8.4
Where can I stream The State legally?
You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The State
1994·Show
·24Episodes in3Seasons·
The State fingerprint
Very funny, immersive world, light on feelings.
Energy
Breakneck
Fast from start to finish.
- Fast Pace9
- Spectacle4
- Tension3
Heart
Nostalgic
- Nostalgia7
- Hopefulness6
- Wholesome5
Humor
Plenty of absurdist humor and situational comedy
- Absurdist Humor10
- Situational Comedy8
- Physical Comedy8
World
Pop culture
Holds up on a rewatch.
- Rewatchability9
- Novelty9
- Dialogue Centrality8
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and dialogue
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Dialogue Quality8
Style
Standout editing
- Editing8
- Visual Stylization7
- Cinematography6
Energy
MediumBreakneck
Fast from start to finish.
The State is breakneck.
All energy traits
- Fast Pace9Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Tension3Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age5Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos2Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics2Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy1Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
Related traits
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
Very highPlenty of absurdist humor and situational comedy
Expect plenty of absurdist humor and situational comedy.
All humor traits
- Absurdist Humor10Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy8Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy8Slapstick and visual gags.
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody7Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Cringe Humor6Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Eccentricity10Oddball tone and quirks.
- Camp & Irony7Stylized exaggeration and wink.
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
HighPop culture
Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around pop culture. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- Rewatchability9Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Pop Culture8References and cultural commentary.
- Surrealism7Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
MediumStandout direction, performances, and dialogue
The direction, performances, and dialogue stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity3Layered plots and ideas.
- Meta Narrative2Stories about storytelling.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace9Quick tempo and momentum.
- Homage & Reference6Allusions to other works.
All style traits
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Camp & Irony7Stylized exaggeration and wink.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightParty VibePartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchBinge-FriendlyComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure Escapism
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every show. Select a row to see all of them.
About
The State is a sketch-comedy television show combing bizarre characters and scenarios to present sketches that won the hearts of its target teenaged audience.
Sketch ComedyAbsurdist HumorCult Classic90s NostalgiaQuirky CharactersFast-Paced GagsSurreal ScenariosInnovative ComedyPhysical Comedy
Actors
Crew
Written by:
Produced by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Shows
Movies
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The State
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The State worth watching?
76
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 76/100 (IMDb 8.4 and Rotten Tomatoes 80%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The State rated?
Strong language
Content advisories: strong language.
How many seasons does The State have?
3 seasons
It has 3 seasons with 24 episodes.
Do critics and audiences agree on The State?
Critics80
Audiences88
Not quite. Audiences rate The State higher (88) than critics (80). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
When did The State air?
S1S2S3
It ran from 1994 to 1995 and has ended.
What language is The State in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
What tropes does The State use?
DeconstructionThe CameoThe Backstage SketchSummer CampyI Am Who?Ham-to-Ham CombatJuxtaposition GagOpen-Minded ParentSex SellsWhat Happened to the Mouse?Naked People Are FunnyNon-Verbal Miscommunicationand 51 more
TV Tropes lists 63 storytelling tropes for The State, including Deconstruction, The Cameo, The Backstage Sketch.