10 Shows Like The Kids in the Hall: Death Comes to Town (2010)

Description: This British sketch show, like 'The Kids in the Hall: Death Comes to Town', features a duo playing multiple characters in smart, wordplay-heavy sketches. Both shows have a cerebral approach to comedy that can shift from silly to sophisticated.

Fact: Starred Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie before they became internationally famous. The show was known for its clever wordplay and satirical edge. Many sketches broke the fourth wall or played with the format of television itself.

Description: 'The Mighty Boosh' shares with 'The Kids in the Hall: Death Comes to Town' a surreal, absurdist sense of humor and a strong emphasis on character-driven comedy. Both shows blend live-action with other elements (animation in 'Boosh', puppetry in 'Kids in the Hall') to create unique comedic worlds.

Fact: Created by and starring Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt. The show began as a radio series before moving to TV. It features musical numbers and fantastical elements, often with a psychedelic aesthetic.

Description: This show shares with 'The Kids in the Hall: Death Comes to Town' a love for surreal, absurdist humor and a distinctive visual style that often feels deliberately cheap or bizarre. Both shows revel in awkwardness and discomfort, pushing the boundaries of what comedy can be.

Fact: Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim created the show, which became a cult hit on Adult Swim. The show featured a mix of live-action sketches, animation, and bizarre infomercial-style segments. Many celebrities appeared in intentionally awkward or surreal cameos, including John C. Reilly and Zach Galifianakis.

Description: 'Portlandia' shares with 'The Kids in the Hall: Death Comes to Town' a focus on quirky, character-driven comedy and a satirical take on modern life. Both shows feature a small ensemble cast playing multiple roles, and both have a distinctive, slightly off-kilter tone.

Fact: Created by Fred Armisen, Carrie Brownstein, and Jonathan Krisel. The show is known for its hipster satire and recurring characters like the feminist bookstore owners. It was filmed on location in Portland, Oregon, and often featured local musicians and artists.

Description: While 'Key & Peele' is more grounded in observational and racial humor compared to 'The Kids in the Hall: Death Comes to Town', both shows share a love for sharp character work and absurd premises. Both also feature a duo that plays a wide range of characters across different sketches.

Fact: Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele met on 'Mad TV' before creating their own show. The show's 'East/West Bowl' sketches became viral hits. Jordan Peele later transitioned to directing horror films like 'Get Out' and 'Us'.

Description: While 'Nathan for You' is a reality-parody show rather than a sketch comedy, it shares with 'The Kids in the Hall: Death Comes to Town' a love for awkward, cringe-inducing humor and surreal premises. Both shows push boundaries and often leave the audience unsure whether to laugh or cringe.

Fact: Created by and starring Nathan Fielder, known for his deadpan delivery. The show involved Fielder giving real small businesses absurd, overly complicated advice. One episode featured the viral stunt 'Dumb Starbucks', a parody coffee shop that attracted national media attention.

Description: Similar to 'The Kids in the Hall: Death Comes to Town', 'Mr. Show with Bob and David' is a sketch comedy series that blends absurd humor with dark, surreal themes. Both shows feature a tight-knit ensemble cast that excels in character-driven comedy and often pushes the boundaries of conventional sketch formats.

Fact: Created by Bob Odenkirk and David Cross, who later became famous for their roles in 'Breaking Bad' and 'Arrested Development' respectively. The show was known for its intricate, interconnected sketches that often looped back on themselves. Many 'Mr. Show' alumni went on to work on 'Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!' and 'The Birthday Boys'.

Description: Like 'The Kids in the Hall: Death Comes to Town', 'Upright Citizens Brigade' (UCB) is a surreal and often dark sketch comedy show that thrives on absurdity and unconventional humor. Both shows feature a core group of performers who create bizarre, memorable characters and scenarios.

Fact: The UCB troupe included Amy Poehler, Matt Besser, Ian Roberts, and Matt Walsh. The show was based on the Upright Citizens Brigade improv group, which also founded a famous comedy theater in New York. Many sketches were presented as 'public service announcements' with a twisted, satirical edge.

Description: This show shares with 'The Kids in the Hall: Death Comes to Town' a love for absurd characters and surreal humor. Both shows feature performers playing multiple roles and have a loose, improvisational feel at times.

Fact: Based on the podcast of the same name hosted by Scott Aukerman. The TV show blended talk show format with sketch comedy and musical numbers. Featured a wide array of guest stars playing exaggerated versions of themselves or original characters.

Description: This sketch comedy show, like 'The Kids in the Hall: Death Comes to Town', features a tight ensemble cast that excels in character work and absurd, often dark humor. Both shows have a playful approach to comedy that can quickly shift from silly to surreal.

Fact: The Birthday Boys were a comedy troupe that included Mike Hanford, Mike Mitchell, and others. The show was produced by Bob Odenkirk of 'Mr. Show' fame. Many sketches parodied specific genres or formats, such as infomercials or 80s sitcoms.