Steven Colbert and Eric Andre Owe a Debt to This Forgotten TV Parody
In the vast TV production portfolio of television legend Norman Lear, the seldom recognized gem is “Fernwood 2 Night.” Featuring performances by Martin Mull and Fred Willard, this mock chat show was a brilliantly sarcastic exception in the 1970s, when TV was predominantly devoid of depth. Although its concept may seem familiar today, it was deemed too avant-garde for viewers in 1978. Low ratings didn’t necessarily indicate success, but the fact that numerous shows have since been inspired by it is a testament to its enduring impact. David Letterman himself acknowledged this influential series as one of his primary inspirations.