[MADtv] Season 14 of MADtv: Update #3

[mizzimad]

Planet MADtv passengers, we thank you for your patience as you waited for the third "MADtv" Season 14 update. We apologize for the delay; and in the meantime, we hope you enjoyed the complimentary Cheez Whiz and soggy pretzels. For this update, you will be introduced to our first two new cast members for Season 14. Be gentle with them -- they seem quite funny; and the last thing we want to do is to chase them away unnecessarily. Unfortunately, as we welcome in new blood, we must also wave a tearful hanky in the direction of a departing cast member, the first such exit we are at liberty to report. Please fasten your seat belts, and return all stewardesses to the upright position. We have achieved our tumultuous liftoff, and your latest update starts now.

Let us begin by introducing you to the first of our two new guys, Chicago comedy veteran Matt Braunger. He looks a little something like this; in fact, he looks a lot something like this:

From Matt's official website, we learn that he is a suitably wacky individual with extensive training in theater, improvisation, and sketch comedy. All of these assets, particularly the wackiness, should obviously serve him well when he makes his Season 14 debut on "MADtv." In this article, Matt has even been kind enough to detail his auditions for the series:

"Yes, I did get hired as a cast member. I just found out two days ago right before I was about to go onstage at the Great American Comedy Festival in Nebraska. Would have jumped for joy, but am on crutches from hurting my knee (nothing serious). I auditioned several times, first for the casting people, then for the producers, then finally for the people at the network. They had me bring in several characters, then read scenes with other actors in the later auditions. I start in August, but will go in a week or two early to hang out with the writers and give them any input they want."

Now, who ever said that "MADtv" is not one big, happy family? Anyway, if you want to preview this promising newbie, then check out the numerous video clips of Matt that can be found on both this page from his website and this page from the Rooftop Comedy website. (Matt recently won "Best of Fest" honors at the Aspen Rooftop Comedy Festival.) Laugh hysterically as you watch Matt's video clips, and he will thank you. If you still cannot get enough of Matt after all of that fun, then perhaps his official MySpace will satisfy your insatiable Braunger thirst. After that, however, I don't know what to do for you, you stark-raving mad animal, you. For now, let us offer up a hearty Planet MADtv shout-out to Matt and hope that his "MADtv" stay is a long and successful one.

If you paid close enough attention to the previous article announcing Matt Braunger's "MADtv" hiring, then you already know the identity of the other new hire: Wisconsin's own Eric Price. Strike a pose, Eric:

Eric hails from Bay View, a Milwaukee neighborhood. He brings to "MADtv" a healthy improv background courtesy of ComedySportz. Although we do not have the same lovely "MADtv" audition story for Eric that we have for Matt, we can assume that the tryout for the sketch comedy series took place during one of his numerous routine trips to Los Angeles, CA. Perhaps Eric's greatest claim to fame at this early stage in his career is appearing not only on two epidoses of "Reno 911!" but also in the 2007 movie based on the series. In the meantime, if you would like to know more about Eric, then taking a gander at this 2005 article just might do you a world of good. Eric, we at Planet MADtv wish you the best of success at your new television home.

By the way, as is standard op at this early stage, we do not yet know whether Matt and Eric have been signed on as full-fledged repertory players or as featured players. Once we know, of course, we will pass on that information faster than Courtney Love in a Wendy's parking lot. Rest assured, however, that unlike the Courtney scenario, the distribution of information here is a hundred percent disease-free. Planet MADtv -- making a difference in our ever-devolving world!

