The show starred
Thomas Lennon as Mr. Laupin ("Meredith"),
Kerri Kenney as the former Mrs. Laupin ("Agatha"), and
Michael Ian Black as "your cool-ass pal," Johnny
Blue Jeans, all of whom appeared on the
MTV sketch comedy show, "The State."
"Viva Variety" was based on a sketch from "The State," called "The Mr. and Former Mrs. Laupin Variety Programme."
Segments included "French or Gay?," "Monkey Sports," and various product endorsments, including a start-smoking aid and a brand of mace called "Not Tonight, Not Ever."
Ben Garant, another former "The State" player and writer, wrote for "Viva Variety" and appeared in a few of the sketches.
It aired on Comedy Central, but was cancelled in early 1997, after only one season.