Thomas Lennon Debuts ‘Long Live The State’ at Tribeca

Thomas Lennon is back in New York tonight as his documentary “Long Live The State” makes its debut at the Tribeca Film Festival. The actor, writer and original member of the groundbreaking MTV sketch troupe shared a celebratory Instagram post, modeling his first New York University tie ahead of the big screening.

A Night Of Nostalgia And Laughter

In his post on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/p/DKpuMqgPYyR/), Lennon wrote, “Long live @thestatecomedy premieres tonight at @tribecafilmfestival Here’s me in my first @nyuniversity tie.” The image shows him in a classic dark suit, striped NYU tie and a beaming smile as he stands against the festival step-and-repeat backdrop.

Tonight’s premiere reunites the surviving cast and creators of The State Comedy, the sketch ensemble that ran on MTV from 1993 to 1995. Fans can expect vintage clips, behind-the-scenes anecdotes and a look at how the group’s irreverent style influenced a generation of comedians.

From Mtv To Tribeca

Thomas Patrick Lennon first rose to prominence with The State, alongside classmates from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. The troupe’s half-hour weekly program mixed surreal sketches, musical parodies and off-beat characters that still enjoy a cult following today.

After The State wrapped, Lennon went on to co-write major studio comedies (including The Pacifier and The Other Guys) with fellow alum Robert Ben Garant. He also earned acclaim playing Lt. Jim Dangle on Comedy Central’s Reno 911! and received Emmy nominations for his writing on The Man Show in 2001.

Behind The Documentary

“Long Live The State” delves into the group’s origins at NYU, chronicling early performances in loft spaces and the journey to MTV. The film features fresh interviews with all seven original members, rare rehearsal footage and reflections on how their off-the-wall sketches reshaped TV comedy.

Lennon told reporters he aimed to capture both the creative chaos and the personal bonds forged during those early days. “This started as a lo-fi show filmed on a shoestring, and I’m proud to see it honored on one of the world’s biggest stages,” he said in a statement.

Despite graduating from Ithaca College, Lennon’s choice to don an NYU tie was a playful nod to the city that launched his career. The gesture underscores the role New York institutions have played in nurturing comedic talent over decades.

Tribeca Film Festival, founded in 2002 by Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal, has become a key showcase for documentaries exploring cultural touchstones. Tonight’s screening sits alongside entries on music legends, social movements and groundbreaking filmmakers.

Lennon’s return to the red carpet also marks one of the first public reunions of The State members in over a decade. Fans who couldn’t snag tickets can look forward to a wider release later this year, when the film will hit select theaters and streaming platforms.

With laughter, archival gems and candid reflections, “Long Live The State” promises an affectionate tribute to the trailblazing sketch group—and a reminder of why audiences are still cheering for these comedy pioneers.

As the lights dim tonight, Lennon and his former castmates will once again share the spotlight, proving that some jokes truly stand the test of time.

Trivia

Thomas Lennon has guest-starred in popular TV shows such as 'How I Met Your Mother' and 'The Goldbergs.'

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Ratika Pai

 

Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

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