What Was the TV Show Fridays?
Remember Fridays, ABC's 1980s sketch comedy? Explore its format, notable performers and why it has nothing to do with Friday the 13th.
What Was the TV Show Fridays?
Fridays was ABC's late-night live sketch-comedy series, broadcast from April 11, 1980, through April 23, 1982. It is not a horror program tied to Friday the 13th. The show mixed topical sketches, parody news and live music, and it is remembered partly for featuring Larry David and Michael Richards before their later television success.
Format and network history
ABC presented Fridays as a competitor to Saturday Night Live, with a live sketch format, musical guests and a recurring ensemble. Early episodes ran about 70 minutes, with a longer format appearing later. The series' identity is inseparable from its late-night TV setting; a modern search for the word 'Fridays' may otherwise return restaurants, streaming series or films.
The people behind the sketches
Performers included Melanie Chartoff, Mark Blankfield, Maryedith Burrell, Larry David, Michael Richards, Rich Hall, Brandis Kemp and others. David and Richards eventually became much more widely associated with Seinfeld, but Fridays was a distinct earlier project. They should not be described as stars of a Jason Voorhees TV adaptation.
Episodes and music
Like other variety-format programs of the period, Fridays mixed comedy with musical performances by contemporary artists. The Television Academy's interview archive includes material about its creation, sketches and casting. Historic television guide records can help distinguish a genuine episode entry from mislabeled modern clips.
Why it remains interesting
Fridays offers a snapshot of live topical comedy at the start of the 1980s, when writers and performers were experimenting with satire and countercultural humor on network television. Its short run does not erase its contribution to the careers of its cast. When researching an episode, use the original ABC air date and musical guest rather than assuming any clip called 'Friday show' belongs to this series.
Frequently asked questions
Was Fridays a horror series?
No. It was an ABC sketch-comedy and music program.
When did it air?
From 1980 to 1982.
Was Larry David on Fridays?
Yes. He was part of the program's ensemble.
Was Michael Richards on the show?
Yes, before his later work on Seinfeld.