Recent News – Page 68 – The Comedy Bureau

Please Enjoy the Very Delightful Pilot of “Birdgirl”

April 5, 2021

adult swim, birdgirl, John Doman, Kether Donohue, lorelei ramirez, Negin Farsad, paget brewster, pilot, rob delaney, tony hale

Birdgirl, the new spin-off to Harvey Birdman, officially kicked off as Adult Swim’s latest series and it arrived as a spunky and very welcome addition to the list of things to keep an eye while still in lockdown.

Whether you’re a fan/acquainted with Harvey Birdman or not, Birdgirl leading the charge to save the world, but also doubling as the CEO of Sebben & Sebben is a splendid, over-the-top, yet subversive and timely adult animated action/adventure series. Paget Brewster‘s Birdgirl is undeniably charming as is the supporting cast of Rob Delaney, Kether Donohue, John Doman, Negin Farsad, Tony Hale, and Lorelei Ramirez. There’s also just a lovely tinge of heart to the show, at least from this pilot that you can stream on YouTube at your convenience, that is part of doing a 2021 spin-off of the entertainingly absurd Harvey Birdman.

Go see it all for yourself in Birdgirl’s pilot here, then look for new episodes to air on Adult Swim on Sundays at midnight.

Pick of the Day: StandUP for Autism 4/24

April 5, 2021

News

41presidnetfun, ali clayton, autism, fundraiser, irene morales, kirk smith

April is World Autism Month and, as such, there is a great comedy live-stream coming up to celebrate any and all on the Autism spectrum.

Presented by Asemblco, Ali Clayton and her best friend/man with autism, Bradley will be joined by other wonderful comedians that are a loud and proud part of the Autism community. The line-up for this exclusive live-stream called StandUP for Autism will include Ron Funches, Irene Morales, and Kirk Smith.

Also, the live-stream will wonderfully double as a fundraiser in support of autism awareness. StandUP for Autism is set to go live on Sat. Apr. 24th at 4PM PT/7PM ET. Tickets are $12 and you can (and very much should) go get them here.

Grindr Enters Into Comedy Special Arena with “Gag Reflex”

April 2, 2021

News

grindr, jay jurden, joel kim booster, Sydnee Washington

(via THR)

Though original comedy specials haven’t been released during this time like they used to be, it doesn’t change the fact that streaming services and premium cable networks alike we’re trying their hand at producing some sort of comedy special. Netflix, HBO, Amazon, EPIX, etc. have been plenty busy over the years, which has led to more comedy specials coming from places that you might not expect (Facebook Watch even dipped their toe into this awhile ago with Chris Fleming’s Showpig).

The latest entry comes from a very unlike place, Grindr, in such an unlikely time of the pandemic. Their very first live-stream special, Gag Reflex, features the queer comedy stylings of Joel Kim Booster, Sydnee Washington, Jaye McBride, Zach Zimmerman, and Jay Jurden. Due to the pandemic, it had to be done, as most comedy has been done over the last year, virtually. Still, it does mark a step forward for Grindr as a brand instead of just a gay dating app that usually is relegated in comedy to how promiscuous its users usually are.

Also, kudos to them for picking quite the line-up.

It’s hard to say whether other dating apps will start making similar content or if other brands will enter the comedy space, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see more of such a thing happen as the comedy space is going to be flooded with comedians wanting their time in the spotlight when things get far to the safe side of the pandemic.

In the meantime, you can watch Gag Reflex at your convenience, without Grindr, on YouTube here.

Pick of the Day: Wrong Answers Only 4/15

April 2, 2021

News

aparna nancherla, chris duffy, demi adejuygbe, melissa cristina marquez, zhubin parang

There are decades of evidence that point to quiz shows with right answers being fun. Thus, a quiz show with decidedly wrong answers only stands to be exponentially more fun, right? Don’t answer that; it will be.

That’s why Wrong Answers Only is an upcoming live-stream comedy game show that relies on answers being decidedly incorrect. Coupled with having a panel of comedians and the marvelous Chris Duffy hosting, it should be one hell of a good time.

This particular edition of Wrong Answers Only will feature such a fantastic panel of Demi Adejuyigbe, Aparna Nancherla, and Zhubin Parang along with actual, true-to-life expert in marine biology, Melissa Cristina Marquez.

