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Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Newly Minted Production Company Will Be Called Wells Street Films

January 23, 2020

phoebe waller bridge, wells street films

Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Newly Minted Production Company Will Be Called Wells Street Films

The big thing to note her is that Phoebe Waller-Bridge, as part of her big overall deal at Amazon, has set up a production company and has decided to name it Wells Street Films. It’s a name that you ought to keep in the memory bank as we have no doubt that Waller-Bridge will be having several irons in the fire very soon (on top of the many irons she already has in said fire) and probably continue to push the boundaries of comedy as an art form and genre and tone.

Again, keep an eye out for anything from Wells Street Films.

John Mulaney and Stephen Colbert Have an Honest to Goodness Conversation on The Late Show

January 23, 2020

john mulaney, stephen colbert

For the most part, interviews on late night talk shows are highly produced (i.e. a producer figures out what stories and bits the guest should do before hand) and, at this point in time, especially if you watch even a little bit of late night, you can often suss out the transparency of how artificial the chat between host and the guest is.

Every now and again, the mold gets broken by a great guest and, if the host is nimble, perceptive, and sharp enough, the conversation will not only be real, but incredibly engaging, funny, heartfelt, and so much more.

Stephen Colbert’s interview with John Mulaney last night was one such lovely conversation and, we think, CBS put the whole thing up on YouTube for you to enjoy. So, please enjoy Mulaney and Colbert’s charming back-and-forth that definitely went way deeper than whatever was pre-arranged (assuming that there were any notes for Colbert to reference at all) here.

January 23, 2020

comedy show, comedy variety, experimental comedy, los angeles, ron lynch, tomorrow, variety show

Ron Lynch’s Tomorrow! is, in our opinion, a treasured comedy institution in LA comedy. For over 15 years, Lynch has been made Tomorrow! a destination every Saturday, late at night, for a wild, unpredictable, rambunctious, fun, hysterical comedy variety show.

For a very long time, the show happened at the turn of midnight, hence “Tomorrow!”. Now, the turning to the next day is still part of the show, but Ron Lynch’s Tomorrow! starts at 11PM these days at the Lyric Hyperion, still for only $5.

So, for those of you who aren’t quite as much of a night owl as we are, you can not have to stay out as late to catch the magic of Ron Lynch’s Tomorrow!

This week’s line-up is particularly special including wondrous sketch, musical, clowning, and stand-up comedy. Keep yourself in the loop about this week’s and every Ron Lynch’s Tomorrow! on Facebook and Instagram.

R.I.P. Terry Jones, 1942-2020

January 22, 2020

monty python, terry jones

Terry Jones was a member of the one of the most renowned comedy troupes of all time, Monty Python. His work alongside Eric Idle, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, and the late Graham Chapman will very likely stand the test of time comedically and as a cultural artifact of both the 20th and 21st centuries.

Jones unfortunately succumbed to complications from a form of dementia that he had be battling with for years. Terry did manage to complete work voice work on an animation project The Land of Sometimes before his time came to an end.

You never really need an excuse to watch any and all of Monty Python (Flying Circus, Holy Grail, Meaning of Life, Life of Brian, so on and so forth), but today would be a pretty grand day to revisit revolutionary absurdist comedy in honor of Jones.

January 22, 2020

comedy special, david huntsberger, dynasty typewriter, taping

As an endlessly curious mind, David Huntsberger and his comedy really dig into and questioning the human experience, especially when it comes to the science of it all and the limits of what we know about the universe. So, you can only imagine that he’s going to do something really trippy in taping a comedy special (FYI, he’s going to do “something” really cool with “VR”).

You really ought to see what Huntsberger got cooking for the taping of his comedy special at Dynasty Typewriter this Sunday. Tickets are $15 in adv. and $20 day of.

However, we can get you in for free so long as you e-mail us at thecomedybureau@gmail.com about wanting to go to David Huntsberger’s stand-up comedy special taping.

