Sketch comedy shows have been around for a long time, but NBC’s hilarious new series Maya & Marty, starring Maya Rudolph and Martin Short, is unlike anything we’ve seen before. The popular program has been compared to classic variety shows, a genre it may succeed in bringing back after many failed attempts to do so by other entertainers over the years.

The sketches are also reminiscent of early Saturday Night Live, which makes sense considering Lorne Michaels produces the show, and both Rudolph and Short are SNL alums. Another important element is the writing, which for the most part is fresh, clever and bold.

In addition to its talented hosts, the show has been offering up an impressive list of guest stars, including Kevin Hart, Miley Cyrus, Drake, Tina Fey, Steve Martin and Chris Cena. It features a good balance of veteran entertainers and hot contemporary performers.

A recurring skit, especially popular with Martin Short fans, is the Jiminy Glick celebrity interview, in which Short’s entertainment journalist alter ego antagonizes everyone from Larry David to Kevin Hart by asking the most obnoxious and outrageous questions imaginable.

Comedy is the primary focus, but the hour-long series also features a wide range of exciting musical numbers.

Continuing her successful film career, Rudolph has several movies in the works. She switches from wacky comedy to family drama in her next film, We Don’t Belong Here, out later this year. Short is gearing up to play Wilbur Turnblad in NBC’s star-studded TV movie Hairspray Live! on December 7.

Maya & Marty airs on NBC Tuesdays at 10 p.m., 9 p.m. Central.