Thank God You're Here (U.S. TV series)

Thank God You're Here
Genre Improvisation comedy
Created by Working Dog Productions
Starring Host
David Alan Grier
Judge
Dave Foley
Repertory Company
Chris Tallman
Maribeth Monroe
Brian Palermo
Nyima Funk
Opening theme "Come Anytime" by Hoodoo Gurus
Country of origin United States
Original language(s) English
No. of seasons 1
No. of episodes 7
Production
Executive producer(s)
Producer(s) David Alan Grier
Production location(s) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Running time 60 minutes
Release
Original network NBC
Picture format 480i (SDTV)
720p (HDTV)
Audio format Stereo
Original release April 9 – May 14, 2007 (2007-05-14)
Chronology
Related shows Original Australian version of Thank God You're Here

Thank God You're Here is a partially improvised comedy television program, based on the Australian TV show, broadcast by NBC. The show was hosted by David Alan Grier and presided over by judge Dave Foley. The pilot was shot on November 9, 2006, and NBC initially ordered six episodes.[1] The show debuted with a two-hour, double-episode premiere on Monday, April 9, 2007, at 9pm ET. It was produced by FremantleMedia North America, with Cécile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of Fremantle, Fax Bahr, and Adam Small as executive producers.

The show aired on Mondays for its first 2 weeks. It was moved to Wednesdays on April 18, 2007.

On May 14, 2007, after the initial order of 7 episodes aired, the series was officially cancelled by NBC.[2]

Summary

Thank God You're Here showcased the improvisational skills of a group of four actors each week, as they walked into a live sketch without having seen a script for it. The only clue the actors had as to the content of the sketch, and the role they would be playing within the sketch, was their costume.

Upon entering the sketch, the actors were greeted with "Thank God you're here!" from another actor in the sketch. Outside of the principal actor, all actors in the sketch had a script which they more or less followed, depending on the improvisations. Sketches had no set ending point — instead, they went on until the judge (Foley) stopped them with a buzzer. Also, in each episode one of the skits would feature David Alan Grier in a surprise cameo.

At the end of the show, the judge chose a winner from among the four actor contestants. The winner was awarded a trophy. Unlike the Australian version, no honorable or dishonorable mentions were chosen.

Cast

TV rating

Thank God You're Here was rated TV-PG. However, in the second episode, the series popped up with a TV-14 rating after the commercial break. It was probably due either to a technical difficulty or the second skit not being as appropriate as the others.

List of episodes

Key: Denotes the winner

Episode 1: April 9, 2007 (9 PM)

Guest starScenario
Wayne KnightMorning TV show guest pushing a supplement to vitamins
Bryan CranstonA British rock star late for a meeting with an executive
Joel McHaleAn Egyptian archaeologist exploring a newly discovered tomb
Jennifer CoolidgeA contestant in "Ms. Constellation" beauty pageant
Warm-upsGoing through customs / A cop on the news
Group sceneA collection of superheroes who must save Las Vegas
David's CameoAs a judge in Jennifer Coolidge's skit

Episode 2: April 9, 2007 (10 PM)

Guest starScenario
Mo'NiqueA TV game show co-host
Kevin NealonA famous high-altitude guide/rescuer
Richard KindA radio foley artist
Edie McClurgA wife at a marriage counselor's office
Warm-upsTaxi drivers undergoing examination / Apply for a job
Group sceneKnights of the Round Table meet and go in search of Guinevere
David's CameoAs Edie McClurg's secret lover

Episode 3: April 16, 2007

Guest starScenario
Jason AlexanderThe captain in a Star Trek parody
Brian PosehnA 1950s jock (geek) meeting his date's father before their date
Jane LynchA woman explaining to her parents about a party she held while they were away from home
Harland WilliamsAn explorer returning to a British museum with his latest find
Warm-upsCar salesmen to an 18-year-old girl and her father / daycare owners
Group scenePirates meet their captain to become the new first mate
David's CameoAs a guest who overstayed at Jane Lynch's party

Episode 4: April 18, 2007

Guest starScenario
Chelsea HandlerA newlywed bride giving a toast with the groom
George TakeiA surgeon
Shannon ElizabethAdvertising executive pitching a new vodka drink
Tom GreenA leery plumber seduced by a married woman
Warm-upsUnemployment interview / Cook for a new restaurant on a morning show
Group sceneVikings meeting with chief to decide who the new chief will be
David's CameoAs a doctor asking George Takei for medical advice

Episode 5: May 2, 2007

Guest starScenario
Tom ArnoldA chef in an altercation with customers
Angela KinseyA celebrity being interviewed on a late night talk show
Fran DrescherReal estate agent pitching a new design on a beach resort
Fred WillardA journeyman meeting Robin Hood and his Merry Men
Warm-upsPeople in a dating service / Directors of The Godfather: Part IV
Group sceneObese members of a health center
David's CameoAs a protester in Fran Drescher's skit

Episode 6: May 9, 2007

Guest starScenario
Kurtwood SmithA Captain fielding complaints from passengers on his cruise ship that is about to sink
Ana GasteyerA comic book heroine at a fan convention
Paul RodriguezA medieval doctor
Nicole SullivanA teacher giving a parent/teacher conference
Warm-upsDrivers pulled over by the cops / Workers getting fired from their job
Group sceneMembers of a children's group, called The Wibbly Wobblies, à la The Wiggles, pitching their proposed TV show at an audition. Actors are dressed up as a clown, bobbie, a dinosaur, and a flower.
David's CameoAs a nerd in Ana Gasteyer's comic book convention

Episode 7: May 16, 2007

Guest starScenario
Bill BellamyPromoting his workout equipment
Wayne KnightA Roman general reporting to the emperor
Wendie MalickA bad cheerleader is called to the principal's office; Jerry Springer's appearance occurred here
Eddie Kaye ThomasAn illegal drag racer crashes into an apartment. (this scene and Joel McHale's scene were the only scenes in which the person does not go through the door.)
Warm-upsJockeys interviewed after losing a race / Directors of a terrible nursing home
Group sceneFast food workers getting a pep talk; everyone is in common uniforms except for Wayne Knight, who is dressed as a giant cheeseburger (because of this, Wayne had trouble getting through the door.)
David's CameoA passenger in Eddie Kaye Thomas' car

Notes: This episode featured an appearance by Jerry Springer and was originally supposed to feature Alanis Morissette, who ended up pulling out.

References

  1. "NBC's New Improv Comedy Series Thank God You're Here – Television's Most Dangerous New Comedy Challenge – Premieres Monday, April 9 and April 16 Before Resuming in Regular Day and Time on Wednesdays Beginning April 18 (8–9 p.m.)". The Futon Critic (Press release). Futon Media. 2007-02-26. Retrieved 2007-08-09.
  2. "2007 Cancelled Shows: Several NBC Cancellations". TV Series Finale. 2007-05-14. Retrieved 2007-05-20.
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