Recent News

This Better Be Funny Ep. 49 with Andrew Solmssen

November 20, 2012

This week’s This Better Be Funny:

Jake and Jeremy enjoy a nice afternoon in West Hollywood chatting with nerd extraordinaire and very funny comedian Andrew Solmssen on anything from The Bridge, a documentary on suicide off the Golden Gate Bridge, to bizarre editions of the Garfield comic strip, to the Winchester Mystery House, and everything in between and beyond. It gets dark, absurd, and a little historical, but definitely fun when Jeremy gets offended by a dig at the Garfield movie.

LA Comedy Rundown 11/20/12

November 20, 2012

comedy shows, los angeles, open mics

ON THE HORIZON
The End of the World Show @ Lyric Hyperion Theater & Cafe Fri. Nov. 23rd 10PM FREE
Set List w/Eddie Pepitone & Friends @ Flappers Burbank Fri. Dec. 7th & Sat. Dec. 8th 8PM/10PM $20/2 item min.

Flyer by Hertz Alegrio

COMEDY CRAWL
Greg Proops Film Club: The Big Sleep @ Cinefamily 8PM $12
The 4 & 20 @ All Star Lanes 8PM FREE
Comedy Bang Bang @ UCB Theatre 8:30PM $5 (stand by only)
Holy Fuck @ Downtown Independent Theater 9PM FREE
Competitive Erotic Fan Fiction @ Nerdmelt Showroom 9PM $10

OPEN MIC RUN
HOLLYWOOD IMPROV
FLAPPERS BURBANK
SAL’S COMEDY HOLE 7356 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 6PM/Ends 8PM/5 min./First come, first served/No purchase necessary
AMSTERDAM CAFE 10905 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood, CA/Sign-up 6PM/Starts 6:30PM
THE MOTH @ LOS GLOBOS 3040 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Doors 7PM/Starts 7:30PM/Storytelling only/5 min/Must be on theme Gratitude/Lottery/10 spots only/$8 cover
TRIBAL CAFE BEVERLY 3253 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 7PM/Starts 7:45PM/First come, first served/6 min./No purchase necessary
ROCKPAPER COFFEE CO. 7509 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 6:30PM/Starts 7PM/lottery/One item min.
PALMS BAR 8572 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA/Sign-up 6:15PM/Ends 7:55PM/5-7 min./First come, first served/One drink min.
WESTWOOD BREW CO 1097 Glendon Ave., Westwood, CA/Sign-up 7:30PM/Starts 8PM/lottery/first come, first served/no purchase necessary
COFFEE GALLERY 2029 Lake Ave., Altadena, CA/Sign-up 7:30PM/Starts 8PM/lottery/5 min.
PEDONE’S PIZZA 1332 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach, CA/Sign-up 7:30PM/Starts 8PM/Ends 9:15PM/5-7min.
TRIBAL CAFE 1651 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA (Echo Park)/Starts 8PM/mixed mic
DAVE’S BAR 708 Broadway, Glendale, CA/Starts 9PM/first come, first served/one item min./8-10 min.
BOOM SHOW @ HOLLYWOOD IMPROV 8162 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 9:30PM/Starts 10PM/20 spots open, 20 spots booked/1 min. only/First come, first served/No purchase necessary
WESTSIDE COMEDY THEATER 1323-A 3rd St., Santa Monica, CA (in alley between 3rd St. Promenade and 4th St.)/Sign-up 9:45PM/Starts 10PM/lottery/$1 cover
THE COMEDY STORE BELLY ROOM 8433 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA/Starts 11PM/Lottery/3 min./No purchase necessary
PALMS BAR 8572 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA/Starts 11PM/First come, first served/One drink min.

ABC Developing Sitcom Starring Rory Scovel

November 20, 2012

ABC Developing Sitcom Starring Rory Scovel

Best thing we’ve heard from ABC’s side of the fence in quite some time.

Matt Besser Releases ‘The 6 Most Important Sets in the History of Stand Up’

November 20, 2012

Matt Besser Releases ‘The 6 Most Important Sets in the History of Stand Up’

Reasons you should get this:

1. It’s a comedy album from UCB founding member Matt Besser.
2. It features him doing characters doing stand-up.
3. Such characters include Satan, Pope Benedict XVI, and Bjork
4. It’s $2
5. You like laughing (we assume)
6. It’s $2

Buy ‘The 6 Most Important Sets in the History of Stand Up’ now.

