He jumps. He kicks. He spins in a circle until he’s dizzy enough to fall over. Then, with a wide, toothy grin and an unsettling amount of confidence, he utters the four words that have lived rent-free in our heads for decades: "Look at what I can do!"
If you grew up watching MADtv, you know exactly who I’m talking about. Stewart Speelman.
The character, played with terrifyingly accurate "man-child" energy by Michael McDonald, wasn’t just a sketch comedy bit. He became a cultural shorthand for that specific, desperate need for attention we all feel sometimes. But why does this specific phrase still trend in 2026? Why are we still seeing "look at what i can do" memes on TikTok and Reels when the show has been off the air for ages? Honestly, it’s because the character tapped into a universal human truth: we are all, deep down, just kids wanting someone to watch us do a mediocre somersault.
The Origins of a Comedy Monster
Michael McDonald joined the cast of MADtv during its fourth season in 1998. He brought a dark, physical style of humor that shifted the show's dynamic. Stewart wasn't originally meant to be the show's mascot. He was just a weird kid in a blue shirt and shorts. But the audience's reaction was visceral. People didn't just laugh; they felt like they knew a Stewart.
The formula was simple. Stewart’s mother, Doreen (usually played by Mo Collins), would be trying to have a normal adult conversation. Stewart would interrupt. He’d do something incredibly mundane—like standing on one leg or making a weird face—and demand validation.
"Look at what I can do!"
It’s a masterclass in physical comedy. McDonald would contort his body, often risking actual injury, just to look as awkward as possible. It worked because it was recognizable. We’ve all been at a family gathering where a cousin won’t stop showing you their "magic trick" that is clearly just them hiding a coin in their armpit.
Why "Look at What I Can Do" Refuses to Die
In the era of social media, everyone is Stewart. Seriously. Think about it. When you post a picture of your sourdough bread or a video of your gym PR, you are essentially shouting "look at what I can do" into the digital void.
The phrase has evolved. It’s no longer just a reference to a 90s sketch show; it’s a commentary on the "Look at Me" economy. We’ve moved from the television screen to the smartphone screen, but the impulse remains identical.
The Nostalgia Factor
For Gen X and Millennials, Stewart represents a specific era of late-night television. MADtv was always the grittier, weirder cousin to Saturday Night Live. While SNL was busy being topical, MADtv was busy being absurd. Stewart was the king of that absurdity.
The Viral Loophole
The reason the clip keeps resurfacing is its brevity. In a world of 15-second attention spans, a three-second clip of a grown man doing a frantic "danger dance" is gold. It’s punchy. It’s visual. It’s loud. It’s perfect for the algorithm.
The Technical Brilliance of Michael McDonald
Let’s be real for a second. Playing Stewart looks easy, but it’s actually a high-wire act of physical acting. Michael McDonald has spoken in various interviews, including his appearances on the MADtv reunions and podcasts like Inside of You, about the toll the character took on his body.
He wasn't just acting. He was throwing himself into furniture. He was straining muscles to get that specific, tense posture.
There’s a specific nuance to the "look at what i can do" delivery. It’s not just happy; it’s demanding. There’s a slight edge of "if you don't look at me, I will burn this house down" in Stewart's eyes. That’s what makes it funny instead of just cute. It’s the subversion of childhood innocence. Stewart is clearly an adult man, which adds a layer of "wrongness" that fuels the comedy.
Beyond the Catchphrase: The Darker Side of Stewart
Comedy often comes from a place of tragedy, and Stewart is no exception. If you watch the sketches closely, the relationship between Stewart and Doreen is... complicated. Doreen is perpetually exhausted. She loves her son, but she’s also trapped in a cycle of enabling his bizarre behavior.
This is where the expert-level writing of MADtv shines. They weren't just making fun of a kid; they were making fun of the family dynamic that creates a Stewart.
When someone says "look at what i can do" today, they’re often using it ironically to mock their own vanity. It’s a way of saying, "I know I’m being annoying, but please acknowledge my existence."
Key Elements of a Stewart Sketch:
- The Setup: A mundane environment, usually a store or a doctor's office.
- The Interruption: Stewart enters, usually with a high-pitched "Mommmmmm!"
- The Feat: An unimpressive physical act.
- The Line: The iconic "Look at what I can do!"
- The Reaction: A mix of horror and forced praise from bystanders.
The Meme Legacy
If you search for "look at what i can do" on any major platform today, you aren't just finding old TV clips. You’re finding cats accidentally knocking over vases. You’re finding toddlers covered in paint. You’re finding athletes making a ridiculous mistake.
The phrase has become a universal caption for "unearned confidence."
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It’s fascinating how a character created in a writers' room in the late 90s predicted the entire vibe of the 2020s. We are a society that lives for the "look." We want the views, the likes, the shares. Stewart Speelman was the pioneer of the self-tape. He was the first influencer, even if his only followers were his mother and a very confused therapist.
How to Channel Your Inner Stewart (The Right Way)
So, what can we actually learn from Stewart? Is there a takeaway here other than "don't spin until you puke"?
Honestly, there's something to be said for his sheer, unadulterated joy. Stewart doesn't care if his "feat" is impressive to you. He is delighted by his own ability to exist. In a world where we’re constantly told to be "optimal" and "productive," maybe we need a little more of Stewart’s energy.
Maybe we should all do a little dance in the kitchen and tell someone to look at what we can do.
Actionable Insights for Content Creators
If you're trying to capture that Stewart-level engagement in your own work, here’s how to do it without being annoying:
- Be authentically weird. People respond to the "wrongness" of Stewart because it feels real. Don't polish all the edges off your content.
- Use physical cues. Stewart is a visual character. If you’re making videos, use your body language to tell the story, not just your words.
- Understand the power of the "ask." Stewart asks for attention directly. Sometimes, you just have to tell your audience what you want them to see.
- Embrace the "unimpressive." Some of the best content on the internet isn't high-production; it's just someone doing something silly with 100% commitment.
The Final Verdict on Stewart
Stewart Speelman isn't going anywhere. As long as there are people who want to be noticed, and as long as there's a "share" button, "look at what i can do" will remain a part of our digital lexicon. It’s more than a catchphrase. It’s a mood. It’s a lifestyle. It’s a reminder that we’re all just one spin away from falling over and hoping someone saw it.
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If you want to dive deeper into this specific brand of comedy, go back and watch the Michael McDonald era of MADtv. You’ll see a level of commitment to a character that is rarely matched in modern sketch comedy. You’ll also probably get that theme song stuck in your head for the next three days. Sorry about that.
Next Steps for Your Nostalgia Trip:
- Check out Michael McDonald's Instagram or his recent guest spots on comedy podcasts to see how he views the character now.
- Look up the "Stewart and the Quicksand" sketch for a prime example of the character's physical limits.
- Try using the phrase the next time you do something completely average—it’s surprisingly cathartic.