Disney's So Random Was the Reincarnation of In Living Color

I believe I’ve mentioned this on the podcast before, but I am fascinated by the Disney’s Channel’s sketch comedy show So Random. With a five and eight year old in the house, we watch a lot of Disney Channel, and So Random was one of the best comedy shows to come along on any channel in years.

So Random rose from the ashed of Sonny With a Chance, the Demi Lovato comedy about her character’s experience working on a sketch comedy show (called So Random). When Lovato left due to personal issues, the creators decided to take the idea of So Random and make it into a full-fledged show, starring all of the supporting cast that was originally on Sonny With a Chance, as well as some newcomers.

The show was absolutely hilarious, and very family friendly, which is one reason I loved it. But what really fascinates me about So Random is how the creators clearly used the brilliant 1990s sketch comedy show In Living Color as the blueprint for So Random. Check out the intros for both shows below (notice the use of color and how they introduce each character).

The way the sketches flow into one another, the sets used on the show, and the tone of the humor all feel inspired by In Living Color as well. So Random also features musical guests on each show, much as In Living Color did. While So Random also bears some resemblance to Saturday Night Live and Mad TV, I think anyone who loved In Living Color will notice that it was clearly the strongest inspiration for So Random.

Sadly, despite getting great ratings and critical acclaim, the show was not renewed for a second season. I would highly recommend tracking down the 26 episodes they did do however, especially if you are a fan of In Living Color.

In the players below are one of my favorite sketches from each show. From In Living Color, it’s the Mike Tyson/Robin Givens Love Connection skit, and from So Random, it’s Angus the Australian Supermodel.

Enjoy!