Please Enjoy Kyle Ayers’ Fantastic Late Night Debut on Conan

January 21, 2020

conan, kyle ayers, stand up comedy

The mind of Kyle Ayers is, for our money, something to behold. His curiosity, his vulnerability, courage, and, of course, his uncanny comedic intuition are all things that have given us such big laughs over the years.

His very first late night set, this debut on last night’s Conan, showcases all of those facets of Kyle in the best, most present way on top of being a killer late night set.

Please, please, please enjoy his set here and stay in the loop for whatever Ayers is doing.

Watch “Whitmer Thomas: The Golden One” Trailer

January 21, 2020

comedy special, golden one, hbo, trailer, whitmer thomas

HBO’s latest comedy special will continue their exploration of pushing comedy specials into, well, new territory. Whitmer Thomas, a comedian that charmingly wears his heart so prominently on his sleeve, has such an hour for HBO with The Golden One and will be blending original songs, original stand-up, and intimate vignettes of his personal life and family that 110% wonderfully informs all of his comedy.

Having seen Whitmer start at open mics here in LA, we’re truly marveling at seeing that this is where he has evolved to comedically. So, we’re very excited to see what he carefully and lovingly crafts with an entire HBO special.

Get a peek of all of this in Whitmer Thomas: The Golden One’s trailer here, then look for it to premiere on Sat. Feb. 22nd at 10PM on HBO.

January 21, 2020

amuse bouche, ian edwards, kristen schaal, rory scovel

One of the most chic, epicurean nights of comedy in all of Los Angeles happens every now and again with Amuse Bouche. Artisanal food and comedy mix and mingle and the beautiful Virgil Village setting of MELODY.

This Feb. edition of Amuse Bouche, as you can see, is stacked with treats from the likes of Jonathan Whitener, Ryan Costanza, Kristen Schaal, Rory Scovel, Ian Edwards, and, of course, host Karl Hess from Yelling About Pâté.

The idea that you’re getting all of this for only $35 is pretty wild and a deal that you definitely should not pass up on.

Get your tickets before they sell out (and, trust us, they do sell out quick) here.

Hulu’s The Great, Another Period Piece Comedy from Co-Writer of The Favourite Tommy McNamara, Gets a Teaser

January 21, 2020

elle fanning, the great, tommy mcnamara

The Favourite really blew up the notion of what a period piece could be and how subversively comedic and raunchy you could be within what had previously be a very rigid sub genre of film and TV.

Tommy McNamara co-wrote The Favourite with Deborah Davis and is now at the helm of another satirical reimagining of a power female historical figure, Catherine the Great. The series is being called The Great and will definitely take liberties to twist the knife for comedy’s sake from moment to moment.

McNamara was careful to point out that The Great does play with facts, saying the show is accurate in various spots but, “we’re not trying to make a historically accurate document.” (via Deadline)

For now, there is only this announcement teaser, but you can get a sense of what McNamara has up his sleeve with Elle Fanning as Catherine the Great.

On a separate note, is this the start of McNamara creating various works that are titled only by superlatives and are dark comedies of historical figures, particularly of women?

Look for The Great to premiere on Hulu come Fri., May 15th.

Rob McElhenney Says “We’re Going to Keep Doing It Forever If People Keep Watching” in Regards to the Future of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”

January 21, 2020

it's always sunny in philadelphia, rob mcelhenney

Rob McElhenney Says “We’re Going to Keep Doing It Forever If People Keep Watching” in Regards to the Future of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”

While at over 150 episodes and 14 seasons deep, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia stands as sort of a marvel in a day and age where making it to even six seasons as a TV series is considered to be rarefied air. The dark sitcom that started so bare bones that it often shot multiple episodes simultaneously has built a veritable empire and certainly launched the careers of Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, and Kaitlin Olson as well as brought Danny DeVito into a whole new wonderfully despicable role.

To hear that McElhenney say that they’ll keep it going so long as people watch is interesting as the simplicity of “the gangs” dynamic leaves a wide open canvas for so many storylines and arcs. Just imagining what season 25 or 30 of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia does have us curious and, if McElhenney makes good on his word, maybe they’ll beat out Gunsmoke’s record of 480 episodes.