See The Sweeter Side of TJ Miller’s Blue Monster Gorburger

November 20, 2012

The Gorburger Show starring TJ Miller has definitely been a highlight of online talk shows that we’ve seen in recent memory. Here’s the latest episode where you can see the sweeter side of the blue bloodlust driven monster that took over a TV studio by eating people with guest Katy Goodman/La Sera.

Conan and Judd Apatow Talk Comedy For Almost 70 Minutes and You Should Watch All of It

November 20, 2012

In the second installment of Conan O’Brien’s ‘Serious Jibber-Jabber’, Conan sits down with Judd Apatow and talk working with family, disliking good look funny people, the dynamics of writers’ rooms, and everything you probably want to know in a conversation between the two.

Eugene Mirman’s Comedy Central Hour ‘An Evening of Comedy In a Fake Underground Laboratory’ Airs Next Month

November 20, 2012

Comedy Central’s row of hour stand-up specials are starting to roll out like Chris Hardwick’s and Kyle Kinane’s upcoming one, which we’re glad to hear that ’Eugene Mirman: An Evening of Comedy In a Fake Underground Laboratory’ is airing 12AM on Fri. Dec. 14th on Comedy Central.

Set a reminder and re-watch his commencement speech this year to get ready.

LA Comedy Rundown 11/21/12

November 21, 2012

comedy shows, los angeles, open mics

ON THE HORIZON
The Tomorrow Show w/Ron Lynch Presents Hook-Up Sat. Nov. 24th MIDNIGHT $8
Paul Scheer’s 4th Annual Sexy Christmas Spectacular @ Largo at the Coronet Theatre Mon. Dec. 10th 8PM $25

COMEDY CRAWL
Smartest Man in the World w/Greg Proops LIVE @ Bar Lubitsch 8PM FREE
Meltdown @ Nerdmelt Showroom 8:30PM FREE
The Hoop Dreams Comedy Hour @ Neon Venus Theatre 10:30PM $3

OPEN MIC RUN
DANGERFIELD’S 3 2524 1/2 James M. Wood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 6PM/Lottery/3-5min./$2 cover
SAL’S COMEDY HOLE 7356 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 6PM/Ends 8PM/5 min./First come, first served/No purchase necessary
FLAPPERS BURBANK 102 E. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA/Starts 6PM/3 min./No purchase necessary
ROCKPAPER COFFEE CO. 7509 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 6PM/Starts 6:30PM/lottery/One item min.
REDWOOD BAR & GRILL 316 W. 2nd St., Los Angeles, CA (Downtown)/Starts 6:30PM/No purchase necessary
DAVE’S CHILLIN’ AND GRILLIN’ 2152 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock, CA/Sign-up 7PM/Starts 7:30PM/Women only can sign-up/First come, first served/No purchase necessary
HOLLYWOOD HOTEL 1160 N. Vermont Ave., Hollywood, CA/Sign-up 7PM/Starts 7:30PM/5 min./first come, first served/one drink min.
TRIBAL CAFE BEVERLY 3253 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 7:30PM/Starts 8PM/First come, first served/6 min./No purchase necessary
TRIBAL CAFE 1651 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 6:30PM/Starts 7PM/mixed mic
SPANISH FLY GASTROPUB 3800 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 8PM/Ends 10PM/mixed mic/First come, first served/No purchase necessary
LIQUID ZOO 7214 Sepulveda Blvd., Van Nuys, CA/Sign-up 8:30PM/Starts 9PM/first come, first served/7 min.
FLAPPERS BAR 102 E. Magnolia Ave., Burbank, CA/Sign-up 11PM/Starts MIDNIGHT/First come, first served

The 5 Most Intentionally Funny Videos This Week 11/20 at The Nerdist

November 21, 2012

The 5 Most Intentionally Funny Videos This Week 11/20 at The Nerdist

Our picks for The 5 Most Intentionally Funny Videos This Week span all the way from misuse of puppets to unlikely eviction from unusual situations and is free of any discussion over the David Petraeus scandal. You can watch them at the link and if you want to be a part of next week’s 5 MIFV, read the rules at the bottom to submit.

Puddin’ with Eddie Pepitone Urges To Be a Savvy Shopper/Criminal

November 21, 2012

The daily live action comic strip Puddin’ with Eddie Pepitone, written and silently experienced by Matt Oswalt (the guy eating pudding) is still going strong even getting featured on YouTube’s Official Comedy channel. If you haven’t caught on to this series which has posted an ep. every Mon.-Fri. for well over a year, watch this latest episode with special guest Steven Weber that urges consumers to always think “buyer beware” when shopping, even if what you’re buying is incredibly illegal.

