Exit 57
Exit 57 was a 30-minute sketch comedy series that aired on the American television channel Comedy Central from 1995 to 1996; its cast was composed of comedians Amy Sedaris, Paul Dinello, Stephen Colbert, Jodi Lennon, and Mitch Rouse, all of whom had previously studied improv at The Second City in Chicago. In 1999 Sedaris, Dinello, Colbert and Rouse would also create the Comedy Central show "Strangers with Candy". Humorist David Sedaris also served as an additional writer for the series, sharing a single onscreen credit with his sister as "The Talent Family". The show's producer, Joe Forristal, had also served as executive producer for The Kids in the Hall. All of the sketches in the series are implied to take place in the fictional suburban setting of the Quad Cities. During the show's memorably cryptic opening sequence, the cast members are seen standing next to a broken down car on the highway. Soon they are picked up by a passing driver, who changes the radio station at the mention of a serial killer, and takes Polaroid pictures of his increasingly uncomfortable passengers. Growing suspicious, the cast demands to be let out. The car is then seen pulling off the highway at Exit 57.
Insights
Plot Summary
Exit 57 was a short-lived sketch comedy series that aired on Comedy Central. The show featured a cast of performers delivering a variety of humorous skits, often with a surreal or absurdist bent. It aimed to capture the raw energy of live sketch performance with a focus on character-driven humor and unexpected twists.
Critical Reception
Exit 57 garnered a cult following due to its unique brand of offbeat humor and the raw talent of its cast, many of whom would go on to greater fame. While not a mainstream critical darling, it was praised by those who appreciated its unconventional approach to sketch comedy and its willingness to take risks.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its innovative and often bizarre sketches.
- Appreciated for the chemistry and comedic timing of its ensemble cast.
- Seen as a precursor to more successful sketch shows, with a dedicated cult following.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce due to the show's limited run and niche appeal, but fans who remember Exit 57 often recall it fondly for its bold, off-kilter humor and the early work of its talented cast.
Fun Fact
Many of the show's cast members, including Paul Soter, later became prominent members of the comedy troupe Broken Lizard, known for films like 'Super Troopers' and 'Beerfest'.
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