1996’s Most Influential TV Show Was Cancelled After 8 Episodes, But Launched Some Of The 2000s’ Best Comedians

It became obvious after The Dana Carvey Show was canceled after only eight episodes that Carvey and Smigel weren’t interested in returning to Saturday Night Live. They wanted to create something bolder and more unconventional, something that would showcase a darker, more subversive side of Carvey’s comedy, moving beyond his clean-cut image. Fans shouldn’t expect familiar bits like “Choppin’ Broccoli” or catchphrases from Garth and Hans. Instead, the show aimed for shocking and boundary-pushing sketches that SNL would never attempt. Despite its short run, the show successfully launched the careers of several now-famous comedians – a goal ABC had hoped for.





