Edd’s MANtra: The Return of In Living Color

Have you heard? If not, let me be the bearer of great news. From the San Diego Entertainer:

In an attempt to bolster its comedy lineup and challenge sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live, Fox is bringing back “In Living Color” 18 years after it last went off the air for two half-hour specials to celebrate the network’s 25th anniversary.

Yes. Lawd. The only thing that would make me happier is if some savvy chef combined a McRib and Count Chocula. Mmmm mmm!


“In Living Color” is one of my all-time favorite shows and I’m willing to bet it’s one of your favorites too. It’s amazing to think how many careers that show launched – The Wayans, Jim Carrey, Tommy Davidson, Jamie Foxx, David Alan Grier and even Jennifer Lopez got their first big breaks on FOX.


And let’s not forget the legendary Heavy D was the man behind the show’s theme songs. 


The “In Living Color” specials will run next spring and will feature a cast of virtual unknowns, similar to the show’s origins. Still, I’m hoping, praying, that we get cameos of classic characters like Homey D. Clown, Fire Marshal Bill and the dudes from Men on Film.


As great as those guys were, “In Living Color” had dozens of repeat characters that were just as hilarious as their starting lineup. Sure, everyone remembers skits like The Head Detective, the Adventures of Handi-Man and ugly Wanda’s eternal search for love, but let’s look back at some of the more underrated characters in the show’s history.


The Buttmans





A typical American family with butts on the brain. The most hilarious part of these skits is when visitors would come over and nearly pass out from the stench. Of course the Buttmans never smelled a thing.


Oswald Bates





An “eloquent” inmate who isn’t nearly as smart as he thinks. These days he could probably run for president and no one would notice. “Shut up. Suppress your defecation.”


Calhoun Tubbs





A washed up bluesman (who may or may not be blind) whose lyrics are even lamer than Taylor Swift’s. No matter what the situation, he “wrote a song about it. Wanna here it? Here it go.” And he ends every lame song with “ahhhhh haaaaa aaaaa.” I still say that today.


Cheap Pete





Apparently I have a lot in common with Cheap Pete. Not only is he portrayed by my alleged doppelganger Chris Rock, he also shares my habit of holding on to his finances with a death grip. “GOOD LAWD, THAT’S A LOTTA MONEY!”


Spring can’t get here soon enough.


What are some of your favorite “In Living Color” skits?