SF Sketchfest 2018

Public access television has always been a playground for the weird, and perhaps the weirdest show on public access (and streaming online worldwide) is The Special Without Brett Davis. Hosted by Andy Kaufman Award-winning comedian Brett Davis (The Chris Gethard Show, HBO's Animals, IFC's Boy Band), the show re-defines "variety show" in several, often bizarre ways. With a volunteer-based crew, the show does what SNL does, but twice as often, and without a budget.

The show is not your regular talk show, getting its guest into weird situations, like Gilbert Gottfried being interviewed by a confused Amish teenager and Michael Shannon unexpectedly auditioning for a punk band. Other guests have included Janeane Garofalo, Artie Lange, Rose McGowan, Richard Kind and particularly odd names like notorious wrestler New Jack and the infamous Michael Alig.

The Special is always changing, with each episode taking on the form of a new "Special" hosted by a different character. The only constant is the show's wholesome announcer "Mr. Jokes" Steve Whalen and his Joke of the Week.

The show's rotating cast is a who's who of alternative comedy, and since the show began, many have moved onto films and television shows like SNL and The Tonight Show. Regulars include Dan Chamberlain, Jo Firestone, Cole Escola, Julio Torres, Anna Drezen, Bridey Elliott, John Early, John Reynolds, Conner O'Malley, Ana Fabrega, Mary Houlihan, Lorelei Ramirez, Tim Platt, Mo Fry Pasic and more.

The show also features a well-curated variety of musical acts including Screaming Females, The Thermals, Jerry Paper, M. Lamar, Emily Wells, Guerilla Toss, Beverly, Gingerlys, Ava Luna, Hound, Charly Bliss, and more. $22