Tracey Takes On...(1996)

One woman playing 20 characters taking on one topic a week.

Tracey Takes On... is a sketch comedy series starring Tracey Ullman that aired for four seasons on HBO. Commissioned after the success of her 1993 special Tracey Ullman Takes on New York, each episode zeroes in on a specific subject that Ullman and her ensemble of characters tackle through rapid-fire sketches and monologues. The show showcases Ullman's gift for physical comedy and character work, moving between sharp social observation and absurdist humor. Her rotating cast of personas—from everyday people to exaggerated archetypes—dissect contemporary culture with wit and irreverence. The format allows Ullman to explore multiple angles on a single theme, building momentum through character switches and tonal shifts. Tracey Takes On... became a showcase for sketch comedy at its most inventive, proving that Ullman's talents extended well beyond stand-up into ensemble-driven television.