Mad TV might not end after all!

[Brian Damage]

It's so long but maybe not farewell for "MADtv" after its series finale airs a week from Saturday on Fox.

Executive producer David Salzman is still holding out hope that another network will step in and keep the liveaction sketch comedy show on the air for another 326 episodes.

"We view this as the Fox finale," Salzman told the Daily News. "We've had 14 incredible seasons with Fox ... but we are in discussions with other networks about continuing the show, though we don't have anything definitive to talk about now."

"MADtv" is a comedy series filmed in front of a studio audience that parodies pop culture. Current cast members include Crista Flanagan, Keegan-Michael Key, Bobby Lee, Arden Myrin, Nicole Parker, Johnny Sanchez, Erica Ash, Eric Price, Lauren Pritchard and Matt Braunger.

It was announced last winter that Fox wouldn't renew the series for another season. The finale airs May 16 at 11 p.m.

"It was a surprise and it wasn't a surprise," said Salzman of the cancellation. "There had been rumors, so the possibility that 'MADtv' might not continue on Fox was something we realized existed ... but it seems too soon. There's so much more for us to do."

Despite holding out hope for a reprieve from another network, Salzman and the cast plan to leave Fox in true "MADtv" fashion in a finale titled "'MADtv Gives Back.' "

"We tried to come up with a finale that is in keeping with 'MADtv's' irreverent and un-self-serving way of doing things," he said. "I've been sworn to secrecy, but it is a different format than a usual show. We're bringing back a few of our former cast members and favorite characters, and that title could give you a little bit of a clue to the direction we're choosing."

Hint: It's a play on Fox's megahit "American Idol: Idol Gives Back" charity event.

Guest stars for the finale include "MADtv" alumni Alex Borstein, Mo Collins, Will Sasso and Debra Wilson Skelton, as well as Fred Willard and Artie Lang.

As "Saturday Night Live's" only head-to-head competition in that late-night weekend slot, and using a similar format, "MADtv" has over the years had to endure constant comparisons in the press with the live NBC show.

Salzman, however, says there was never a clear parallel between the two shows.

"They're 'SNL' and they should stay 'SNL.' We wanted to be totally different," said Salzman. "Our show has always been wall-to-wall pop culture parody, putting the cast front and center and not the guest, though we've had great guests through the years, and one of the things we've tried to remain consistent about is, like Mad magazine, we put our arm around the underdog and stand up to authority."

ckinon@nydailynews.com

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertain...ast_laugh.html

[Scoobiedoo30]

I wonder what Network would pick up Mad TV

[steevo]

^ Comedy Central maybe, since they have the reruns.

I just hope this is true and someone picks it up. I think its funnier than SNL.

[80sTrivia]

I hope the show moves to a new network, as Saturday nights won't be the same without the show!