Wrong Answers Only is set to stream Thu. Apr. 15th at 5:30PM PT/8:30PM ET. Tickets are FREE. Go get them and live-stream access here.

Please Enjoy Courtney Pauroso’s It’s Been a Really Hard Year

April 1, 2021

News

courtney pauroso, pandemic, quarantine, sketch comedy

There’s no way to know the extent of effects of this historic time of the COVID-19 pandemic right now (especially since we’re still in the thick of it all). Given that entirety of the world went through, there are literally billions of experiences that humanity went through over the last year and change. Rampant infection/death and economic devastation are some of the more obvious, colossal things.

However, the journey of individual folks is undoubtedly makes for the sorts of stories that will be passed down for generations, written in short stories, shared at the Moth, and be common ground to talk to strangers at a bar for several years to come.

Case in point: Comedian/clown/actress Courtney Pauroso’s experience in quarantine is something to behold. Just see for yourself in this “candid video” here.

Limbo Trailer Previews Syrian Refugee Comedy Set in Scotland

April 1, 2021

News

ben sharrock, focus features, limbo

Limbo, by another name, could almost be “quarantine” (the sort that we have all been living through for the last year). While many don’t want to dwell on that, Limbo is also the name of what looks to be a delightful film from Ben Sharrock that’s coming to theaters later this month.

A Syrian refugee musician is at the center of the story that follows his journey in seeking asylum in a land so foreign to him, Scotland. From the trailer, there’s an up and off beat charm, the sort you might think of when thinking about indie comedies of yesteryear (i.e. before dramedy was the focus of most of the subgenre).

Go see for yourself here, then look for Limbo in theaters (no word on VOD or streaming yet) on Apr. 30th.

Pick of the Day: Your Late Night Show Tonight Jackie Kashian 4/16

April 1, 2021

News

jackie kashian, late night, rushtix

If you’ve been in and around these parts at The Comedy Bureau, you really ought to know that Jackie Kashian is one of our all-time, hands down, absolute favorite comedians. Really, we highly, highly recommend getting into all her hours of comedy wherever you can get into them, her podcasts The Dork Forest and The Jackie and Laurie Show if you haven’t obsessively done so already.

Truly, anything that Jackie does (even a cameo on the latest episode of Bob’s Burgers) is something you definitely should check out.

That includes her taking over Your Late Night Show Tonight on April 16th where she will get to do her very own version of a talk show, which she not only deserves, but the prospect of which is so exciting. Again, Jackie is so damn funny to us that we’d love to see what that very sharply honed, pointed, hysterical sense of humor would do with a fully produced talk show.

Also, she’ll have an amazing team of writers including Carmen Morales, Wynter Spears, Stacy Rumaker, Virginia Jones, and Chelsea Pope as well as a very special guest in the one and only Margaret Cho. So, mark off Fri. Apr. 16th for this special live-stream, presented by RushTix.

Your Late Night Show Tonight with Jackie Kashian is set to go live on Fri. Apr. 16th at 9PM PT/12AM ET (stream will be available for 48 hours after show). Tickets are $15 and you can and very much should go get them here.

Pick of the Day: USC Comedy Festival 4/9-4/11

March 31, 2021

News

More and more, comedy festivals will not let the pandemic completely have them down and out for another year.

They may have to do the majority, if not all, of their festivities virtually, but festivals such as the USC Comedy Festival, running from April 9th-11th. Now in its fifth year, this fest will once again present a wide range of panels, screenings, events that key in on the USC School of Cinematic Arts’ extensive alumni network/reputation (that seems to be exempt from all the controversy that USC has suffered over the last few years) that will include guests such as Aidy Bryant, Demetri Martin, Lisa Kudrow, Lindy West, Matt Besser, Patton Oswalt, Wayne Federman (a USC Professor for comedy), Ziwe, and Ramy Youssef.

All these virtual events are FREE w/RSVP to join in. Get more info @USCComedy on Twitter and IG.

