Maya Rudolph does, of course, appreciate the showmanship of legendary variety series host Carol Burnett.
But in a recent conference call with reporters, Rudolph suggested “The Muppet Show” was the template for her vaudevillian special, “The Maya Rudolph Show,” which airs at Monday on NBC.
Perhaps that’s because the Muppets had a quirky (and at times subversive) side that she, especially, could appreciate.
“Let’s be honest: I think they caught snippets of ‘Saturday Night Live’ here and there,” says Rudolph, who was an “SNL” cast member from 2000-07. (The Muppets were featured on the first season of “SNL” from 1975-76.)
On Rudolph’s hourlong show — loaded with musical numbers, comedy skits and costume changes — she’ll be joined by former “SNL” colleagues like Fred Armisen, Andy Samberg and Chris Parnell, as well as special guests, including Kristen Bell, Seans Hayes and singer Janelle Monae.
Here’s what Rudolph has to say about her return to the small screen, her fondness for revues and a late-night show host who could be an honorary Muppet.
Why she’s glad to be back on TV
“One of the things that I missed after I left ‘SNL’ was just getting to play with my friends. It’s as simple as that. I think that’s a recipe that you can’t manufacture. When people have chemistry, it’s just so palpable.”
The appeal of the variety format
“I’m an analog person by nature. Nine times out 10 some of my ideas tend to be deep-rooted in the ’70s or somewhere that has nothing to do with what’s going on now. Variety is what I was raised on, so it’s a language that I understand very well.”
Why the Muppets are her muses
“When guests came on they entered the world of the Muppets, and you just felt like anything could happen. There’s just something that lights people’s eyes up when they’re around the Muppets and doing things they don’t normally do, and some strange creature is singing a duet with them.”
So, Jimmy Fallon is a Muppet, too?
“My friend Jimmy has been doing an unbelievable job on ‘Late Night’ and now on ‘The Tonight Show.’ What he brings is an incredible variety show. All the guests — you see them doing things that are out of their comfort zone, which is kind of the classic thing.”
Expect the unexpected
“I love doing sketch comedy, and I’m a sucker for anything musical just because music is such a huge part of my life and such a big love. I’m really excited by those fun things you see in variety shows, like when a special guest turns up and just starts singing a song and just kind of blows you away.”