Watch Fridays: The Best of

Fridays was a late-night comedy sketch show that aired on ABC from 1980 to 1982. Created by the same producers of Saturday Night Live, Fridays aimed at a younger, hipper audience than its NBC rival. The show's format was similar to that of SNL, featuring a celebrity guest host each week who would participate in various comedy skits with the cast. However, Fridays had a unique style and edge to it, often incorporating political and social commentary into its sketches.

One of the most memorable aspects of Fridays was its musical performances. The show gave a platform to up-and-coming punk and new wave bands, and also featured performances by established musicians such as Blondie, The Cars, and Devo. The performances were usually played live and added an exciting and energetic element to the show.

The cast of Fridays consisted of a talented group of comedians, some of whom would go on to have successful careers in Hollywood. Larry David, who would later create Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm, was a writer and occasional performer on the show. Michael Richards, who played Kramer on Seinfeld, was a regular cast member and became known for his physical comedy on Fridays.

The show's political commentary was not always well-received by viewers, particularly some of the more controversial sketches. One of the most infamous was a parody of the assassination of President Ronald Reagan, which provoked a strong backlash and calls for the show to be canceled. While the sketch was not meant to be taken seriously, the timing of its airing (only months after the actual assassination attempt on Reagan) made it too controversial for some viewers.

Despite its short run, Fridays remains a cult favorite among fans of 80s comedy. The show helped to launch the careers of several notable performers and writers, and its irreverent style and musical performances set it apart from other late-night shows at the time.

Fridays: The Best of is a series that ran for 3 seasons (27 episodes) between April 11, 1980 and on ABC