Take a gander at the whole schedule below:

Friday, April 9th, 2021

5:00 PM: FIRST LOOK 2021 COMEDY SHORTS SNEAK PEAK – PROGRAM 1

Each year FIRST LOOK, and SCA Industry Relations, through the generosity of Marcia Lucas’ Ohana Foundation, showcases current student work. The USC Comedy Festival is delighted to collaborate with First Look to bring you this preview of student films competing in this year’s Comedy Category. Films in Program 1 will include: Unmothered, Get Kissed or Die Brian, Jurassic Punk, and Spit it Out, Margot.

7:00 PM: CAN COMEDY BE TAUGHT?

Before COVID, half the people you knew were taking improv classes. The other half were teaching them. Was the whole thing a scam? Can comedy be taught? Should it be? Our panel of experts will discuss the problems and possibilities of the comedy curriculum. For free.

Joining Professor Wayne Federman will be improv legend, UCB founder, and host of the podcast Improv4humans Matt Besser; Groundling, portrayer of both Buffay twins, and current star of Netflix’s Space Force Lisa Kudrow; and stand-up comedian, Overthinker, Ice Bear, and author of If It’s Not Funny It’s Art, Demetri Martin.

Saturday, April 10th, 2021

9:30 AM: FIRST LOOK 2021 COMEDY SHORTS SNEAK PEAK – PROGRAM 2

Each year FIRST LOOK, and SCA Industry Relations, through the generosity of Marcia Lucas’ Ohana Foundation, showcases current student work. The USC Comedy Festival is delighted to collaborate with First Look to bring you this preview of student films competing in this year’s Comedy Category. Films in Program 2 will include: No Small Talk, Hardcore Halbert, and Time Again.

11:00 AM: OAKIE MASTERS OF COMEDY LECTURE SERIES – BILL HADER

The Jack Oakie & Victoria Horne Oakie Masters of Comedy Lecture Series presents Emmy-winning Actor/Comedian Bill Hader (Saturday Night Live, Barry, Documentary Now!) in conversation with USC Professor Wayne Federman. As part of the event, Bill Hader will also receive USC Comedy’s 2021 Oakie Award.

2:00 PM: WOMEN CREATING COMEDY

A Panel Discussion hosted by the Women of Cinematic Arts, featuring Chelsea Devantez, Ziwe Fumudoh, London Hughes, Jana Schmieding, and Rachel Sennott, moderated by WCA Board Member and SCA Alumna Shannon Hardy.

5:00 PM: Spotlight on Netflix’s BIG MOUTH

A Conversation about the Netflix Original Series, featuring Andrew Goldberg (Co-Creator, Executive Producer), Mark Levin (Co-Creator, Executive Producer), Jennifer Flackett (Co-Creator, Executive Producer), and Kelly Galuska (Co-Executive Producer), moderated by SCA Professor J.D. Connor, Ph.D.

7:00 PM: Spotlight on FX’s WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS

A Conversation about the FX Original Series, featuring Paul Simms (Executive Producer, Writer, Showrunner), Stefani Robinson (Executive Producer, Writer, Showrunner), and Sam Johnson (Co-Executive Producer, Writer), moderated by SCA Professor Chris Marcil.

Sunday, April 11th, 2021

11:00 AM: Spotlight on Hulu’s SHRILL

A Conversation about the Hulu Original Series, featuring Executive Producer/Star Aidy Bryant, Executive Producer/Showrunner Ali Rushfield, and Executive Producer/Author Lindy West, moderated by SCA Professor Mary McNamara, Pulitzer Prize-winning TV Critic and Cultural Editor for the Los Angeles Times.

1:00 PM: Spotlight on Hulu’s WOKE

A Conversation about the Hulu Original Series, featuring Co-Creators Keith Knight and Marshall Todd, and Executive Producer/Director Maurice Marable, moderated by Desa Philadelphia, SCA Communication and Development Writer.

3:00 PM: Spotlight on Hulu’s ADULT ANIMATION

A Conversation with the creatives behind Crossing Swords, Marvel’s M.O.D.O.K., and Solar Opposites, featuring John Harvatine IV (Co-Creator, Crossing Swords), Tom Root (Co-Creator/EP, Crossing Swords), Jordan Blum (Co-Creator/Showrunner, Marvel’s M.O.D.O.K.), Patton Oswalt (Co-Creator/Star, Marvel’s M.O.D.O.K.), Josh Bycel (Co-Showrunner/EP, Solar Opposites), and Mike McManhan (Co-Creator/Co-Showrunner/EP, Solar Opposites).

