The Big Gay Sketch Show
LGBT-themed sketch comedy from Logo TV.
The Big Gay Sketch Show is an LGBT-themed sketch comedy program that debuted on Logo on April 24, 2007. Produced by Rosie O'Donnell and directed by Amanda Bearse, the series was originally titled The Big Gay Show before being renamed during production. It is recognized as an early showcase for LGBTQ performers, several of whom later achieved higher-profile careers in mainstream entertainment.
Quick Facts
- Creator
- Rosie O'Donnell
- Director
- Amanda Bearse
- Starring
- Julie Goldman
- Stephen Guarino
- Jonny McGovern
- Kate McKinnon
- Nicol Paone
- Paolo Andino
- Colman Domingo
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
- Seasons
- 3
- Episodes
- 22
- Company
- Oh Really! Productions
Facts from the source article.
Recurring characters and sketches
Recurring original characters include Gay Werewolf, a straight man who turns gay and hairy under a full moon; Svetlana, an ex-KGB agent and chorus dancer; Fitzwilliam, a gender-non-conforming English teen; Steven, also known as Waffles; Ron Odyssey, a flamboyant receptionist; Chocolate Puddin', a transgender sex worker; and Naldo, a Latino worker who moves items in an explicitly sexual manner. Celebrity impersonations include Maya Angelou reading sexually explicit Craigslist posts, Antonio Banderas, Liza Minnelli, Elaine Stritch performing menial jobs, and Barbara Walters in "The View" sketches.
Critical reception
Variety described the show as an exercise that would seem bigger and gayer if it were funnier, noting that audiences have too many options to rely on mediocrity. AfterEllen.com, owned by Logo, compared BGSS to mainstream sketch shows like Saturday Night Live and Mad TV, stating that with its cast of mostly queer performers and its residence on a gay network, the show had a unique opportunity to develop memorable characters and sociopolitical humor, and found the first two episodes promising. The Soup host Joel McHale commented unfavorably on the opening sketch "Pocket Gay Friend", citing its similarity to The Soup's recurring character "Little Gay" and jokingly threatening a lawsuit. AfterElton.com, also owned by Logo, noted that the show demonstrated promise but that skits with little to do with gayness were often funnier than those lampooning gay life, and suggested that focusing on great characters could make the show a solid hit.
Legacy
Despite producing only 22 episodes across three seasons, The Big Gay Sketch Show is recognized as an important early showcase for LGBTQ performers. Kate McKinnon became the series' most prominent alumna, joining Saturday Night Live in 2012 as its first openly lesbian cast member, with media profiles citing BGSS as an early incubator for her style of queer sketch comedy. Colman Domingo leveraged his ensemble experience into acclaimed dramatic roles, including Victor Strand on Fear the Walking Dead and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for Rustin (2023). Erica Ash transitioned to series regular roles on Survivor's Remorse and In Contempt before her 2024 death, with obituaries crediting BGSS and MADtv as her breakout platforms. Stephen Guarino became known for recurring roles on Happy Endings, Marry Me, and Dr. Ken, and a series regular role on I'm Dying Up Here. Julie Goldman became a fixture on Bravo as co-host of The People's Couch and co-created the podcast Dumb Gay Politics. Jonny McGovern transitioned to hosting the web series Hey Qween! and reality series GoGo for the Gold. Michael Serrato appeared in Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds before shifting to producing and directing. The sustained visibility of the cast has cemented the show's reputation as a launchpad for LGBTQ talent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who stars in The Big Gay Sketch Show?
The Big Gay Sketch Show stars Julie Goldman, Stephen Guarino, Jonny McGovern, Kate McKinnon, Nicol Paone, Paolo Andino and Colman Domingo.
When did The Big Gay Sketch Show end?
The Big Gay Sketch Show last aired on 15 June 2010.
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