Short Attention Span Theater
Encyclopedia
Short Attention Span Theater, which ran on Comedy Central
from 1989–1994, was a pastiche
of various comedians and clips from movies airing on HBO and Cinemax
that month along with entertainment news and commentary from the show's host. Various celebrity guests also appeared on occasion. During its run Janet Decker, Jon Stewart
, Patty Rosborough, Joe Bolster, Mark S. Allen
, Marc Maron
, Laura Kightlinger
, Sue Murphy
, Brian Regan
and brother Dennis Regan
were hosts on occasion.
When SAST originally aired, it was on The Comedy Channel (which later merged with Ha! to form CTV: The Comedy Network, later known as Comedy Central
). The original hosts were Jon Stewart and Patty Rosborough. The last two live seasons were hosted by Mark S. Allen
.
The only trademark behavior established by the show's original hosts was the "chair dance".
The show was also the first to air Marc Weiner
's "head puppets," in a series of short skits.
In 2002, Comedy Central began airing Comic Remix, something of a spiritual successor. The show followed a similar format, and even used many clips which had previously been used on SAST.
Comedy Central
Comedy Central is an American cable television and satellite television channel that carries comedy programming, both original and syndicated....
from 1989–1994, was a pastiche
Pastiche
A pastiche is a literary or other artistic genre or technique that is a "hodge-podge" or imitation. The word is also a linguistic term used to describe an early stage in the development of a pidgin language.-Hodge-podge:...
of various comedians and clips from movies airing on HBO and Cinemax
Cinemax
Cinemax, sometimes abbreviated as simply "Max", is a collection of premium television networks that broadcasts primarily feature films, along with softcore erotica, original action series, documentaries and special behind-the-scenes features. Cinemax is operated by Home Box Office, Inc., a...
that month along with entertainment news and commentary from the show's host. Various celebrity guests also appeared on occasion. During its run Janet Decker, Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart is an American political satirist, writer, television host, actor, media critic and stand-up comedian...
, Patty Rosborough, Joe Bolster, Mark S. Allen
Mark S. Allen
-Career:Allen has hosted numerous television shows including "Good Day Sacramento" on CW31, "Mark At The Movies" on the Reelz Channel, "Scratch" with Lisa Ling and Short Attention Span Theater on Comedy Central...
, Marc Maron
Marc Maron
Marc Maron is an American stand-up comedian and podcast host.He has been host of The Marc Maron Show, and co-host of both Morning Sedition, and Breakroom Live, all politically-oriented shows, produced under the auspices of Air America Media. He was also the host of Comedy Central's Short Attention...
, Laura Kightlinger
Laura Kightlinger
Laura Kightlinger is an American actress, comedian and writer. She may be best known for her role as Nurse Sheila on Will & Grace.-Early life:Kightlinger was born and raised in Jamestown, New York...
, Sue Murphy
Sue Murphy
Sue Murphy is a stand-up comedian who has worked on such shows as Short Attention Span Theater, The Jeff Foxworthy Show, Comedy Central Presents and Wanda Does It. Shes has also been a producer and writer on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Class and Wanda at Large and appeared in the movie Nine Months...
, Brian Regan
Brian Regan
Brian Regan is a stand-up comedian who uses observational, sarcastic, and self-deprecating humor. His performances are relatively "clean" as he refrains from profanity and off-color humor. Regan's material typically covers everyday events, such as shipping a package with UPS and a visit to an...
and brother Dennis Regan
Dennis Regan
Dennis Regan is a stand-up comedian from Florida. He was a writer for the CBS sitcom, The King of Queens from 2004 to 2007. Dennis shares his birthday, March 30, with his youngest brother Terry. He is the older brother of stand-up comedian Brian Regan....
were hosts on occasion.
When SAST originally aired, it was on The Comedy Channel (which later merged with Ha! to form CTV: The Comedy Network, later known as Comedy Central
Comedy Central
Comedy Central is an American cable television and satellite television channel that carries comedy programming, both original and syndicated....
). The original hosts were Jon Stewart and Patty Rosborough. The last two live seasons were hosted by Mark S. Allen
Mark S. Allen
-Career:Allen has hosted numerous television shows including "Good Day Sacramento" on CW31, "Mark At The Movies" on the Reelz Channel, "Scratch" with Lisa Ling and Short Attention Span Theater on Comedy Central...
.
The only trademark behavior established by the show's original hosts was the "chair dance".
The show was also the first to air Marc Weiner
Marc Weiner
Marc Weiner is an American comedian, clown, puppeteer, and television producer. Born into the Weiner family as the middle child between his brothers Jonas and Jess, Has 3 children, Rebecca who is married to Yerucham Pliner, Max who is a successful musician and Sara who is very pretty...
's "head puppets," in a series of short skits.
In 2002, Comedy Central began airing Comic Remix, something of a spiritual successor. The show followed a similar format, and even used many clips which had previously been used on SAST.