TV Funhouse (2008) After the success of Saturday Night Live 's "TV Funhouse" segments, Robert Smigel hatched this short-lived, off-color variety show, which approximates Pee-wee's Playhouse minus all…
DVD Review

TV Funhouse (2008)

Reviewed by Sean Howe | Jul 30, 2008
TV Funhouse | JUST KIDDING TV Funhouse looks like children's TV, but there's a more adult sensibility at play beneath the surface
JUST KIDDING TV Funhouse looks like children's TV, but there's a more adult sensibility at play beneath the surface
EW's GRADE
B

Details Release Date: Jul 22, 2008; DVD Release Date: Jul 22, 2008; Genres: Cartoons/Animation, Comedy

After the success of Saturday Night Live's ''TV Funhouse'' segments, Robert Smigel hatched this short-lived, off-color variety show, which approximates Pee-wee's Playhouse minus all good vibes. The conceit: Host Doug Dale gamely introduces each episode's theme, then his foulmouthed ''anipals'' abandon him for, say, a cockfight or a brothel. Onslaughts of scatological and sexual humor follow. Pitch-perfect cartoon parodies like ''Fetal Scooby-Doo'' and ''Wonderman'' might attract tykes, but beware: Even the EXTRAS — blue episode commentaries and outtakes — are strictly adults-only fare. B

Originally posted Jul 18, 2008 Published in issue #1003 Jul 25, 2008 Order article reprints