The Tracey Ullman Show
Overview
The Tracey Ullman Show was an American television variety show, hosted by British comedian and singer Tracey Ullman. It was the first program to be produced by Gracie Films, a production company founded by James L. Brooks. The show aired on the Fox Broadcasting Company from 1987 to 1990, and it was the network's second prime-time series to be aired following its launch.
Production
The Tracey Ullman Show was a collaboration between Tracey Ullman, who had achieved fame in the United Kingdom with her sketch comedy series Three of a Kind, and James L. Brooks, who had previously produced successful television shows such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Taxi. The show was produced by Brooks' company, Gracie Films, in association with 20th Century Fox Television.
Format
The show was a variety show that combined musical performances, sketch comedy, and animation. Each episode typically began with a brief monologue by Ullman, followed by a variety of sketches featuring a wide range of characters, all played by Ullman herself. The sketches were often interspersed with musical performances, both by Ullman and by guest artists. The show also included animated shorts, which would later evolve into the standalone series The Simpsons.
Characters
Ullman's ability to embody a wide range of characters was a defining feature of the show. She played a variety of characters, from everyday people to famous personalities. Some of her most memorable characters included Francesca McDowell, a teenager living with her divorced mother; Kay Clark, a quiet and shy office worker; and Sara Downey, a feminist performance artist.
Reception
The Tracey Ullman Show was well-received by critics, who praised Ullman's comedic skills and the show's innovative format. The show won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Program in 1989 and 1990. Despite its critical success, the show struggled with ratings and was eventually cancelled after four seasons.
Legacy
Despite its relatively short run, The Tracey Ullman Show had a significant impact on television. It is often credited with helping to establish Fox as a major network. The show's animated shorts, featuring the Simpson family, were particularly popular and were eventually spun off into their own series, The Simpsons, which has since become one of the longest-running and most successful television shows in history.