4:45 PM: FROM PITCH TO PEABODY

A Conversation with Billy Rosenberg, Vice President, Hulu Originals, Head of Comedy and Ramy Youssef, Creator & Star of Hulu’s Ramy, on the nuts and bolts of how comedy is developed, moderated by Deana Nassar Fernandez, Program Director – Middle East Media Initiative (MEMI).

The Comedy Field Report Ep. 53: Amy Solomon & Picking Up the Torch

March 31, 2021

News, The Comedy Bureau Field Report

amy solomon, comedy book, notes from the bathroom line, rick and morty, spongebob squarepants, women in comedy

There’s a great new comedy book, Notes from the Bathroom Line: Humor, Art, and Low-Grade Panic from 150 of the Funniest Women in Comedy, that has just arrived on shelves, both IRL and virtual, that is actually the first collection of writing by women comedians since the 70s. Amy Solomon, writer/producer on such great things like Barry and the editor of Notes from the Bathroom Line, joins TCB’s Jake Kroeger to discuss the journey of this crucial, hilarious book, how, even with 150 contributors, doesn’t come close to featuring all the funny women that you need to see/hear, and “hot” takes on Rick and Morty Day, SpongeBob Squarepants’ virus episode, and more.

You can and should get Notes from the Bathroom Line at notesfromthebathroomline.com

get it and support some local bookstores (instead of Amazon) like Book Soup, Chevalier’s, Vroman’s, and Skylight Books.

Follow Amy @amybethsol on Twitter and IG.

The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT

SpongeBob SquarePants Pulls Upcoming Episode with Virus Storyline

March 30, 2021

News

covid-19, pandemic, spongebob squarepants

(via Deadline)

In the ongoing debate of when is “too soon” when it comes to whether or not to joke or even address certain topics or events due to their traumatic nature, an episode of the long running SpongeBob SquarePants is being put in the too soon column due to COVID-19. The pandemic is still very much happening (no matter how many certain folks want to pretend like it is) and there has been and will continue to be debate over whether to address COVID-19 in TV shows, movies, etc.

In many ways, the entire world has not processed what well over 7 billion people are experiencing all at the same time and it’s more than understandable that you’d like your comedy and your cartoons like wherever you’re locked down: COVID-free. At the same time, the coping power of comedy is undeniable and is part and parcel of why comedians and many others have made COVID-19/Coronavirus humor since day zero.

What’s interesting here is that the episode “Kwarantined Crab” was already written and produced, presumably while in the thick of this historic time and yet, they’ve still decided to pull it. So, there was one point where the producers thought it might be OK to move forward with such a storyline (perhaps they thought the pandemic would be over by the time the episode aired?) and then, standing where we are with the majority of the global populous still unvaccinated, they changed their minds to “too soon”. There’s no telling as of yet whether they’ll take this particular episode off the shelf after enough time has passed, but curious minds won’t forget about to be sure.

The prospect of tackling the subject matter of this time with any sort of truthfulness must be confounding, but probably even more so when it comes to a children’s cartoon (though we don’t doubt that Mr. Rogers probably would have a very special quarantine episode of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood). From the writers that we’ve talked to over the last several weeks, anything pandemic related is largely going to be avoided, but we have no doubt that won’t last for long. Michael Bay already made a pandemic movie, Songbird, and their have been quarantine themed indie comedies, such as The End of Us, that have been shot, edited, and making the rounds at film festivals.

So, with that in mind, the question that should be posed might not be, “Is it too soon to joke about COVID?” but “If at all, how and what has made you laugh as a way to deal with everything that is happening?”

#SpongeBobSquarePants has pulled the “Kwarantined Krab” episode from its current 12th season due to its “virus storyline” https://t.co/BVZHXwjQhr

— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) March 30, 2021

Pick of the Day: Planet Scum Anniversary 3/31

March 30, 2021

News

anniversary, chris gethard, planet scum, planet scum live

When the world shut down because of you-know-what last year, Chris Gethard and company didn’t waste nearly any time in transitioning to virtual comedy with their online comedy collective, Planet Scum. From Chris hosting his own TCGS-ish Planet Scum Live on Wednesdays, it quickly grew into a lovely cadre of comedy live-streams including George Lucas Talk Show, Who Wants $2.69 with Martin Urbano, and Robby Hoffman Consulting Group (FKA Dykevice).

