Fun for All Ages with Frank Santopadre "TV Funhouse" Turns 25! w/ Robert Smigel and Dan Pasternack
Aug 12, 2025
Robert Smigel, an Emmy-winning writer and creator of Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, joins Dan Pasternack, an experienced writer-producer, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of "TV Funhouse." They share hilarious anecdotes about their comedic origins, including Smigel's obsession with animal comedy and the inspirations for iconic characters like The Ambiguously Gay Duo. The duo also dives into memorable sketches, their love for classic TV, and the absurdities of superhero movies, all while sprinkling in humorous stories from their illustrious careers.
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Triumph In Your Pocket Toy
- Robert Smigel described NBC's Triumph in Your Pocket toy and the filthy soundbites recorded for it.
- He joked about outrageous lines he performed, including a crude bit about Jennifer Lopez.
Cartoon Theme Songs Shaped Him
- Robert Smigel says he watched cartoons for their theme songs more than plots as a child.
- He learned and played incidental TV music, which later influenced his comedic timing and bits.
Adam West: A Comic Genius
- Robert Smigel and his partners wrote Lookwell to bring Adam West back to TV as a washed-up detective.
- He praised Adam West's Batman performance as one of the greatest comic performances he'd ever seen.
