Monday, February 4, 2019

Saturtainment: The Amanda Show (1999)

Spun off from All That, The Amanda Show was a similarly formatted sketch comedy series, but lacking musical guests, that served as a vehicle for Amanda Bynes. Three "seasons" spread over two years (1999-2001), leading to series regulars Drake Bell & Josh Peck being spun off to their own series (Drake & Josh) while Amanda left for the WB (What I Like About You), and all the tabloid drama that would derail her career after Like ended.

As Nickelodeon was wont to do, Amanda reruns aired during the afternoon, even if there really weren't enough episodes to warrant a five day schedule. Only 48 episodes, in fact, were produced, averaging 16 per season.

Here's a sample skit parodying Judge Judy (which is still on the air), as Amanda is Judge Trudy. Gregg Berger is the announcer.



Like All That, The Amanda Show was only a half-hour, which, when you think about it, made sense, as since it was pre-taped, they could do about 2-3 skits per show, hence the lack of musical guests.

Rating: B.

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