Tracey Takes On... (1996)
HBO's inventive sketch comedy series where Tracey Ullman plays 20 characters, each episode tackling a single topic with wit and range.
Tracey Takes On... - Series Information
- Original Title: Tracey Takes On...
- First Air Year: 1996
- Last Air Year: 1999
- Created by: Tracey Ullman, Allan McKeown
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 50
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: HBO
- Production Companies: Takes On Productions, Inc.
- Production Countries: United States of America
Tracey Takes On... - Plot
Tracey Takes On... is a sketch comedy series starring actress Tracey Ullman. The show ran for four seasons on HBO and was commissioned after the success of the comedy special Tracey Ullman Takes on New York (1993). Each episode focuses on a specific subject which Ullman and her cast of characters take on through a series of sketches and monologues.
Tracey Takes On... - Trailer
See the series in action and get a feel for Ullman's extraordinary range of characters:
One woman playing 20 characters taking on one topic a week.
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Tracey Takes On... - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Tracey Ullman
- Allan McKeown
Main Cast
- Tracey Ullman
- Adele Givens
- George Segal
- Danny Woodburn
- Michael McKean
- Julie Kavner
- Seymour Cassel
- Michael Tucker
- Patricia Belcher
- Hugh Laurie
Writers
- Ian La Frenais
- Jenji Kohan
- Robert Klane
- Allen J. Zipper
- Jerry Belson
Executive Producers
- Tracey Ullman
- Allan McKeown
Tracey Takes On... - FAQs
How did Tracey Takes On... come to exist?
The series grew directly out of the success of the 1993 HBO comedy special Tracey Ullman Takes on New York. Impressed by the special's reception, HBO commissioned a full series, giving Ullman the creative freedom to develop her rotating cast of characters and her signature topic-of-the-week format.
What makes Tracey Takes On... different from other sketch shows?
Unlike traditional sketch comedies, each episode is built around a single theme — money, sex, food, fame — explored through recurring characters rather than one-off sketches. Tracey Ullman plays all 20 characters herself, giving the show a unique continuity and depth that sets it apart from ensemble-driven formats.
Did Tracey Takes On... win any major awards?
The show earned significant recognition, winning multiple Emmy Awards including Outstanding Variety or Music Program. Tracey Ullman herself won the Emmy for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program, cementing the series as one of the most acclaimed sketch comedies of the late 1990s.
Where can you watch Tracey Takes On... today?
Streaming availability for Tracey Takes On... varies by region. Check JustWatch for the most current viewing options, including any streaming, rental, or purchase platforms where the series may be available in your area.
Who are the main cast members of Tracey Takes On...?
Tracey Ullman leads the series playing all 20 recurring characters. The supporting cast includes Adele Givens, George Segal, Danny Woodburn, Michael McKean, Julie Kavner, Seymour Cassel, Michael Tucker, Patricia Belcher, and Hugh Laurie, who appears in a notable recurring role.
Who created and wrote Tracey Takes On...?
The series was created by Tracey Ullman and Allan McKeown. The writing team was impressively diverse, including Jenji Kohan (later creator of Weeds and Orange Is the New Black), Ian La Frenais, Dick Clement, Jerry Belson, and Gail Parent, among others — a remarkable collection of comedy talent.
Is Tracey Takes On... worth watching for comedy fans?
Absolutely. The show is a masterclass in character comedy, showcasing Ullman's extraordinary range across 20 distinct personas. Its thematic structure gives it more depth than most sketch shows, and the writing talent behind it — including a young Jenji Kohan — ensures the material remains sharp and inventive throughout all four seasons.
What are some shows similar to Tracey Takes On...?
Fans of the show often enjoy A Bit of Fry & Laurie, Brass Eye, and Harry Enfield and Chums for their sharp British character comedy. For American alternatives, Portlandia and A Black Lady Sketch Show offer similarly inventive sketch formats. Monty Python's Flying Circus remains an enduring touchstone for the genre.
More About Tracey Takes On...
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