Almost Live! is back, and fans are feeling 90s nostalgia

October 06, 2022 / 4:02 pm

caption: Ryan Hunt (left) and Nate Hoe (right) are the co-founders and designers behind Seattle Department of Design, an apparel company that aims to provide Seattle with
"aesthetically-pleasing signifiers of civic identity."

The legendary Seattle-based sketch comedy show "Almost Live!" wrapped its final season in 1999. But for those in the know, Almost Live has stayed alive on YouTube.

And now, King 5 is leaning into our collective 1990s nostalgia and bringing the show back.

Some classic episodes of "Almost Live!" are airing on the network's streaming app King 5+, which could lead to a whole new generation of fans. So Soundside gathered some stars of Almost Live! to talk about the sketches that have stuck with them, and why the show's popularity has endured.

Soundside host Libby Denkmann talked to John Keister, Nancy Guppy, and director Steve Wilson about what made the show take off.

And later, we'll hear from two clothing designers behind Seattle Department of Design. Their latest collection (which is also a collaboration with Instagram account Almost Style!) was inspired by Almost Live! and pays homage to some of their favorite cast members and sketches.

Why you can trust KUOW

Libby Denkmann
Host, Soundside

Libby Denkmann joined KUOW in December 2021 as the host of the midday show Soundside. She’s a native Pacific Northwesterner who grew up in Redmond, graduated from the University of Washington, and covered local news as a producer and reporter with KIRO Radio.
More stories from Libby Denkmann »
Noel Gasca
Producer, Soundside

Noel is a producer for KUOW’s midday show Soundside. Prior to joining Soundside, Noel worked as an online editor/producer with KUOW’s web team. She’s also a proud graduate of KUOW’s RadioActive program.
More stories from Noel Gasca »