Andy Goldblatt

What can be said about Yacht Rock that hasn't been said by various magazines, newspapers and disc jockeys across the country? J.D. Ryznar and Hunter Stair's saga detailing the unknown mythical origins of a previously obscure genre of music struck the audience like a lightning bolt on its first episode, much like fellow 101 breakout House of Cosbys. Unlike HoC, however, Yacht Rock was never sued by its iconic characters' real life counterparts. In fact, it is said that at one time or another, just about every musician lovingly portrayed in the series has witnessed and enjoyed it behind closed doors. Yacht Rock enjoyed success on levels and in ways previously unattained by 101 shows, its title becoming a household phrase at radio stations, a bin at your local record store and a category on iTunes. But beneath its pop cultural triumph was an artistic one that often went undescribed: Yacht Rock's stories were always clever and sometimes downright genius in their assembly, weaving trivi...

A cosmic adventure begins...

Laser Fart began as a joke submission during a light month in 2004. Creator Dan Harmon was able to keep it alive with a Jack Black cameo in episode 2. On the third episode, Harmon teamed up with samurai lensman David Hartman and Channel 101 history was made. Laser Fart delighted audiences with its ironically epic feel and came breathtakingly close to breaking The 'Bu's record for longest running show. Then, in July of 2005, a weary Harmon wrote a ridiculous, slapdash script and the always hungry audience moved down the buffet, never looking back. This coincided with the "takeover" of 101 at the hands of a new generation of leaner, meaner (well, nicer), post-ironic underdogs like J.D. Ryznar, Ryan Ridley, Justin Roiland and the once-cursed Valley Pals. Laser Fart stands as a 101 legend and a cautionary tale: No artist has immunity, no show has true momentum. We can all go at any time.

The Musical broke a longstanding set of unwritten commandments at Channel 101: thou shalt not reference other shows, thou shalt not reference Channel 101 itself, thou shalt especially not admit, on camera, that Channel 101 makes you happy, let alone sing about it. Nevertheless, what it lacked in humility and aloofness, it made up for in devotion, boldness, friendliness, heart and some seriously catchy tunes. Add to that the fact that they bothered to conclude their own story with a tearjerking finale, and you have a masterpiece of meta-tainment and a permanent addition to Channel 101's gilded hall of fame.

The Musical broke a longstanding set of unwritten commandments at Channel 101: thou shalt not reference other shows, thou shalt not reference Channel 101 itself, thou shalt especially not admit, on camera, that Channel 101 makes you happy, let alone sing about it. Nevertheless, what it lacked in humility and aloofness, it made up for in devotion, boldness, friendliness, heart and some seriously catchy tunes. Add to that the fact that they bothered to conclude their own story with a tearjerking finale, and you have a masterpiece of meta-tainment and a permanent addition to Channel 101's gilded hall of fame.

Since the 2005 cancellations of Laserfart and MESI Dan Harmon has lingered in the background of Channel 101, sneaking into various hit shows while working on "real" television for VH-1. Before 2006 was complete, Harmon delivered this poignant gem to October audiences and strolled back into prime time. Exposure tells the story of Dylan Carter, a struggling creative drawn to the power of Channel 101, who must overcome his own limitations and cope with rejection. On the show's similarities to Channel 101: The Musical, Harmon writes: "It's Last Temptation of Christ to Makiaris' Jesus Christ: Superstar."