Johnny Carson Interviews To Air on TCM

November 21, 2012

Johnny Carson Interviews To Air on TCM

In tandem with the news of a potential biopic of Johnny Carson’s life being made, the Johnny Carson Estate has now given rights to TCM to air interviews of Carson that have been seldom seen since they aired.

We wonder if they’ll play them in a block against modern day late night talk shows.

Garfunkel & Oates Recount Their Very Personal Experience Swinging “The Other Way”

November 21, 2012

Wherever you stand on the debate on whether being gay is something a person is born as or not, you have to agree that this latest, very funny song, The College Try, by Garfunkel & Oates (Kate Micucci & Riki Lindhome) should definitely be the theme for the “you’re born with it” side.

Don’t Forget About Pardcastathon 2012 When You’re Boycotting Wal Mart

November 21, 2012

Don’t Forget About Pardcastathon 2012 When You’re Boycotting Wal Mart

There will be a planned strike this Friday on Wal-Mart, which just happens to be the biggest shopping day of the year in America, Black Friday. While that might divert your attention from Thanksgiving and, consequently, Black Friday itself, don’t forget about Jimmy Pardo’s annual charity podcast marathon, Pardcastathon, supporting Smile Train.

12 hours of Jimmy Pardo and guests is something you’re going to want to tune into, which we’re sure you can catch some of and juggle between aiding strikers or crossing picket lines.

It’s Official-Hot Tub with Kurt and Kristen Found a Home in LA

November 21, 2012

Kurt Braunohler and Kristen Schaal’s wonderful NYC show Hot Tub will kick off at The Virgil and in two weeks (Mon. Dec. 3rd 8PM) as a benefit for Hurricane Sandy victims. You can buy tickets now.

Please, everyone go because it’s for a good cause and also it’s Hot Tub.

Effective Immediately, Chevy Chase Is Leaving ‘Community’

November 21, 2012

Effective Immediately, Chevy Chase Is Leaving ‘Community’

As if replacing the showrunner wasn’t hardship enough on the series, Chevy Chase is now leaving ‘Community’ to explain his exit amidst production without him. Whatever episode they have to comment on his sudden disappearance on the show, however, will undoubtedly score good ratings whether it be Community fans or other people watching.

LA Comedy Rundown 11/22/12

November 22, 2012

comedy shows, los angeles, open mics

ON THE HORIZON
Maria Bamford @ Flappers Claremont Fri. Nov. 23rd & Sat. Nov. 24th 8PM/10PM $20
The Walsh Brothers @ UCB Theatre Sat. Nov. 24th MIDNIGHT $5
Stardumb @ Flappers Burbank Thurs. Nov. 29th 8PM $15/2 item min.
Save the Date Free Screening from Hello Giggles @ Silent Movie Theatre Tues. Nov. 27th 7PM FREE w/RSVP
A Tribute to Judd Apatow Hosted by Judd Apatow @ Gallery 1988 Melrose Tues. Dec. 4th 7PM FREE
Jenny Slate & Very Special Guests: Hurricane Sandy Benefit @ Largo at the Coronet Theatre Thurs. Dec. 13th 7PM $30
Brian Regan @ The Wiltern Fri. Feb. 1st 7PM $52-$58

COMEDY CRAWL

It’s Thanksgiving. Enjoy some turkey and family & friends.

OPEN MIC RUN

It’s still Thanksgiving, so get material to work on at the dinner table.

NYC Is Having a Podcast Festival With a Solid Line-up of NYC Podcasts

November 22, 2012

It’s been said that many of the biggest and best comedy podcasts are based in Los Angeles and while LA is home to many great ones (Comedy Bang Bang, Smartest Man in the World, The Pod F. Tompkast, WTF! w/Marc Maron, etc.), NYC has several great ones as well. There’s so many that NYC is going to have it’s own podcast festival with the likes of NYC podcasts of note Dave Hill’s Podcasting Incident, The Jeff Rubin Jeff Rubin Show, and more.

Sat. Jan. 12th & Sun. Jan. 13th at the PIT, it’ll be the NYC Podfest.

Jason Woliner Made T-Shirts Combining the Faces of Jay Leno and Che Guevara and Had To Redo Them

November 22, 2012

Jason Woliner (Eagleheart, Human Giant) had the humorous idea of pasting the face of late night talk show host Jay Leno and the iconic face of revolutionary leader Che Guevara. Unfortunately, during his first attempt, the resulting logo was confusing to many people, so Woliner redesigned the shirt so the combo could be more clear.

You can buy both t-shirts now and get it for the comedy fan in your life right even before Black Friday starts.

