Almost Live! (1984)
Seattle's irreverent local sketch comedy institution that ran for 15 years on KING-TV and quietly launched some of television's biggest names.
Almost Live! - Series Information
- Original Title: Almost Live!
- First Air Year: 1984
- Last Air Year: 1999
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 11
- Number of Episodes: 286
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Networks: KING-TV
- Production Countries: United States of America
Almost Live! - Plot
Almost Live! was a local sketch comedy television show in Seattle, Washington, USA, produced and broadcast by NBC affiliate KING-TV from 1984 to 1999. A re-packaged version of the show also aired on Comedy Central from 1992 to 1993, and episodes aired on WGRZ-TV in the late 1990s. The show was broadcast on Saturday nights at 11:30, pushing Saturday Night Live back to midnight. The show is now aired in reruns by the Seattle NBC affiliate following Saturday Night Live.
Almost Live! - Trailer
See the sketch comedy chaos that kept Seattle laughing every Saturday night:
Where to Watch Almost Live!
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Almost Live! - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- John Keister
- Pat Cashman
- Tracey Conway
- Nancy Guppy
- Ross Shafer
- Bob Nelson
- Bill Nye
- Joel McHale
- Steve Wilson
- Darrel Suto
Almost Live! - FAQs
Did Almost Live! launch any famous careers?
Absolutely — Almost Live! served as an early launchpad for several now-famous names. Bill Nye, later known worldwide as 'the Science Guy,' was a regular cast member, as was Joel McHale, who went on to host The Soup and star in Community. The show had a remarkable knack for spotting talent.
What was Almost Live! and where did it air?
Almost Live! was a local sketch comedy series produced by Seattle NBC affiliate KING-TV, running from 1984 to 1999. It aired Saturday nights at 11:30 PM, famously bumping Saturday Night Live to midnight. A repackaged version also ran on Comedy Central from 1992 to 1993.
Where can you watch Almost Live! today?
Almost Live! currently airs in reruns on Seattle's NBC affiliate following Saturday Night Live. For the most up-to-date streaming and viewing options in your region, check JustWatch, which tracks availability across digital platforms and services.
How many seasons and episodes did Almost Live! run?
Almost Live! ran for 11 seasons and 286 episodes across its 15-year run from 1984 to 1999. Each season typically featured around 26 episodes, making it one of the longest-running local sketch comedy series in American television history.
Who were the main cast members of Almost Live!?
The ensemble included John Keister, Pat Cashman, Tracey Conway, Nancy Guppy, Ross Shafer, Bob Nelson, Steve Wilson, and Darrel Suto — alongside future stars Bill Nye and Joel McHale. The rotating cast gave the show a lively, unpredictable energy across its long run.
Is Almost Live! worth watching for comedy fans?
For fans of sketch comedy and Pacific Northwest culture, Almost Live! is a genuine gem. Its sharp local humor, irreverent sketches, and the novelty of spotting future stars like Bill Nye and Joel McHale in their early days make it a fascinating and entertaining piece of regional TV history.
Did Almost Live! ever air outside of Seattle?
Yes — beyond its Seattle home on KING-TV, a repackaged version of Almost Live! aired nationally on Comedy Central from 1992 to 1993, introducing the show to a broader audience. Episodes also aired on WGRZ-TV in Buffalo, New York, during the late 1990s.
What shows are similar to Almost Live!?
If you enjoy Almost Live!, you'll likely appreciate other sketch comedy classics like Key & Peele, Second City Television, and Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In. For a similar regional or offbeat sensibility, Portlandia and Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! also make excellent companion viewing.
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