Regrettably, Matt and Eric will have to experience their initiation on FOX's late-night sketch comedy series minus its veteran of ten years, Michael McDonald. Yes, after a decade of oddball characters and dry, sarcastic wit, the "MADtv" cast member with the longest run ever is finally bidding adios to the place he has called home since Season 4. Despite Michael's recent directorial efforts on the series and his numerous pronouncements that he loved working with the current cast, there was a feeling among many fans that something was not quite right. Either he was just not "clicking" with the cast in sketches, perhaps because of his age; or he had felt extreme disappointment over the show's drastic format change during Season 13. Still, even after taking these factors into consideration, many of the show's devotees may nonetheless be surprised by the news of Michael's departure. Then again, if you are a fan like me, then none of those things really matter right now; instead, you are waving that tearful hanky as you recall the numerous hilarious moments and undergarment exposures he has given us over the years. Although many would argue that Michael became stale during the later stages of his "MADtv" tenure, I would argue otherwise, at least for the most part. Even when he was at his worst, he still pooped out more golden eggs than chocolate ones; and to boot, he also left behind some memorable ice cream vapors. Why, I do not even want to know the person who does not love ice cream-flavored farts! Michael, from the bottom of my heart (not the heart of my bottom, despite the previous rhetoric), thank you for the years of laughs; for the great partnerships with Nicole Sullivan, Mo, and Stephnie; for the memorable characters; and by golly, for just being you. Here's hoping you will not be a stranger to the show that got you where you are today in showbiz. Four hundredth episode -- mark your calendar! For now, farewell and best of luck in your future endeavors; and we will see you down the road, sir.

All right, for the time being, that is all the print that is fit to news. (You know what I mean.) News on the remaining established cast members' fates, as well as information on any other new additions to the Season 14 cast, is certainly not too far away. You know what you must do: stay tuned to Planet MADtv for further updates!

UPDATE (06/25): We can now confirm that Matt Braunger will be a series regular for Season 14 and that Eric Price will begin his own "MADtv" journey as a featured player. And no, Michael McDonald is still not coming back.

[MADfan2004]

FIRST!

Holy crap, Michael McDonald is gone! Time to edit Wikipedia!

I doubt that's really a big loss at this point, though. Will he still do guest appearances though?

[JustG]

Knowing MADtv, they'll ask him to come back for a guest appearances.

[tvmanismadformad]

I can't honestly believe this. I can't. Michael is like the father of MADtv. Without him, I truly believe that MADtv would not be here today. I am currently in denial right now. I can't believe it, I won't. Only when Michael himself comes on here and tells us true then I will believe. If this is true, than I am seriously on the verge of crying now (I don't feel that's pathetic at all). He didn't even get to say goodbye. I also feel sad that his last season had to be what many of us would feel is the worst MADtv season on record.

But now to sort of switch off Michael (topic wise) next season is now going to be the most importaint season in MADtv history. With the loss of Michael, the true rock of the show, the reduced episode count, and a location in god knows where, I truly believe that if these new castmembers are not at the top of there game, and almost every sketch isn't one of the funniest things we have ever seen. Then season 14 will be the sad end to the show we have loved for 14 wonderful seasons.
I will go into this more later, but right now I have to go to youtube, type in Michael Mcdonald, and grab a few tissue boxes.

[MADoz]

I'm stunned and upset that Michael is leaving.

It is such a pity that he didn't get a big sendoff.

What they really should have done is devote an entire episode to him, really. And bring back Mo snd Stephnie for some new sketches.

That's really bad news. I hope the show can recover from it.

I hope Michael has a lot of success in the future - he's a really funny guy. Thanks Michael - for making me laugh for 10 years

MADoz

[MADoz]

...and i see taht 'Grand Theft Auto boardgame' is Michaels' final ever sketch...not the way to go out.

[princesspeach]

Noooooooooo, I love Michael! He will be missed! It'll be weird to watch the show without him!

[JustG]

Michael is not the father of MADtv, nor would I say that without him MADtv would not be here today. That alone is giving him way too much credit. We have to understand that Michael McDondald came up on the show with Mo Collins, who is a fan favorite, and became is ultimate partner in crime for 6 years (technically 5 and a half). Not only that, but he's worked with names that actually made the show successful: Alex Borstein, Nicole Sullivan, Will Sasso, Phil Lamarr, Debra Wilson, Stephnie Weir, and Aries Spears (to a lesser extent since many of us don't really like to remember him). I would say that the show getting this far was in part due to the efforts of all the castmembers during his first several years on the show. Once all of the older people left, Michael stayed along for the ride and began working with the faces we have today: Nicole P, Keegan, and Jordan.