Here’s a Great Documentary of Long Form Improv at UCB

November 22, 2012

If you’ve always heard the terms ‘long form improv’ or ‘harold’ and just left it at that because you’ve had bad experiences watching bad improv, Thrash Lab has made a great short documentary explaining what goes into a harold and why you should go watch improv live. Featured within are Matt Walsh, Paul Scheer, Jason Mantzoukas, Kay Cannon, and more all talking about improv and the process.

When you have time while the turkey is in the oven, give it a watch.

If You’ve Been Looking for That One Great Thanksgiving Song, Look No Further Than Matt Micucci’s Turkey Song

November 22, 2012

Kate Micucci’s brother Matt put together quite the Thanksgiving song complete with costumes and vicious pilgrims (played by hilarious people Davey Johnson & Katie Crown) that made for one of the funniest, most memorable Thanksgiving songs we’ve heard in awhile.

Take a listen especially if you haven’t eaten any turkey yet.

LA Comedy Rundown 11/23/12

November 23, 2012

comedy shows, los angeles, open mics

ON THE HORIZON
Loud Village Presents Comedy for the Holidays @ Troubadour Mon Dec. 10th 8PM $10 in adv., $12 at door

COMEDY CRAWL
The Little Dum Dum Club LIVE @ Nerdmelt Showroom 7:30PM $5
To Rome with Love/Midnight in Paris @ New Beverly Cinema 7:30PM $8
Cristela Alonzo @ Flappers Burbank 8PM/10PM $20/2 item min.
Maria Bamford @ Flappers Claremont 8PM/10PM $20
Shitty Holidays @ UCB Theatre 8PM $10 (stand by only)
The End of the World Show @ Lyric Hyperion Theatre & Cafe 10PM FREE

OPEN MIC RUN
SET LIST @ FLAPPERS BAR 102 E. Magnolia, Burbank, CA/Sign-up 5PM/Starts 5:30PM/given “set list” of topics to do jokes off of/first come, first served/no purchase necessary
ROCKPAPER COFFEE CO 7509 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 6PM/Starts 6:30PM/5 min./One item min.
SAL’S COMEDY HOLE 7356 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 6PM/Ends 8PM/5 min./First come, first served/No purchase necessary
SILVERLAKE LOUNGE 2906 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA (Silverlake)/Sign-up (lottery) 6PM/Starts 6:30PM/4 min./no purchase necessary
MAX BLOOM’S 200 N. Malden Ave., Fullerton, CA/Starts 7PM/booked show after/no purchase necessary
HOLLYWOOD HOTEL 1160 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 6PM/Starts 7PM/5 min./first come, first served/one drink min.
SABOR Y CULTURA 5625 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA/Starts 8PM/Sign-up is a lottery/5 min. with 3 min. work-in’s/No purchase necessary
FLAPPERS BAR 102 E. Magnolia Ave., Burbank, CA/Sign-up 10PM/Starts MIDNIGHT/lottery

Maria Bamford’s ‘Special Special Special’ Will Be Available For Download Next Week

November 23, 2012

Maria Bamford’s ‘Special Special Special’ Will Be Available For Download Next Week

Next Wed. Nov. 28th, Maria Bamford’s, dare we say, revolutionary stand-up special wherein she performs stand-up in her living room, will be available at Chill.com. So, make sure you don’t break the bank today Christmas shopping.

‘Historically Awkward’, a New Web Series, Explains Why John Hancock’s Signature Is So Big

November 23, 2012

After all this time that people have been saying “you can put your John Hancock here”, there is now an explanation for why Hancock has only been epitomized for his obnoxiously large signature. Thanks to Historically Awkward, a new web series from Grant Lyon and Andy Peters we now have the “truth” (also with great cameos for fellow hilarious people Jarrod Harris and Matt Knudsen)

Give it a watch and learn something.

Make a Fake Criterion Collection Cover of a Nicholas Cage Movie and Win Nicholas Cage Prizes

November 23, 2012

Make a Fake Criterion Collection Cover of a Nicholas Cage Movie and Win Nicholas Cage Prizes

Curators of some of the best fake movie covers ever, Fake Criterions, is having it’s 2nd “Cage Match”, looking for the best covers of Nicholas Cage movies as if there were part of the highly selective, art-house driven Criterion Collection.

Make one and enter and you could win some the pants he wore from The Weather Man and more as well as be judged by the likes of Jake Fogelnest and Paul Scheer.

Jimmy Pardo’s Pardcast-A-Thon Is Starting Right Now

November 23, 2012

12 hours of comedy put together by the Never Not Funny podcast with Jimmy Pardo for Smile Train is happening. Why are you still reading this? Go, watch, and donate.