Kent, Renton, Bellevue, Issaquah, Sammamish, Ellensburg, Enumclaw be warned — “The 206” is coming for you.
The Northwest-themed comedy show starring “Almost Live” alumni John Keister and Pat Cashman, along with newcomer Chris Cashman, premiers this weekend following “Saturday Night Live.”
The trio are quick to inform viewers this is not “Almost Live,” but as one of the lucky few who witnessed the first taping, it’s clear there are several similarities.
Most evident — the audience is still treated to skits covering a variety of localized topics.
Recent state laws passed, advancements in technology and change that’s happened in surrounding cities since 1999 is really all it takes to imagine where the show will venture.
And of course no community is safe. Anyone between Ballard and Bellingham, or Hanford to Humptulips is a potential target.
There are certainly differences from show that ran on KING TV from 1984-1999. The studio is not big. The staff is downsized. Cameras are much smaller too.
Fortunately, the laughs were just as large.
While Keister was the sole host of “Almost Live,” all three men share responsibilities hosting “The 206.”
The crowd doesn’t sit in bleacher seats, but stands around the stage in an arc for a much more casual atmosphere — a scene compared to the BBC show, “Top Gear.”
It was apparent that even after a 14-year hiatus, neither Keister or Pat Cashman lost a step. The two local comedians were flawless during the filming of two consecutive live shows. Chris Cashman, son of Pat and an Issaquah resident, adds a young face to the group. With his witty sense of humor and several successful television, internet and radio ventures of his own, he fits right in.
Anyone familiar with Washington, its stereotypes and its idiosyncrasies should be sure to tune in this weekend.
After all, as the motto goes, “if you can’t laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at?”
Kevin Endejan is a staff writer for the Issaquah & Sammamish Reporter. He can be reached at 425-391-0363, ext. ext. 5054.
Where to watch
‘The 206’ will premiere Saturday, Jan. 5, after SNL on KING 5. The first episode will run again at 7:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m on Sunday, Jan. 6 on KONG TV. Episodes will also be available online at www.the206.tv.
