Oddville, MTV


Oddville, MTV is an American variety television series starring Rich Brown, co-host David Greene, and announcer Melissa Gabriel. The series premiered June 16, 1997, on MTV.

History

Oddville, MTV was based on the New York City public-access television series Beyond Vaudeville that Rich Brown hosted and David Greene co-hosted from 1987 to 1996. Like before, the background puppets and Joey the Dancing Monkey appear again, with Joey having an updated look and only showing up during the musical segments without being called to the stage. Beyond Vaudeville director Steve Korn served as a creative consultant on the series.

Cast

  • Rich Brown as host Frank Hope
  • David Greene as silent co-host David
  • Melissa Gabriel as the announcer
  • John Walsh as Joey the Dancing Monkey
Each episode featured a celebrity guest, approximately six eccentric or uniquely talented guests, and a guest band.

Reception

Phil Gallo of Variety described the show as "'stupid human tricks' on methamphetamines as one act after another is whisked to the floor to perform before hitting the couch for a few questions". Gallo went on to describe Hope as having "an Everyman quality possessed by TV hosts from Joe Franklin| Franklin to Uncle Floyd to Colin Malone", and said that announcer Gabriel has "a warm and enchanting presence".