January 20, 2020

chapo trap house, comedy show, highland park, live podcast, lodge room, los angeles, podcast, political comedy

Will Menaker, Matt Christman, Felix Biederman, Amber A’Lee Frost, and Virgil Texas together have created one of the most beloved series of political comedy in recent memory with their podcast Chapo Trap House. Their fiery, satirical commentary has earned them one hell of a following as well (they are probably the top earners on Patreon).

As such, you shouldn’t miss when Chapo Trap House stops into LA at Highland Park’s Lodge Room on Tues. Feb. 25th at 7PM & 10PM. Tickets are $25-$28. You can (and very much should) get tickets here and here respectively before they sell out.

Hank Azaria Is Stepping Down from Voicing Apu on The Simpsons

January 18, 2020

apu, hank azaria, the-simpsons

Hank Azaria Is Stepping Down from Voicing Apu on The Simpsons

Hank Azaria has actually been willing to step down from voicing Apu for over a year now (as said during a Colbert appearance), but his exit from the character was officially announced today. While this decision was collectively made by Azaria and the heads of The Simpsons, the future of the character has yet to be known.

Much of the controversy behind Azaria voicing Apu came when Hari Kondabolu released his groundbreaking documentary The Problem with Apu in 2017, which sought to bring to light a conversation about race and representation in media.

As you probably guessed, Hari had something to say about today’s news and tweeted the thread below.

It’s interesting to think of The Simpsons, a series that has been very prescient about so many things over decades of being on the air, is now taking a step to address their own problematic element of their show. What lies ahead will be even more intriguing and perhaps, the legendary show is set on a fascinating new direction.

A Steve Martin & Martin Short True Crime Comedy Series Ordered Up at Hulu

January 17, 2020

hulu, martin short, steve martin, true crime comedy

A Steve Martin & Martin Short True Crime Comedy Series Ordered Up at Hulu

Steve Martin, Martin Short, and a third will be a trio of friends that are obsessed with true crime (curious to see if they drop a murderino reference for that) and discover that they’re in the middle of developing true crime story.

We’re pretty sure that Steve Martin and Martin Short together again would make any premise work, but it’s intriguing to see the legendary comedy duo tap into the zeitgeist and get in on the world’s current fixation on true crime. Will their be echoes of Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid or will it be something a little more grounded and darker. It’s not clear at this point, but we’ll be intrigued to see what is clearly a big get for Hulu whenever this begins streaming.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus Inks Overall Deal at Apple TV Plus

January 17, 2020

apple tv plus, julia louis dreyfus

Julia Louis-Dreyfus Inks Overall Deal at Apple TV Plus

While it’s been a bit of clunky start for Apple TV Plus, this is a huge get for them and we can only hope that Apple makes good on putting their money on Julia Louis-Dreyfus and that Julia will get to EP and star in something(s) that will usher in what could be considered a third golden age of JLD (the other two being Seinfeld and Veep).

High Maintenance’s Season 4 Trailer Is Here and Things Seem Just a Little Bit Better

January 17, 2020

ben sinclair, hbo, high maintenance, katja blichfeld, season 4, trailer

Like the rush of ease that characters within High Maintenance get from knowing that the guy is coming with some much needed cannabis-fueled relief, it’s very comforting to know that a new season of High Maintenance is coming for us on Feb. 7th.

This season 4 trailer gives just a taste of that beautiful feeling that has always existed with every episode of this show (on top of teasing what should be a stand out ep. with Larry Owens). See it for yourself here.

January 17, 2020

coronet theatre, event of a lifetime tour, largo, stand up comedy, todd glass

We hope that you saw Todd Glass kill it with his singular brand of cleverly wrought tomfoolery and bits on Jimmy Kimmel Live this week. If not, please do yourself a favor and enjoy his great set here.

OK, now that we’re all on the same page, you should take note that Todd will be headlining Largo as part of his The Event of a Lifetime Tour on Mon. Mar. 9th at 8PM. As the title suggests, it’s something that will be so momentous that it would stand out in the course of one’s lifetime.