I wouldn't say that the show risks falling apart without the aid of Michael. I do genuinely believe he is a talented man, but I wouldn't say that MADtv survived this long because of him. You have to also give credit to where it's due, and people like Nicole, Keegan, and Jordan are s*** out of luck when it comes to that because they aren't given the respect they deserve. The same thing goes for the highly underrated Crista. Even Bobby has helped the show strive during his 7 years on there. So in reality, it's not just all about Michael McDonald; it was a group effort. Let's not forget that Ike Barinholtz contributed to a certain degree as well. It was not just Michael that made the show survive after all the alumni left; it was him, Nicole, Keegan, Jordan, Crista, Bobby, and even Arden to some extent.

[potroastpig]

I'm just shocked they didn't give him a send off. I know they don't do that on this show, except for Nicole Sullivan, but 10 years, and creating the most popular character on the show (Rival with Ms. Swan to the average fan), I thought he would get a send off. Or at least do one last Stuart Sketch. I know a lot of people didn't care for him lately, but he still was coming up with fresh new ideas.

Any news on Bobby, Dan, Johnny, and Daheli?

Two new guys huh? That's cool, I hope we get a season 9 amount of featured characters this season. We need it. Only cause Nicole, Crista, Jordan, and Keegan are all reaching the 5 + mark, and we need some fresh new blood for when they leave. Cause if Bobby doesn't come back, and they all leave after 6 seasons (5 for Crista), then we will be left with Arden, and the three newbies from this year if they are asked back, which I hope some of them are. But I think five or six feature players would be a good idea.

I hope Michael will come back and guest star. Wonder how long he new he wasn't coming back. If it was his choice or not.

[seanmathis26]

Right now i am not believing this crap because too me there is no way he would just leave like that without any send off, we will see in august.

[MADfan2004]

How is Crista underrated? If anything, she's incredibly OVERrated. You see how much people are all on her proverbial dick on this board.

[JustG]

Originally Posted by potroastpig

I'm just shocked they didn't give him a send off. I know they don't do that on this show, except for Nicole Sullivan, but 10 years, and creating the most popular character on the show (Rival with Ms. Swan to the average fan), I thought he would get a send off. Or at least do one last Stuart Sketch. I know a lot of people didn't care for him lately, but he still was coming up with fresh new ideas.

Any news on Bobby, Dan, Johnny, and Daheli?

Two new guys huh? That's cool, I hope we get a season 9 amount of featured characters this season. We need it. Only cause Nicole, Crista, Jordan, and Keegan are all reaching the 5 + mark, and we need some fresh new blood for when they leave. Cause if Bobby doesn't come back, and they all leave after 6 seasons (5 for Crista), then we will be left with Arden, and the three newbies from this year if they are asked back, which I hope some of them are. But I think five or six feature players would be a good idea.

I hope Michael will come back and guest star. Wonder how long he new he wasn't coming back. If it was his choice or not.

When you have a big fanbase like both Michael and Bobby, there's a good chance MADtv would leave it to the castmember's discretion whether they choose to stay or leave. Especially with Michael being how he's been on the show for a decade. I'm almost certain that Michael leaving was on his behalf, because if you backtrack to Season 13, you can tell that he lost his enthusiasm working on the show and I would say it's mostly in part because of the the dramatic format change. I mean I remember watching the Season 11 finale and he closed the show saying that that was one of THE best casts he's ever worked with, and he worked with the same people the year after (minus Frank Caliendo, Daniele, and Stephnie). So when you look at the possibilities, I would say it was mostly the trainwreck that S13 turned out to be. He worked really well with the castmembers this year, but I think he was discontent with the direction the show was going in, so I see this more as a "bowing out gracefully" before he gets screwed over. When I say screwed over, I mean renewing a contract for say 3 more years and the show continuing to slack and suffer at this pace, it getting cancelled? Yeah it would be best to leave before something like that happened.

