A look back at those who kept 'The Soup' hot – and those who didn't

December 15, 2015 at 5:05PM
FILE - In this Sept. 17, 2015 file photo, Joel McHale attends the Audi Celebrates Emmys Week 2015 in West Hollywood, Calif. The E! Entertainment network is pulling the plug on "The Soup," its weekly show with McHale as host that mocks other television series. McHale has been host for 12 years, and the network said Wednesday that he will do the final show on Dec. 18. (Photo by John Salangsang/Invision/AP, File)
FILE - In this Sept. 17, 2015 file photo, Joel McHale attends the Audi Celebrates Emmys Week 2015 in West Hollywood, Calif. The E! Entertainment network is pulling the plug on "The Soup," its weekly show with McHale as host that mocks other television series. McHale has been host for 12 years, and the network said Wednesday that he will do the final show on Dec. 18. (Photo by John Salangsang/Invision/AP, File) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Being the Chief Pot Stirrer for "The Soup" and its predecessor, "Talk Soup," has been a lucrative gig from up 'n' comers in Hollywood. A brief look at their résumés.

Greg Kinnear (1991-95)

Before: Hosted "College Mad House," a cross between an obstacle course and a toga party.

During: Dashing good looks and artificial charm suggested he had been kidnapped from the set of "Good Morning, Edina!"

After: Short-lived stint as an NBC late-night host, followed by roles in "Sabrina," "Little Miss Sunshine" and "As Good As It Gets," for which he received an Oscar nod.

John Henson (1995-99)

Before: Relatively unknown stand-up comedian; often mistaken for being Muppet master Jim Henson's son.

During: A grown-up version of the geek from every John Hughes movie.

After: Co-host and producer of ABC's "Wipeout"; often mistaken for being Jim Henson's son.

Hal Sparks (1999-2000)

Before: Less-than-glamorous credits include Lance in "Chopper Chicks in Zombietown."

During: The most exciting thing about him was his name.

After: Least horny of the main characters on "Queer as Folk," which means he has sex only three times per episode.

Aisha Tyler (2001-02)

Before: Stand-up comedian; sang in all-female a cappella group while attending Dartmouth College.

During: Appeared more enamored of than embarrassed by shows she was supposed to be trashing.

After: A regular of "The Talk," host of "Whose Line Is it Anyway?" and voice for "Archer," contender for Busiest Woman in Hollywood.

Joel McHale (2004-15)

Before: Improv performer in Seattle; small roles in TV and film.

During: A grating smart aleck — but you still want to buy him a beer.

After: Has a role in upcoming miniseries of "The X-Files"; may return for another season of "Community."

Neal Justin


1cj0307 Photo provided by Debbie and Bob Black. Debbie Black with Greg Kinnear, who shot scenes for "The Convincer" at Minneapolis' Dahl Violin Shop, which is owned by her husband Bob Black
Kinnear (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
woman on left Thea Gill and guy on far right Hal Sparks. 2,3 cj13.
Sparks (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Joel McHale attends 2015 TrevorLIVE LA held at the Hollywood Palladium on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2105, in Los Angeles. (Photo by John Salangsang/Invision/AP)
McHale (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Aisha Tyler attends the premiere of "In the Heart of the Sea" at Jazz at Lincoln Centerís Frederick P. Rose Hall on Monday, Dec. 7, 2015, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP) ORG XMIT: INVW
Tyler (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
John Henson arrives at the 2nd Annual Autumn Party hosted by Rochelle Gores Fredston, Arcade Boutique, and Philanthropic Society Los Angeles Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011, at The London Hotel in Los Angeles. The Autumn Party will feature a fashion show with Yigal Azrouel and proceeds will benefit Children's Institute, Inc. (AP Photo/Katy Winn) ORG XMIT: NYOTK
Henson (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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