Recent News

Mike Lawrence Is Recording an Album for Comedy Central Records at Nerdmelt

February 18, 2013

Not only is the incredibly funny Mike Lawrence getting a Half Hour special from Comedy Central this year, he’s recording his debut comedy album, Sadamantium, for Comedy Central as well. There will be two tapings on Mar. 9th, 7:30PM & 9PM, at Nerdmelt Showroom inside Meltdown Comics and it will be FREE.

We’re sure that you’ll definitely want to be in attendance after seeing how funny Mike has been on John Oliver’s NY Stand Up Show and Conan and all throughout the country.

Thomas Lennon Cast in Sean Hayes NBC Comedy Pilot

February 18, 2013

Thomas Lennon Cast in Sean Hayes NBC Comedy Pilot

Thank goodness that there’s a big chance that we’ll get to see Thomas Lennon back on TV reguarly.

Play Charades Like Dead Kevin Does To Ensure a Weird Evening In

February 18, 2013

Sketch group Dead Kevin shows how they play charades with someone they don’t play charades with (i.e. how you should play charades if you want it to be at all exciting and really damn funny)

This Better Be Funny Ep. 61 Valentine’s Day Special Without Guest

February 19, 2013

This Better Be Funny Ep. 61 Valentine’s Day Special Without Guest

For this week’s This Better Be Funny being recorded on Valentine’s Day, we decided to record it alone without a guest. It’s really funny and not depressing at all. Trust us.

Jake and Jeremy, in honor(?) of Valentine’s Day which is the day this recording took place, opted to go sans guest and walk as two straight guys around a pretty empty high end mall where they couldn’t afford anything. To both your and my surprise, they did not kill themselves or each other. Per usual, Jeremy noticed pretty women walking around and Jake was glad he didn’t have to go to a strip club, which was the original plan for this Valentine’s ep., and they both fought over that in pretty great and hysterical fashion.

LA Comedy Rundown 2/19/13

February 19, 2013

comedy shows, los angeles, open mics

ON THE HORIZON
The Blind Barber’s Secret Show @ The Blind Barber Wed. Feb. 27th 8PM FREE w/RSVP
Game, Set, Match: Maccabi USA Comedy Fundraiser @ Westside Comedy Theater Sun. Mar. 3rd 7PM $20-$45

COMEDY CRAWL
The Bitter Buddha @ Downtown Independent Theater 5PM/7PM $10
Comedy Night @ Echoes Under Sunset 7:30PM FREE
TNT Improv @ The Clubhouse 8PM FREE
Bruin Up Some Laughs @ Kerckhoff 8PM FREE
Showcase Showdown @ All Star Lanes 8PM FREE
Director’s Cut @ Jumpcut Cafe 8PM FREE
Hob Nobbin’ with Susan Burke & Friends 8PM FREE
Put Your Hands Together @ UCB Theatre 8PM $5
Tonannie @ Groundlings 8PM $6
C’mon Up Comedy @ Barbarella Bar 8PM FREE
Nick Kroll & Friends @ Largo at the Coronet Theatre 8:30PM $25
Victory Lap @ The Virgil 9PM FREE
Holy Fuck @ Downtown Independent Theater 9PM FREE
Competitive Erotic Fan Fiction @ Nerdmelt Showroom 9PM $10
Andy Kindler: Stand-Uppity @ UCB Theatre 9:30PM $5
Up Top @ Rush Street 10PM FREE
Bertie Stands Up @ The Palace Restaurant 10PM No cover/1 drink min.
Steve Benaquist’s Big & Tall Show @ Middle Theatre Company 10:30PM FREE

OPEN MIC RUN
FLAPPERS BURBANK 102 E. Magnolia Ave., Burbank, CA/Sign-up 5PM/Starts 5:30PM/Stand-up, sketch, improv all welcome/5 min.
HOLLYWOOD IMPROV 8162 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 5:30PM-5:40PM/Starts 6PM/lottery/20 spots only/3 min./No purchase necessary
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 at 7PM/Starts 7:30PM sharp/Stories only/Must be on theme of “comfort”/5 min./10 spots only/lottery/$8 cover
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.
THE PALACE RESTAURANT 2112 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 9PM/Ends 10PM/Lottery/4 min.
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
IMPROV JAM @ THE CLUBHOUSE 1107 El Centro, Los Angeles, CA Ste. 110/Starts 11PM after TNT Improv/Anyone can play/No purchase necessary