[potroastpig]

Originally Posted by JustG

When you have a big fanbase like both Michael and Bobby, there's a good chance MADtv would leave it to the castmember's discretion whether they choose to stay or leave. Especially with Michael being how he's been on the show for a decade. I'm almost certain that Michael leaving was on his behalf, because if you backtrack to Season 13, you can tell that he lost his enthusiasm working on the show and I would say it's mostly in part because of the the dramatic format change. I mean I remember watching the Season 11 finale and he closed the show saying that that was one of THE best casts he's ever worked with, and he worked with the same people the year after (minus Frank Caliendo, Daniele, and Stephnie). So when you look at the possibilities, I would say it was mostly the trainwreck that S13 turned out to be. He worked really well with the castmembers this year, but I think he was discontent with the direction the show was going in, so I see this more as a "bowing out gracefully" before he gets screwed over. When I say screwed over, I mean renewing a contract for say 3 more years and the show continuing to slack and suffer at this pace, it getting cancelled? Yeah it would be best to leave before something like that happened.

I agree with that. I just think they still should of given some kind of send off to him. I don't blame him for leaving, I'm just personally sad we didn't at least get one more Stuart out of him.

[mizzimad]

In all fairness, it doesn't seem that McD really gave anyone a chance to give him a proper send-off. Although his popularity with this forum has ebbed over time, his familiarity with more casual fans has always been quite high thanks in large part (probably even in sole part) to Stuart. If Michael had announced his departure before he shot his final episode, then I believe that he would have at the very least been given a farewell tribute similar to Debra's, if not the cake-and-streamers treatment that Nicole S. received. After ten years of contributions, he certainly earned the tribute; he just said his "see ya" a little too late, I guess.

[tvmanismadformad]

Well, now that I have gone through a whole bunch of Michael McDonald videos on Youtube with a tissue box at my side, it is now time for me to talk about other MADtv issues that I have on my mind. I hope you have a lot of time on your hands. This is going to be a long read.

Michael McDonald

Well, after 10 seasons of making us laugh with characters like Stuart, Rusty, and Marvin Tikvah, Michael Mcdonald is finally and unfortuatly saying goodbye. I am going to miss him on the show, and to JustG, I know Michael didn't do it on his own, and I am not saying that he did it all by saying that he was the father of MADtv, when I say father of MADtv, I mean he was he probably helped out many of the people who came through the show with his experience. I also used the term father because he had the longest tenure of any castmember, so he knew how to succeed on the show.

Also, to tell you all the truth, I don't think this is the end of Michael on MAD. I mean his leaving just seems so abrupt. I think he may come back for a half a season thing if he is offered the right deal by Fox. It would make sense, I mean then he would get to end on his own terms, and end some of his characters on his own terms (maybe even get Mo Collins to return for one last Stuart sketch). With a half season contract he could also leave with many of the current castmembers, as Nicole Parker is leaving half way through the season, Bobby Lee may leave half way if he is offered a contract (his new show doesn't start filming until March) and Keegan-Michael Key (I have heard rumours that he may only go half a season). (I didn't include Jordan because I feel he is going to go the full season).I also have a feeling that he may stick with just writing sketches, with appearances every so often like Michael Hitchcock did.

Season 14: The Most Important Season in MADtv History

With Michael, the what seemed to be solid rock in the tornado of uncertainty that is MADtv right now gone, Nicole Parker, Bobby Lee, and possibly Keegan-Michael Key leaving mid-season, Crista Flanagan, Jordan Peele and possibly more leaving after the season, and the show in complete disarray with no concrete home, low episode count, a possible forced cast rehaul, and little to no Fox network support. Season 14 is looking like it is going to be a hilarious, or tv graveyard type season. Here are some of the things MADtv, Fox, and us needs to do to keep our beloved show on for many years to come.

The Return of Former Castmembers

Despite the fact that the show has changed a lot since the departures of former greats like Nicole Sullivan, Will Sasso, and Mo Collins (among many others), I feel that they need to bring these types of former castmembers back, just so people don't feel that MADtv has forgotten its roots. This part may be my own personal want, as my heart is jonesing for a new Vancome Lady, Kenny Rodgers, or Trina sketch, but this should happen. Is there really no one out there who wouldn't want to see another Vancome Lady sketch (P.S. Don't diss any of the characters, or names I have mentioned, or I will go hog wild on you!). Here are some possible former castmembers I see possibly making a comeback next season.