And, for that, tickets are only $30 (plus $7 service fee). With all of that in mind, you best go get tickets for Todd Glass: The Event of a Lifetime here.

Please Get Atsuko Okatsuka’s Delightful Debut Album “but i control me”

January 17, 2020

atsuko okatsuka, comedy album, comedy dynamics, stand up comedy

Not only does Atsuko Okatsuka have a bottomless well of charm on stage, but there’s a self-awareness about her charm and her whole persona/being that ends up being even more charming somehow.

Atsuko has a fascinating story of coming to America, some of which finds its way on this debut album, but i control me, making for a very intriguing listen for that alone. Also, she has very, very clever observations through her unique Asian-American immigrant lens, nimbly told with an undeniably fun delivery.

Undoubtedly, this debut album is a very good sign of what’s to come (even after Okatsuka already has very enjoyable body of work)

Get but i control me from Comedy Dynamics on Fri. Jan. 17th on Apple Music, Amazon, and Pandora here.

Todd Glass Stirs Up Joyful Chaos on Kimmel (Complete with a Full Band)

January 16, 2020

jimmy kimmel live, late night, stand up comedy, todd glass

Todd Glass is a master of the comedic moment. Whenever you see him perform, he knows how to cause quite the silly ruckus only to effortlessly and hilariously undercut it all with one line, getting a big laugh and applause for doing so. Additionally, Glass is funny with his bits, outside of his bits, and from almost any other angle, which is such an impressive feat unto itself.

No one does it quite like Todd and it really is a beautiful thing to watch him wrangle all of it together, especially with the dimension of him running bits with a full band that’s game for whatever he throws at them.

You can see Todd put all of this on display from his set on last night’s Jimmy Kimmel Live. Please, please enjoy it here.

NBC Announces Peacock’s Development Slate Featuring MacGruber, a Soccer Comedy EP’d by Amy Poehler and Abby Wambach, a McElroy Fantasy Series, and a Laverne Cox Vehicle

January 16, 2020

development slate, nbc, peacock

NBC Announces Peacock’s Development Slate Featuring MacGruber, a Soccer Comedy EP’d by Amy Poehler and Abby Wambach, a McElroy Fantasy Series, and a Laverne Cox Vehicle

The streaming wars are sure getting fierce. As each respective streaming service is building their army of content, the announcement of what’s to come is becoming more and more crucial.

Today, NBC’s upcoming streaming service Peacock came out swinging by announcing for Peacock’s development slate:

-a series based on the cult comedy MacGruber from Will Forte

-Division One, a women’s soccer comedy that follows a former-champ-turned-coach trying to recapture some former glory (with both Amy Poehler and US Women’s Team World Cup Champion Abby Wambach attached as EPs)

-the McElroy Brothers of My Brother, My Brother, and Me doing an entire fantasy series that combines their D&D podcast/graphic novel series The Adventure Zone

–Expecting, a Mindy Kaling comedy that imagines a new sort of nuclear family

–Clean Slate, that has Laverne Cox playing a formerly estranged son that returns home as an amazing trans woman (a role perfect for Cox)

It’s an enticing line-up, but we’ll just have to wait and see how it’ll fare against everything else (Netflix, Hulu, HBOMax, Disney+, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime, etc. etc.).

January 16, 2020

black belt test, comedy, comedy show, experimental comedy, kimia behpoornia, live comedy, martial arts, ucb

Kimia Behpoornia has been a go-to performer for UCB for many years now, whether it be improv or sketch or whatever other crazy thing they come up with.

While it’s worth catching her on Harold or Maude Night or Great Sketch!, the idea that she’s actually going to test for her black belt as a comedy show has our interest beyond peaked.

That’s right, Kimia will be doing a martial arts test at UCB Sunset at the end of the month and our minds are racing as to figure out what could possibly happen ((notice how she’s even credited as a Black Belt Candidate as opposed to cast, writer, etc.).

We’re sure there’s a whole other bevy of surprises for Kimia Tests for Her Blackbelt: LIVE (as many other go-to UCB performers are on the bill), but the testing for the black belt itself ought to be something special.

