Shooting begins on new comedy with Almost Live cast

Production has begun on a new Seattle-based sketch comedy show featuring cast members from the iconic program “Almost Live!”

The SeattlePI.com reports shooting for “The 206” got underway Thursday at Mercer Island’s Park on the lid. The show features veteran local comics John Keister and Pat Cashman, along with Cashman’s son Chris.

The crew includes two of the show’s original producers. Keister’s wife Mary McKinley is among the writers.

There have been plenty of rumors about the show since teaser trailers began appearing online over the past several months. The P-I reports the producers are in talks with networks about finding a home for the new show, but haven’t announced any deals.

“Almost Live!” was a staple of late night TV in Seattle from 1984 to 1999. KING TV continues to air repeats of the local version of “Saturday Night Live” during late night hours.

Along with a sketch about a comedic hostage negotiator, the P-I reports other vignettes for the pilot episode include a sketch about pushy petition signature gatherers, and a futuristic episode of “Antiques Roadshow,” (as in: “This is from the Ikean period. You had to to actually build it yourself.”)

Co-creator and producer Erren Gottlieb tells the P-I the goal is to get the show on TV in Seattle, then take it national. Together with “Almost Live!” alumnus Jim McKenna, Gottlieb helped create shows like “Bill Nye the Science Guy” and “Biz Kids.”

The cast is planning a live preview of the show Sept. 18 at The Triple Door. Tickets are $25.

By JOSK KERNS, MyNorthwest.com Reporter