AMC Developing Nerdist’s All Star Celebrity Bowling for TV

February 19, 2013

AMC Developing Nerdist’s All Star Celebrity Bowling for TV

We definitely are up for some old school bowling alley good-spirited trashtalk on TV, especially the type that Chris Hardwick has been fostering over on the Nerdist’s YouTube Channel. If you’re not familiar, please watch this episode with Conan and Team Coco and see what AMC is so excited about.

The Bitter Buddha Now Available on iTunes

February 19, 2013

The must see for any level of comedy fan documentary about Eddie Pepitone is now on available on iTunes and will be available soon on Video on Demand as well as being shown on cable.

Even if you weren’t lucky enough to be at a film/comedy festival or one of the select cities it’s currently playing in, you now have it at the convenience of wherever you happen to be whenever it is. Please watch ASAP. You won’t regret it in case you haven’t seen it or read all the stuff we’ve posted about it.

Weird Al Yankovic, Mike Birbiglia, Ed Helms’ Bluegrass Situation All at Bonnaroo 2013

February 19, 2013

Weird Al Yankovic, Mike Birbiglia, Ed Helms’ Bluegrass Situation All at Bonnaroo 2013

The Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival just announced their line-up for 2013 and already in their comedy tent, they’ll have Weird Al and Mike Birbiglia. As there was anything from Marc Maron to Chris Gethard to Garfunkel & Oates last year, we’re sure there will be more great comedy to come to Tennessee in June.

Before Matt Damon Was Bumped Off Kimmel as a Bit, David Steinberg Was Really Bumped 5 Times in a Row on Carson

February 19, 2013

One of the best, longest running bits currently on late night is Matt Damon getting bumped on Jimmy Kimmel Live. However, long before that, veteran comedy writer and host of Showtime’s Inside Comedy David Steinberg was rescheduled 5 times in a row on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

Fortunately, he went on to do the show dozens of times afterwards. Watch the story on Kimmel now.

Here’s a Preview of The Jeselnik Offensive Which Should Make You Watch Its Premiere Tonight

February 19, 2013

Anthony Jeselnik’s The Jeselnik Offensive premieres tonight on Comedy Central 10:30PM, which you should tune into after watching this preview clip of Anthony’s great take-on the classic “who wore it better?” segment.

Watch now and remember 10:30PM Comedy Central tonight.

LA Comedy Rundown 2/20/13

February 20, 2013

comedy shows, los angeles, open mics

ON THE HORIZON
The Super Serious Show w/Paul F. Tompkins @ Club Fais Do-Do Thurs. Feb. 21st $10 in adv., $15 at door
Underbelly @ Echoes Under Sunset Sat. Feb. 23rd 10PM FREE

COMEDY CRAWL
The Bitter Buddha @ Downtown Independent 5PM/7PM $10
Smartest Man in the World w/Greg Proops @ Bar Lubitsch 8PM FREE
Room 101 Improv @ The Clubhouse 8PM FREE
Meltdown @ Nerdmelt Showroom 8:30PM $8
Venice Underground @ Del Monte & Townhouse 9PM FREE
Facebook @ UCB Theatre 9:30PM $5
Michael Palascak @ Flappers YooHoo Room 9:30PM $10/2 item min.
Comedy Juice @ Hollywood Improv 10PM $14/2 item min.

