Mark Russell's America

For three decades, the savvy satirist from Buffalo dubbed “the funniest man on television” by TV Guide shared his insights on national and world politics and society with public television audiences. Re-discover highlights of Mark Russell’s more than 100 PBS specials from 1975-2004 in this program, including an interview with Russell as he provides inimitable context for his most memorable television moments.
Mark Russell's America covers the eras of Presidents Ford, Carter, Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Clinton, and George W. Bush. Ample comedic fodder includes Presidential campaigns, Congressional antics, and defining moments - from Iran Contra and the first Gulf War to the Monica Lewinski scandal.
copyright, 2012, Western New York Public Broadcasting.

[@lindapendleton9176]

Playing this for my daughter, born in 1973,and her husband. Easter Sunday, 2023.

[@nsnopper]

I'm truly sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Russell. I first came across his WNED specials over 40 years ago. He was always terrific, wth his satire quite accurate, but never cruel. His last season of specials aired in 2004. But I never forgot him, and I'll be scouring KZbin to re-watch his old programs. Mark, thank you for the laughs.

[@vinkoivomilicdiaz6932]

A true legend of public television. We miss you. Rip. #PBSNEWS

[@TheRecordSaver]

One of my favorite Russell-isms, from December 1989, when he addressed the Class of 1990 about the things their teachers taught them; Russell added, "Your teachers say, 'Pay us more money and we'll start teaching the right answers!'"

[@mikerepairsstuff]

What a wonderful remembrance of Mr. Mark Russell.

[@ElRayDelRio]

Noo!!! Not Russell 😞. I would watch your comedy specials in the nineties as a kid and found your acts humourous. May you continue to rise in paradise 🕊

[@TheMikester307]

Oh, thank you for posting this! I started watching at the tail end of the Carter years and watched him 'till the last special! Thanks for bringing back fond memories of watching the early 80s stuff with my friends in the dorm in college! RIP, Mark and thanks for the laughs!

[@BuffaloTorontoPublicMedia]

Thank you for sharing these memories!

[@StressRUs]

Federal deficit $180M in 1980, today $31T, so 160 times greater. What could go wrong as the corporations rake-in the taxpayer moola and just print the rest on foreign debt?