The sketch comedy show Almost Live! aired on KING 5 from 1984 to 1999. It poked fun at regional stereotypes, gave us memorable characters and sketches, and launched local celebrities and national careers. It was a renowned success at a time when Seattle itself rose to national prominence. As grunge was dominating the charts and companies like Microsoft and Starbucks were expanding, Almost Live! was there to joke about it.

This small exhibit displays Almost Live! costumes and props, materials from the writing and production process, along with (lots!) of clips from the show. Together they tell the story of an inventive cast and crew who gave us a brand of local humor that was sometimes goofy, sometimes searing, and often wrestled with the anxieties of a region that was rapidly changing around them.

On view at Seattle’s Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) August 31, 2024 – February 23, 2025, Almost Live! (Almost an Exhibit) explores a moment in time when the city of Seattle turned to comedy to make sense of the world around it—and had a few laughs in the process. So, mind your manners and speed walk your way to this exhibit!