"The State" Was Like SNL, But Funny

It's always good to have a DVD handy to play during a party. And this week, the perfect party DVD was born.

"The State" is a sketch comedy show that aired on MTV in the mid-90s. After being stuck in legal limbo for over a decade, the entire series was released on DVD this week. But since it's been off the air for ten years, and only available on illegal bootlegs and online video channels, you might not be familiar with it. Now is your chance to be enlightened. If you're wondering what makes this show so perfect for your party, here are three points to consider:

You'll already know and love most of the cast members. After the show went off the air in 1995, "The State" players (including Michael Ian Black and Thomas Lennon) split up and did a bunch of other work, from Reno 911! to the new Comedy Central series Michael and Michael Have Issues. Nearly everyone involved in the show has gone on to bigger (but not necessarily better) shows and films. While watching "The State," you will frequently shout, "Hey! It's that guy from that thing!" It's a lot like looking at your parent's yearbook and seeing familiar faces with slightly more hair and slightly less world-weary expressions.

It's not your typical sketch show. Unlike Saturday Night Live, "The State" skits rarely poke fun at current events; instead, they're just silly. Really silly. Some sketches are simply excuses to do strange voices, and the end of a sketch is usually so bizarre you have to at least giggle. (Our favorite ending occurs when the mailbox simply walks away at the conclusion of the Taco-Delivering Mailman bit). But the absurdity works. Don't look for symbolism or cultural relevance. This show was about being ridiculous. And since each episode is only 20 minutes long, the sketches are fast. If you're bored by one skit, the next one is coming along in about a minute.

You'll be rewarded for paying attention. The show gets better with repeat viewings, and as you continue to watch, you'll pick up on quick jokes you missed the first time around, such as this fast back and forth exchange from the first season:

WOMAN: I'm a female mud wrestler.
WIFE: Oh. I didn't even know there was female mud…

Pop this DVD in during a party or when you need some cheering up after finding out that your dog doesn't really like you, and you can thank us later. (We'll be behind the 7-11 for the next thirty minutes. If you can't make it there in time, you can thank as at the mall tomorrow instead.)