Nicole Sullivan: With her new show Rita Rocks starting on Lifetime, an appearance on MAD would be a good way to get some PR for the show (even if they don't mention the title.)

Will Sasso: With his new show the 5-Year Plan starting next season on ABC, again good PR campaign.

Michael McDonald: I just can't see Michael not making an appearance on the show in season 14. He can't ignore that MADtv monkey on his back for an entire season can he?

Andrew Daly: With the Match Game coming to TBS, his return could possibly be the best PR campaign, I mean come on, a Match Game parody with him in it, I know I would love that!

Primetime Specials

This is in general, for every season now, and forever, but defiantly for this season. I know it is not going to happen, but I truly believe that this is what MADtv needs in order to gain popularity. The one thing I hear the most when I tell people I love MADtv is "MADtv, is that show still on?!" I laugh with them, but inside, I am dying. Primetime specials I believe would get the show noticed, and bring in a new audience that may not have considered the show before (which would be good due to what is looking like a possible massive cast shift). This has been proven to have helped shows in the past.

The example of this working is the Jimmy Kimmel show. 2 years ago the Jimmy Kimmel show was failing in the ratings, and was considered for cancellation by ABC, but then they tried to make the show successful by giving it primetime specials, pre and post shows (like post Oscar shows, and pre NBA Finals shows), and extended shows. What happened was the show got notice, and therefore got better ratings, and is now no longer on the verge of cancellation, So it can work. All they need is Fox's to give a Prison Break, or House rerun hour to MADtv and the show may get better (especially if they use one of those to do an alumni special with the list of castmembers at the bottom of my signature).

I know the chances of Fox doing this are low, but if they really care about the show (which I doubt they do Music Box!) they will do this for the shows own good.

Great New Castmembers

With the impending cast shift, new castmembers needs to come along that can bring something to the table we have never seen before, they must bring the funny, and they must bring it hard and sloppy, (the Johnny Ghan way!). If they do not do this, but they are still somewhat funny, Fox may cancel the show anyway if they see that the show doesn't looks like it's going to get any funnier in 5 years, and they decide that they just can't wait that long, so good luck new castmates Matt Braunger, and Eric Pierce, (this also can include Johnny Sanchez, and Dan Oster, as they would play a big part in the next 5 years) the show is in your hands. No pressure!

What they should also do is look to Canada for new castmembers. Here in Canada there are many sketch comedy shows on television, and with 2 of them I know ending their runs (on their own terms) there are a lot of people up here who are already more qualified than most of the applicants. Someone like Shaun Majumder on This Hour has 22 Minutes I really feel would be great on this show (If you don't know who he is, look him up, he is funny). In Canada lies a huge pile of comedy gold that is ready for picking that I know would bring some great things to this already great show.

A Good "Studio" Home

After the debacle of what was Season 13 in the Henry Ford Music Box, I hope the Fox executives have realized that a studio is the only thing that works for this wonderful show. I truly believe that the Fox executives have realized this, and reduced the shows episode count not to take money from the show, but to invest it into a studio, but then again, these are the same executives that moved them into the Music Box in the first place, so nothing is certain (especially with MADtv) If this is the cast, and the show has been moved to a new studio, then we should look at season 13 as a dream season, by dream season I mean it was a dream, It never happened, it never existed, got it, season 13, we are entering season 13 right now, Henry Ford Music Box, what's that? Wasn't season 12 great last May, wasn't it great?

Return of Great Characters

For season 14 we need more recurring characters, I mean how many of us were screaming at the television set every episode last season for a Disney Girl sketch? I know I was. Here are some of the sketches that need, nay must happen next season (this includes Bobby's characters, if he does decide to return for a half season).

The Superstitious Knights

Disney Girl

Every character made by Keegan-Michael Key

Bae Sung

Tank

Come on MAD, let's not lose the characters we have grown to love.

Us

To save our show we need to do more, at least I do. I don't tell enough people to watch the show. I need to promote it or force as many people as I can to watch the show. People need to know how great this show is, but I need to let them know how great the show is. I know I need to do more at least, but this should make you ask yourself, do I need to do more to save the show, I mean let's face it, I think we can all do more.