So, Kimia Tests for Her Blackbelt: LIVE is set for Wed. Jan. 29th at 10:30PM. Tickets are $7 and you can (and should) get them here.

BoJack Horseman’s Final Season Trailer Is Here

January 15, 2020

bojack horseman, final season, trailer

BoJack Horseman seemingly came out of nowhere, years ago, with such a wildly high concept, even for animation, and then ended up being one of the most unexpected surprises for an animated series, sitcom, dramedy, or whatever else you want to try to call it.

What’s even more amazing is that it kept being an unexpected surprise by reinventing itself every season (sometimes, between episodes) and pulling that off. So many TV series have fallen short trying to attempt anything similar. BoJack’s reinvention became part of its key thanks to creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg and company.

At this point, we’re not entirely sure what’s going to happen other than us all getting another set of episodes that will be hysterical, heartfelt, meta, and, overall, damn fine television later this month.

Get a taste of what’s to come with the final episodes of BoJack Horseman in this final season 6 trailer here, then look for episodes to start streaming on Fri. Jan. 31st on Netflix.

January 15, 2020

alan zweibel, in conversation, larry david, live talks los angeles

On one level, this will be a celebration of the career of venerable comedy writer Alan Zweibel (SNL, Letterman, Curb Your Enthusiasm) as captured in this memoir Laugh Lines: My Life Helping Funny People Be Funnier.

On another level, this very well could be a very fun, jaunty roast by Larry David of his friend, collaborator, and contemporary, which is more than worth the price of admission.

Either reason is more than enough to catch this particular edition of Live Talks Los Angeles featuring Alan Zweibel in conversation with Larry David about Laugh Lines on 4/20 (we’re sure Larry will have something to say about that) at the Writers Guild Theater.

Tickets start at $20 and are $43 if you want to buy the book as well (FYI, they don’t go on sale until Mar. 20th 10AM, but you ought to send a reminder as we’re sure this will sell out fast). Get more info, bookmark where to buy tickets, etc. here.

Please Enjoy Tom Scharpling’s Wild Send-Up of Grown Ups with His “Grown Ups 3″ Script

January 14, 2020

grown ups, grown-ups 3, tom scharpling

Over the course of two movies, Adam Sandler, David Spade, Chris Rock, and Kevin James have gotten to effectively hang out and celebrate the good ol’ times together in both a diegetic and non-diegetic sense.

The wily old Tom Scharpling had a bit of fun imagining what a third installment to the film franchise would be like and penned an entire script as a loving stunt to the Grown Ups and the “SandlerVerse”. What resulted is a very satisfyingly meta, twist-and-turn filled short script (only 51 pages).

So, without further adieu, please read and enjoy Scharpling’s joyfully dark take on Grown-Ups here.

FYI, tickets for the live reading of Grown-Ups 3 on Jan. 28th at the Bootleg are still available.

‘Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens’ Renewed For Season 2 at Comedy Central Before Premiere

January 14, 2020

awkwafina, comedy central, nora from queens, renewed

‘Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens’ Renewed For Season 2 at Comedy Central Before Premiere

Comedy Central is doubling down on its latest series a week before it even premieres on the network. Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens is getting a 2nd season and the first season has yet to premiere (series premiere is set for Jan. 22nd).

Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens already has a lot going for it with the titular Awkwafina coming off a pretty great 2019, especially with all the accolades she garnered for The Farewell. It’s obvious that the network is looking for its next critical/commercial hit and we’ll just all have to wait and see if that will be the case for Comedy Central’s latest scripted series.

Certainly, the trailer shows promise, especially if you’ve been following Awkwafina since her exclusive rap days.

January 14, 2020

comedy show, los angeles, maria bamford, stand up comedy, the clubhouse

That’s four, count ‘em, four chances you’ve got coming up to see the one and only Maria Bamford work out a new hour of stand-up at the intimate, DIY space of The Clubhouse in Los Feliz (located right next to the Jons in a gigantic strip mall).

This week and next week, you should really try and find a way to get to The Clubhouse at 2PM for one of these shows to see one of the funniest and best human beings do what they do best.