OPEN MIC RUN
FLAPPERS BURBANK 102 E. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA/Sign-up 5PM/Starts 6PM/3 min./No purchase necessary
DANGERFIELD’S 3 2524 1/2 James M. Wood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 6PM/Lottery/3 min./$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
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/First come, first served/No purchase necessary
HOLLYWOOD HOTEL 1160 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 7PM/Starts 7:30PM/First come, first served/5 min./1 drink min.
TRIBAL CAFE 1651 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 6:30PM/Starts 7PM/mixed mic
LIQUID ZOO 7214 Sepulveda Blvd., Van Nuys, CA/Sign-up 8:30PM/Starts 9PM/first come, first served/7 min.
IMPROV JAM @ THE CLUBHOUSE 1107 El Centro, Los Angeles, CA Ste. 110/Starts 11PM after Room 101/Anyone can play/No purchase necessary
FLAPPERS BAR 102 E. Magnolia Ave., Burbank, CA/Sign-up 11PM/Starts 11:30PM/First come, first served

The 5 Most Intentionally Funny Videos This Week at The Nerdist 2/19/13

February 20, 2013

The 5 Most Intentionally Funny Videos This Week at The Nerdist 2/19/13

We’re back to being on schedule with The 5 Most Intentionally Funny Videos This Week at The Nerdist and thank goodness we are because we have plenty of submitted videos that made the list this week. NitTWITs, Burning Love, Thing X, and more all grace your computer screens with hilarity.

If you wish to be considered for a future 5 MIFV (there’s one every week), please read the rules after the link before submitting.

Feel Free to Pump Your Fists Repeatedly in the Air For Conan O’Brien Getting To Host White House Correspondents’ Dinner

February 20, 2013

Feel Free to Pump Your Fists Repeatedly in the Air For Conan O’Brien Getting To Host White House Correspondents’ Dinner

All we can say it that we cannot to see this as Conan O’Brien has proven himself not only as a hilarious person, late night host, and done several killer addresses, speeches, etc. at colleges, etc., which should make for something hilarious and unforgettable AND C-SPAN will have it’s biggest ratings spike ever.

Mike Bridenstine and Andrew DeWitt Try to Lose Weight Doing Stripper Workout

February 20, 2013

Two overweight very funny comedians, Mike Bridenstine and Andrew DeWitt, try to shed some weight doing something they’re not all that cut out for: a stripper workout. This is all for a new web series “Mike & Andrew Try to Lose Some Weight” where, already, they have tried doing MMA, but fell short of getting ready for the Octagon.

Kristen Wiig and Seth Rogen to Guest Star on Arrested Development

February 20, 2013

Kristen Wiig and Seth Rogen to Guest Star on Arrested Development

Not that you weren’t going to watch this next batch of episodes of Arrested Development or weren’t excited for it, but this is pretty great.

We’re betting Kristen Wiig’s chicken dance will be exceptional.

Bob Odenkirk and David Cross Are Releasing Book of Unpublished Scripts

February 20, 2013

Bob Odenkirk and David Cross Are Releasing Book of Unpublished Scripts

Yes, we’ll absolutely want to pick this up and read it, but also, what might be hysterically funny movies from some of the funniest minds in comedy might now get made that were originally rejected with this book.

Unfortunately, that’s nowhere a new precedent in this business.

Mark Normand on Conan Tonight and James Adomian Tomorrow on Fallon

February 20, 2013

Two hilarious comedians, Mark Normand and James Adomian, get to make their Conan and Fallon stand-up debuts, respectively, and none of you should miss it for how unbelievably funny they are.

Conan tonight 11PM TBS for Mark Normand.

Late Night with Jimmy Fallon tomorrow 12:35AM NBC for James Adomian.

We’ll write again for effect: None of you should miss either of these sets.

LA Comedy Rundown 2/21/13

February 21, 2013

comedy shows, los angeles, open mics

ON THE HORIZON
Channel 101 @ Downtown Independent Theater Sat. Feb. 23rd 8PM/10PM FREE
Picture This! An Animated Live Comedy Show @ Nerdmelt Showroom Fri. Mar. 1st 8PM FREE