Closing Statement

If MADtv can't do most of these, we might need to say goodbye forcefully and tearfully to our beloved show. I will be really sad about this for this one big reason. In 1995, Saturday Night Live had what it considered its worst season in the history of the show. Due to this, every network was doing their own sketch show to try to dethrone SNL off its pedestule. Every show failed accept for one. A little show on a little network (at the time). Fox's MADtv, and even when SNL was getting into greatness with future movie stars like Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, and Molly Shannon. This little dark horse of a show still managed to find an audience with great castmembers like Nicole Sullivan, Phil Lamarr, Michael McDonald, Will Sasso, Debra Wilson, and Mo Collins, and great characters like Stuart, the Vancome Lady, the UBS Guy, and Trina. Now SNL sucks, and is only funny sometimes and they are just brought back every season without a thought, while MADtv, which would be really funny if it wasn't due to network sabotage, but is still funny is in trouble all the time now. Come on Fox, we need 2 sketch comedy shows here and they can only be these 2. Saturday Night Live, and most importantly MADtv.

[edkedkedk]

First off: What the freakin' hell? Michael is leaving?! Seriously, I didn't see that coming. It's like an elbow punch to the face, a kick to the gut, a stab in the back (you get the idea). Even Bobby got some kind of sendoff (well, kind of) in the form of a sketch! It's sad to see that. Imagine the uninformed public tuning in to MADtv hoping to watch Michael do his magic and getting a big shock seeing he isn't there anymore. He has walked with MADtv for so many years I think it's safe to say he is some kind of icon for MADtv.The least MADtv could do for him is invite him back for the first episode of Season 14 for a sendoff party, but I don't think that's gonna happen. This one is just a big shock.

Point Two: With the departure of Michael, Nicole Parker in mid Season, Bobby and perhaps Keegan, what will happen? These faces has endeared themselves to us fans, forum members or not. With the sudden departure of so many familiar faces, and a decline in viewership, will fans just give up on the show altogether? Like tvmanismadformad has said, Season 14 WILL BE the most important season in MADtv history. Not because it will be good, not because it has some kickass cast with so special meaning, but because of the simple fact that if Season 14 fails to live up to the expectations of the executives, MADtv will be cancelled. It is a fact. With declining viewership, castmembers leaving right front and center, plus only 14 episodes to prove its point, all eyes will be on Season 14.

Point Three:New castmembers are sounding great with their resumes and all, but it will have to come down to their performance in Season 14. Remember, they can be funny outside, but it's a different story on screen. Plus, 4 episodes are what they have to prove themselves to the Fox executives that they can continue on. We can only hope they bring their best to MADtv.

That's all for now, until we get more news. This has become a dark day for all of us, with cancellation looming in the shadows. But I truly believe, if everything goes smoothly, MADtv can and will kick SNL's ass.

[CristaFan]

Very dissappointed to hear McDonald leaving! I've heard that Oster is gone as well, any truth to that rumor?

[seanmathis26]

well first of i have to say is that i have been watching madTV since 1995 and yes they survived 3 seasons without any McDonald. but too me popularity for MADTV started to rise in season 4 when MO, AND MICHAEL CAME. since then the has had many great cast members to come and play ... remember not one cast member makes the show, the whole cast makes the show. Michael McDonald was the anchor man for 10 years too me...i think in my opinion he is one of most talented sketch comedian superstars out there...and i would love to see him in his own movies..like Will ferrell from SNL...


anyways, i hope Michael comes back to the show...i just...cause after nicole goes, i am not going to be a viewer that much anymore for the show.

i something changes and i hope something changes now! because Michael goes well with the cast, hell it is the same cast since Season 11.

[seanmathis26]

Also Please Make Sure You Vote For Season 13 Mad Awards; It Is In The Gaming Section In The Forum...please Vote....thank You

[cartman2002]

I'm not surprised to see Micheal Mcdonald leaving the show.

Also, I think there is a good chance we might Michael McDonald popping up in just about every TV commerical, every movie and every TV show for the next two years.

Maybe he'll show up on Andrew Daly's Match Game