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Portlandia’s Top 10 Sketches

Feb 27, 2014
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Portlandia’s fourth season debuts tonight on IFC at 10/9 central, so we thought we’d take a look back at some of the best, strangest, or ironic sketches from our favorite unlikely comic duo. Here are our favorites, from an out of control game of hide and seek, to an all too familiar binge session of Battlestar Galactica, and the near-perfect introduction to the show, “Dream of the ‘90s.”

Portlandia is one of the most unique and consistently hilarious sketch shows to come along since Mr. Show, and these sketches serve as a sampler platter of some of the best Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein have to offer. (And remember that Fred and Carrie are on the cover of Under the Radar‘s current issue. Also read a review of tonight’s season premiere here.)

By Cody Ray Shafer

10

\"Recording Studio\"

(Season 3)

It\‘s just like the one from Pet Sounds. Also features a ghostly cameo from none other than Jack White.

9

\"Sacagawea\"

(Season 2)

Fred and Carrie stand in for Lewis and Clark, and struggle to get the attention of Sacagawea.

8

\"A-O River!\"

(Season 2)

Dave and Cath set out for a river journey, but they have to figure out the signal first.

7

\"Fart Patio\"

(Season 3)

A couple tries raw food for the first time.

6

\"Battle of the Gentle Bands\"

(Season 3)

It\‘s Portland\‘s latest musical trend. Featuring J Mascis and Dirty Projectors.

5

\"Hide and Seek\"

(Season 1)

This one\‘s a personal favorite. The old lady lecturing Fred is a highlight.

4

\"Battlestar Galactica\"

(Season 2)

Confession: This sketch hits a little too close to home.

3

\"Chicken Farm\"

(Season 1)

Here\‘s a good example of how Portlandia can kick off with an already clever sketch, and then carry it into a whole new realm of strangeness. In an earnest effort to assure that their food is well taken care of, Fred and Carrie end up with a little more than they bargained for.

2

\"Dream of the \'90s\"

(Season 1)

This sketch kicks off the series, and it\‘s perfect. It describes Portland, and gives us a taste of what the show is setting out to do.

1

\"Put a Bird On It\"

(Season 1)

This sketch tops the list for several reasons. One, it\‘s an easy one-liner that instantly recalls the show. Two, I saw a Decemberists concert film where they actually had birds on everything, so I guess it\‘s an actual thing.

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reformas alicante
August 10th 2015
6:29am

Sacagawea is my favorite son

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April 3rd 2017
11:15pm

I want to burn and shine like stars in the sky, so give me that chance.

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July 13th 2018
2:20am

good list

veganismoparadummies
October 14th 2018
1:58am

Good point of view!

ende
June 9th 2019
11:43am

ende

mrhomestay
June 10th 2019
10:30am

“Recording Studio” and “Dream of the ‘90s”