COMEDY CRAWL
The Bitter Buddha @ Downtown Independent Theater 5PM/7PM (w/special intro from Jake Weisman, Matt Ingebretson & Jeff Waternhoffer) $10
The Jeselnik Offensive @ Hollywood Center Studios 6PM FREE w/RSVP
Big Money @ The Virgil 7:30PM FREE
The Comedy Garage @ Rafa’s Lounge Art Gallery 8PM FREE
The Super Serious Show with Paul F. Tompkins @ Club Fais Do-Do 8PM $10 in adv., $15 at door
Lenny Bruce Tribute Show Presented by Pop Up Comedy @ The Mint LA 8PM $10
The Business LA @ Lyric Hyperion Theatre & Cafe 8PM $5
The Josh & Josh Show @ Bar Lubitsch 8:30PM FREE
Sarah Silverman & Friends @ Largo at the Coronet Theatre 9PM $25
The Comedy Palace @ Palace Restaurant 9PM FREE
Captain Planet @ Echoes Under Sunset 9PM $5
Hot House Comedy Show @ RZO 9PM FREE w/RSVP
The 11th Hour Show @ The Clubhouse 11PM FREE

OPEN MIC RUN
FLAPPERS BURBANK 102 E. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA/Sign-up 5PM/Starts 6PM/3 min./First come, first served/25 spots only/counts as audition/No purchase necessary
CAFE AMERICANO 5770 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 5PM/Starts 5:30PM/3 min./1 item min
PALMS BAR 8572 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA/Sign-up 6:15PM/Starts 6:30PM/First come, first served/One drink min.
ROCKPAPER COFFEE 7509 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA/Sign-up 4PM/Starts 6PM/Ends 8PM/lottery
SAL’S COMEDY HOLE 7356 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 6PM-ish/5 min./First come, first served/No purchase necessary
AMSTERDAM CAFE 10905 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood, CA/Sign-up 6PM/Starts 7PM/First come, first served/No purchase necessary
COFFEE BEAN 16101 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA Suite 180/Starts 7PM/First come, first served/Mixed mic/No purchase necessary/Hosted by Jason
ECHOES UNDER SUNSET 1310 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 6:30PM/Starts 7PM/Lottery/4 min./1 item min.
ZAPATA VIVE 101 S. First Ave., Arcadia, CA/Sign-up 6:45PM/lottery/Only 20 spots available/5 min.
HOLLYWOOD HOTEL 1160 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 12PM at FB page/First 23 spots guaranteed/Starts 7PM/5 min./lottery spots for walk-ins/one drink min.
TRIBAL CAFE 1651 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 8PM/mixed mic
CAFE UNURBAN 3301 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA/Sign-up (lottery) 9PM/No purchase necessary
INDIA’S FLAVOR 156 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA/Sign-up 9PM/Starts 9:30PM/Hosted by Meline Tovmasian
PALMS BAR 8572 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA/Starts 11PM/First come, first served/One drink min.
FLAPPERS BAR 102 E. Magnolia Ave., Burbank, CA/Sign-up 11PM/Starts 11:30PM after Main Room show
IMPROV JAM @ CLUBHOUSE 1107 N. El Centro Ave., Los Angeles, CA Ste. 110/Starts around Midnight after 11th Hour Show/Anyone can play/No purchase necessary

Patton Oswalt to Guest Star on Parks and Recreation

February 21, 2013

Patton Oswalt to Guest Star on Parks and Recreation

Not only is this great comedy nerd news, but, perhaps, if Patton Oswalt keeps racking up solid enough guest star/co-star spots, he’ll get his own show on primetime TV.

Please Watch Mark Normand Destroy on His Late Night Debut on Conan

February 21, 2013

If you don’t know who comedian Mark Normand is, please watch every second of this amazing late night stand-up debut, from Conan’s intro to when Mark’s shakes Conan’s hand, and never forget how funny Normand is.

June Diane Raphael Cast to Star in ABC Comedy Pilot

February 21, 2013

June Diane Raphael Cast to Star in ABC Comedy Pilot

She’s currently killing it in season 2 of Burning Love and now is set to star in a network television comedy pilot. Yes to more June Diane Raphael on TV.

So, In Case You Were Doubting the Artistic Merits of Comedy, The Spit Take Has Released an Entire Book of Comedy Critiques

February 21, 2013

Julie Seabaugh, founder and editor of The Spit Take as well as overall wonderful purveyor of comedy, has gathered together a best of compilation of the professionally written critiques of everything comedy from The Spit Take. Hopefully, this is something that will put comedy amongst the ranks of other artistic media held in high esteem like movies, painting, and music. This is now available in printed form for purchase as “2012 Best of The Spit Take: A Compilation of Professional Comedy Criticism” featuring people who do critically write about comedy for a living.

