New Concept for Sketch Series Coming to Netflix

Coming March 11 to Netflix, a new kind of sketch comedy series, The Characters.

One of the best things about a stand up showcase, or even a standard Friday or Saturday night at a comedy club is that you get multiple voices in one show. Sketch and improv shows often revolve around a single troupe, with a common voice for that show. Netflix is tossing the two concepts together and introducing Netflix presents: The Characters, a brand new sketch comedy show.

Where The Characters differs from past sketch shows, is that it gives multiple up and coming comedians a 30 minute episode to do whatever they want. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll take a Mr Show or a Strangers with Candy marathon any day, but the concept that each episode promises a different point of view should be interesting. Each comedian in The Characters is charged with not only writing but also appearing in their episode.

Netflix has done its due diligence in searching out capable talent. The Characters will features an array of veteran comedy performers, with a vast array of skillsets amongst them . That cast includes: Lauren Lapkus (Orange Is The New Black, Jurassic World), Kate Berlant (The Meltdown) Dr. Brown (Dr. Brown), Paul W. Downs (Broad City), John Early (Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp), Tim Robinson (SNL), Natasha Rothwell (Writer, SNL) and Henry Zebrowski (Heroes Reborn).

Tim Robinson went from featured player to staff writer at SNL, so we know he is equally prepared for both sides of the camera.

Will Kate Berlant’s stand up experience leave her more prepared for the solo sketch show concept??
Will There be John Early cameo’s in Berlant’s episode and vice versa?
WIll Lauren Lapkus sneak in an OITNB friend, just for fun?

What will happen?

Tune in on March 11th to find out.

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Kristen Becker

Kristen Becker is a dyke comic tour de force.  The creator, fearless leader, and host of Dykes of Hazard, Becker's brazen attitude and keen eye for irony leaves audiences— both gay and straight— cheering for more. Becker has opened for national comedy acts like Doug Stanhope, Josh Blue (winner of Last Comic Standing), and singer/songwriter Ani DiFranco, and has become one of queer comedy’s most popular comedians. She has been featured in Pride events across the US and Canada. 

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