Tracey Takes On... 1996
“One woman playing 20 characters taking on one topic a week.”
What is Tracey Takes On...?
Tracey Takes On... is a sketch comedy series featuring actress Tracey Ullman.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 1996
- Status
- Ended
- Episodes
- 50
- Runtime
- 30 minutes
- First aired
- Jan 24, 1996
- Last aired
- Mar 17, 1999
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- US
- Networks
- HBO
- Genres
- Comedy
- Updated
How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 50 episodes and an average 30-minute runtime.
Trailer
Overview
Tracey Takes On... is a sketch comedy series featuring actress Tracey Ullman. The program was commissioned following the success of the 1993 comedy special titled Tracey Ullman Takes on New York. Throughout its run, the series spanned four seasons on the HBO network. The structure of the show centers on a specific subject for each individual episode. Ullman and her cast of characters explore these selected themes through a combination of monologues and a series of sketches. By focusing on a singular topic per installment, the production allows the performers to examine various perspectives and scenarios related to the chosen theme. The series serves as a continuation of the format established in the preceding television special, utilizing the talents of Ullman to portray a wide array of characters within the sketch comedy framework. Each episode provides a thematic look at different aspects of life through this character-driven approach, maintaining a consistent focus on the subject matter throughout the duration of the four-season broadcast history on HBO.
Should you watch it?
“Tracey Ullman embodies dozens of characters to humorously dissect a new topic each episode.”
- Tracey Ullman's versatile performances across dozens of characters
- Each episode centers on a single theme, offering cohesive humor
- Sharp sketch comedy with monologues and varied characters
- Sketch style may feel uneven for viewers preferring continuous narratives
- Humor rooted in 1990s sensibilities may feel dated
Watch it if you enjoy fast‑paced sketch comedy driven by a single performer’s character work.
The series features adult-oriented humor and occasional mature themes, best suited for mature audiences.
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Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 11 episodes
- E1 Romance Jan 24, 1996
- E2 Charity Jan 31, 1996
- E3 Nostalgia Feb 7, 1996
- E4 Royalty Feb 14, 1996
- E5 Family Feb 21, 1996
- E6 Law Feb 28, 1996
- E7 Vanity Mar 6, 1996
- E8 Death Mar 13, 1996
- E9 Health Mar 20, 1996
- E10 Fame Mar 27, 1996
- E11 The Best of Tracey Takes On... Season One Apr 3, 1996
Season 2 · 16 episodes
- E1 Sex Jan 18, 1997
- E2 Fantasy Jan 25, 1997
- E3 Mothers Feb 2, 1997
- E4 Las Vegas Feb 8, 1997
- E5 Secrets Feb 17, 1997
- E6 Childhood Feb 24, 1997
- E7 1976 Mar 5, 1997
- E8 Food Mar 12, 1997
- E9 Crime Mar 19, 1997
- E10 Movies Mar 27, 1997
- E11 Money Apr 2, 1997
- E12 Race Relations Apr 9, 1997
- E13 Supernatural Apr 16, 1997
- E14 Politics Apr 23, 1997
- E15 Music Apr 30, 1997
- E16 The Best of Tracey Takes On... Season Two May 28, 1997
Season 3 · 11 episodes
- E1 Marriage Jan 4, 1998
- E2 Hollywood Jan 11, 1998
- E3 Smoking Jan 18, 1998
- E4 Loss Jan 25, 1998
- E5 Agents Feb 1, 1998
- E6 Age Feb 8, 1998
- E7 Religion Feb 15, 1998
- E8 Man's Best Friend Feb 22, 1998
- E9 Culture Mar 1, 1998
- E10 Sports Mar 8, 1998
- E11 The Best of Tracey Takes On... Season Three Jun 4, 1998
Season 4 · 12 episodes
- E1 Dating Jan 13, 1999
- E2 Drugs Jan 13, 1999
- E3 Scandal Jan 20, 1999
- E4 Hair Jan 20, 1999
- E5 Lies Jan 27, 1999
- E6 Erotica Feb 3, 1999
- E7 Books Feb 10, 1999
- E8 Road Rage Feb 17, 1999
- E9 America Feb 24, 1999
- E10 Hype Mar 3, 1999
- E11 Obsession Mar 10, 1999
- E12 End of the World Mar 17, 1999
Frequently asked questions
What kind of program is "Tracey Takes On..."?
It is a sketch comedy series starring Tracey Ullman.
Who stars in the series?
Actress Tracey Ullman is the primary performer, playing many characters.
How many seasons did the show run?
The series ran for four seasons on HBO.
What is the format of each episode?
Each episode focuses on a specific subject presented through sketches and monologues.
How many characters does Ullman portray?
Ullman plays roughly twenty different characters throughout the series.