It’s one step closer to Kyle Kinane’s wish off of Whiskey Icarus for “comedy to be taken more seriously as an art form.”

John Oliver Reveals That There Is ‘Daily Show’ Erotic Fan Fiction

February 21, 2013

During his interview with Jimmy Fallon last night, John Oliver detailed his problem with the Internet via the existence of Daily Show specific fan generated erotic stories involving Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, and himself.

Oliver obviously hasn’t heard of Competitive Erotic Fan Fiction.

http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/video/john-oliver-on-twitter-and-slash-fiction/n33054/

LA Comedy Rundown 2/22/13

February 22, 2013

comedy shows, los angeles, open mics

ON THE HORIZON
Playin’ with Micucci @ Steve Allen Theater Sat. Feb. 23rd & Sun. Feb. 24th 8PM $10
The Hayworth Comedy Kickoff @ The Hayworth Theater Wed. Feb. 27th 8PM $5

COMEDY CRAWL
Peachy Keen @ Bar Lubitsch 8PM FREE
Tim Lee @ ACME Comedy Hollywood 8PM $20
The Manifesto Show 1 Year Anniversary @ The Clubhouse 8PM FREE
McGroundlings Irish Pub @ Groundlings 8PM $20
Laurie Kilmartin @ Flappers Burbank 8PM/10PM $20/2 item min.
Tone Bell @ Hollywood Improv 8PM $10/2 item min.
John Roy Album Recording @ Nerdmelt Showroom 9PM FREE w/
RSVP
Laura Kightlinger @ Garrett Morris Downtown Blues & Comedy Club 9PM $20
Hot Improv Nights @ Middle Theatre Company 10PM FREE
End of the World Show @ Lyric Hyperion Theatre & Cafe 10PM FREE
Bad Trip @ Hollywood Improv MIDNIGHT $5/1 item min.

OPEN MIC RUN
SET LIST @ FLAPPERS BAR 102 E. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA/Sign-up 5PM/First come, first served/must improvise set of never before seen provided set list/No purchase necessary
HOLLYWOOD IMPROV 8162 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 5:30PM-5:40PM/Starts 6PM/lottery/20 spots only/3 min./No purchase necessary
ROCKPAPER COFFEE CO 7509 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 6PM/5 min./One item min.
SAL’S COMEDY HOLE 7356 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 6PM-ish/5 min./First come, first served/No purchase necessary
UCB THEATRE 5919 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 6PM/Starts 6:30PM/Lottery/10 spots only/No purchase necessary
MAX BLOOM’S 200 N. Malden Ave., Fullerton, CA/Sign-up 6PM/Starts 6:30PM/booked show after/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
HOLLYWOOD HOTEL 1160 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 6PM/Starts 7PM/5 min./first come, first served/one drink min.
COFFEE GALLERY 2029 Lake Ave., Altadena, CA/Sign-up 7:30PM/Starts 8PM/First come, first served/5 min./Mixed mic
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
IMPROV JAM @ CLUBHOUSE 1107 N. El Centro Ave., Los Angeles, CA Ste. 110/Starts around 10:30PM after Manifesto Show/Anyone can play/No purchase necessary
IMPROV JAM @ MIDDLE THEATER COMPANY 6605 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, Ste. 110/Starts around 11PM after Hot Improv Nights/Anyone can play/No purchase necessary
FLAPPERS BAR 102 E. Magnolia Ave., Burbank, CA/Sign-up 11PM/Starts 11:30PM/lottery

Conan Almost/Pretty Much Catches Robert Smigel in the Act of Triumph The Insult Comic Dog

February 22, 2013

In this latest escapade of Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, Triumph tries to claim defamation of his name from the Carnival Triumph Cruise. More importantly, his lawyer played by his long time “associate" Robert Smigel gets caught with his "puppeteering” by Conan O’Brien.