The best sketch comedy shows of all time

’s specialty is spoofing the eccentricities of hipsters and other alt-leftist scenes in Portland, Oregon, combining SNL alum Fred Armisen’s impersonation skills and the comedic chops of Sleater-Kinney’s Carrie Brownstein, as well as her intimate knowledge of the Portland area and its people. Sketches are often introduced with an exterior shot and a title like “NE 30th Ave., North-east Portland,” giving the show a unique sense of setting and allowing its fanbase, from wherever they are, to feel like they know this town, too. Armisen and Brownstein both being musicians, also insert a fun musical component to this show, with indie musicians like Jeff Tweedy and St. Vincent showing up as themselves, plus memorable characters musicians can appreciate, like the parents who form a kids music band insisting children can appreciate “atonal” stuff, and the studio guy who lives to show off all of his gear. [Meredith Hobbs Coons]