Watch Friends of the People

Friends of the People was a sketch comedy series that aired on truTV from 2014 to 2015. The show featured a talented group of comedians, including Kevin Barnett, Jennifer Bartels, Jermaine Fowler, Lil Rel, The Lucas Bros., and Josh Rabinowitz. Each episode showcased a collection of outrageous and hilarious sketches that covered a range of topics, from pop culture to current events.

The show was created by comedian and writer Tony Cavalero, who also served as an executive producer along with Jeff Tremaine, the co-creator of Jackass. Friends of the People was a spinoff of truTV's earlier sketch comedy show Comedy Knockout, which also featured recurring appearances by the show's cast.

The cast of Friends of the People had a natural chemistry and brought a unique perspective to the sketch comedy genre. Kevin Barnett was known for his irreverent and often controversial humor, while Jennifer Bartels brought a strong female voice to the show. Jermaine Fowler was a rising star in the comedy world, and Lil Rel showcased his signature charm and wit. The Lucas Bros. brought their unique brand of stoner humor to the mix, and Josh Rabinowitz provided a more cerebral and satirical edge.

The show was notable for its diverse cast and willingness to tackle edgier topics. Many sketches poked fun at race, gender, and political issues, but always with a tongue-in-cheek sensibility. There was also a strong emphasis on pop culture, especially in the recurring segment "Celebrity Phony Phone Calls," where the cast impersonated famous figures like Kanye West and Bill Cosby.

Some of the show's most memorable sketches included a parody of The Bachelor featuring a bachelorette who was secretly a serial killer, a skit about a gang of friendly clowns, and a send-up of the hit movie The Purge. The show also featured regular appearances by guest stars such as Method Man, Rachel Dratch, and Gilbert Gottfried.

Despite being well-received by audiences and critics, Friends of the People was unfortunately cancelled after only two seasons. However, the show's legacy lives on, with many of its cast members continuing to make waves in the comedy world. Kevin Barnett went on to write for shows like The Eric Andre Show and Broad City before tragically passing away in 2019. Jermaine Fowler has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including Crashing and Sorry to Bother You. The Lucas Bros. have become well-known for their stand-up comedy and voiceover work, while Lil Rel has starred in hit movies like Get Out and Uncle Drew.

Overall, Friends of the People was a hilarious and groundbreaking sketch comedy show that showcased the talents of some of the most exciting comedians working today. Its unique blend of satire, absurdity, and irreverence made it a standout in the crowded world of TV comedy, and its influence can still be felt in the work of its cast and many imitators.

Friends of the People is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (25 episodes). The series first aired on October 28, 2014.