Seinfeld and ER. Antonia (Nicole Sullivan) appears on Lowered Expectations and becomes a trainee at a fast-food restaurant. Two employees (Bryan Callen, Mary Scheer) don't realize that their boss is going to commit suicide. A boss (David Herman) is too drunk to conduct an interview.
#217 April 5, 1997 Thomas Calabro (host) and Corky and the Juice Pigs (Musical Guest) "Cha-Cha the Gorilla"; "Discount Undertaker"; "Furious George;" "Stupid Anonymous Talking To"; "Trial TV: Dr. Flavin Manhunt"; and "Spy vs. Spy: Gallows."
#218 April 12, 1997 Mark Curry (host), Ike Turner (special guest) Spishak's new product is a combination spoon, fork, and knife. Mark Curry performs a rap song during his opening monologue. A couple (Bryan Callen, Nicole Sullivan) deals with a man (Mark Curry) who maneuvers in a canoe. Ike Turner (Orlando Jones) argues with wife Tina (Debra Wilson) after he delivers a pizza. Fran Drescher (Mary Scheer) shows clips of rabid babies in a FOX special, When Babies Attack. On The Kenny Kingston Show, the host (David Herman) welcomes Ike Turner as his co-host and interviews Nelson Mandela (Phil LaMarr). During three commercials for a rose collection, the announcer (David Herman) unleashes a torrent of anger when customers don't show appreciation for the roses' creator. Several people talk about their television appearances. An immature man (Mark Curry) won't accept a break-up with his girlfriend (Debra Wilson) and does whatever it takes to stay with her.
#219 April 26, 1997 Adam Arkin (host) Bob Marley (special guest) Host Adam Arkin is forced to wear, and pay for, clothes recommended by Isaac Mizrahi (Adam Arkin also). In a parody of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Lou Grant (Adam Arkin) learns several things about lesbians. Meet Mexican wrestler El Asso Wipo (David Herman). O.J. Simpson (Orlando Jones) appears on The Kenny Kingston Show to promote a TV series where he hopes to find who killed his wife. Two doctors (Adam Arkin, David Herman) play good surgeon/bad surgeon to extract a kidney from a patient (Orlando Jones). Jaq (Phil LaMarr) tries to help a homeless man (David Herman) who becomes annoyed at Jaq's overtures. Joel (David Herman) and Connie Linder (Mary Scheer) embarrass their son Mark (Bryan Callen) as he moves into his dorm with a psychotic roommate (Orlando Jones). A Lowered Expectations single woman (Mary Scheer) lists guys whose eyes pop out of their heads as one of her pet peeves. Bob Marley discusses his father in a monologue.
#220 May 3, 1997 Ryan Stiles (host) A woman (Nicole Sullivan) finds herself dating a man who sounds like the Moviefone announcer. Ryan Stiles shows off his improvisational skills during his monologue. Michael Jackson (Phil LaMarr) appears on Oprah. Sinbad (Phil LaMarr) stars in a movie where he won't shut up. Ryan Stiles, in another monologue, sings about girls who love guys with big toes. A salesman (Orlando Jones) promotes the enslavement of white people. A Mexican caterer (Debra Wilson) prepares food that makes people die. While visiting his buddy's apartment, a man (Phil LaMarr) makes threats to people who make a lot of noise.
#221 May 10, 1997 David Faustino (host) A bride (Nicole Sullivan) reads a very disturbing vow during a wedding. David Faustino hosts a beauty pageant and plays a guy who dates a teacher (Mary Scheer). Larry Flynt (David Herman) stars in a parody of Jane Austen films (Sketch title: "Jane Austen's Tea 'n A"). A mother (Mary Scheer) intimidates her employee son (Bryan Callen) at a butcher shop.
#222 May 17, 1997 LL Cool J (host) "En Vogue"; "The Breakup"; "Don't Talk to Me"; "Manic Depressive Stripper" and "Clops." Gangsta Shop Quartet -- Spishak Records' infomercial selling music that combines Gangsta Rap and Barbershop Quartet--barbershop-style harmonizing of gangsta lyrics Season finale: Bryan Callen, Orlando Jones Last Episode.

DVD releases

Despite a preview on the special features disc of the Mad TV: the Complete First Season DVD box set, season two of Mad TV was not initially released on DVD due to poor sales of season one. Shout Factory finally released the complete second season on March 26, 2013.[1]

References

  1. Lambert, David (7 December 2012). "MADtv - Street Date, Cost and Packaging for 'The Complete 2nd Season'". TV Shows on DVD. TV Guide Online. Retrieved 22 January 2015.

External links

Preceded by
Season 1
Mad TV
Season 2
Succeeded by
Season 3