This Wed., Mar. 31st will mark a year of Gethard and company going full tilt into Planet Scum and there will be a special edition of Planet Scum LIVE! that will commemorate over 250 shows since 4/1/2020 as well as up to $2,380.80 in prize money to win and a new Planet Scum LIVE! co-host in the amazing Will Hines to join Chris and Christi Chiello.

Mark this very special anniversary/get through some more time of the pandemic by tuning into the Planet Scum Anniversary by tuning into Planet Scum Live at 7PM PT/10PM ET.

Rick and Morty Declares Jun. 20th as Rick and Morty Day (and When Season 5 Premieres)

March 30, 2021

News

adult swim, rick and morty, rick and morty day, season 5, trailer

It’s usually a long wait between seasons of Rick and Morty. It’s popularity and acclaim do make those wait seem interminably long, but the show has proven over four seasons that it has been repeatedly worth it.

Yet, the arrival of the fifth season of Rick and Morty is just around the corner, specifically this Summer on Sun. Jun. 20th at 11PM on Adult Swim. The multiverse chaos that ensues between Rick, Morty, Summer, Beth, and Jerry will not only commence again, but will be greeted with the newly minted holiday, Rick and Morty Day on the aforementioned Jun. 20th. There are so many ridiculous “holidays” every day (just look up I Am in Control Day for today) that this is a more than welcome addition to the cavalcade of celebrations we’re all subjected to on a daily basis.

In the meantime, you can rewatch the trailer (we’re assuming that you’ve seen in all the universes that you exist in by now) for season 5 of Rick and Morty here.

Asian Comedy Festival Returns to Do Hybrid Virtual/Live Format and Is Taking Submissions

March 29, 2021

News

asian comedy festival, bryan yang, Dylan Adler, Fareeha Khan, fumi abe, Mic Nguyen

The very slight dovetailing of the pandemic has people raring up to, well, do things. One of those things is comedy festivals and while a whole row of shows can’t entirely be done in person like they used to do, more and more festivals including JFL Montreal and SXSW seem to be shooting for some sort of hybrid mix of live-streamed comedy that has some sort of element of being done on stage, in person (w/very limited audience).

The latest festival to explore this route is the Asian Comedy Festival, which will following up their hit debut with this special pair of ACF events. They’ll have a “live stand-up taping” and have a virtual showcase from submissions exclusive via the short form content/social media app, Rizzle. If you’re an API comedian/comedy type, you can indeed submit for this part of the festival through Rizzle. Find out more here.

For their stand-up showcase, The 2nd Annual ACF already has Fumi Abe, Mic Nguyen, Bryan Yang, Dylan Adler, Fareeha Khan (as well as a special live reading of an episode of Bling Empire by Bowen Yang) on the bill.

If you’re looking for Asian comedians that you perhaps didn’t know about, this might be a very good place to start. The Asian Comedy Festival is set to premiere digitally on May 28th. Get more details/info for watching, submitting, etc. here.

Pick of the Day: Eliot Glazer’s Haunting Renditions 4/3

March 29, 2021

News

brent sullivan, eliot glazer, haunting renditions, whitmer thomas

Once more, Eliot Glazer‘s Haunting Renditions was a true and rare thing of beauty and hilarity that we got to enjoy pre-pandemic. Glazer’s rearranging of notorious pop songs into grand, sweeping epic reimagined versions of the song were sights and sounds to behold and we all have been fortunate enough that Eliot has done a virtual version of the show throughout quarantine.

This latest round of Haunting Renditions will not only feature very special guests Whitmer Thomas (The Golden One) and Brent Sullivan, but also be giving some of its proceeds to the National Association for Music Education.

So, enjoy some beautifully redone songs that have been reviled by music history and support arts education via Haunting Renditions (presented by Dynasty Typewriter) on Sun. Apr. 3rd at 6PM PT/9PM ET. Tickets are $5-$10 and you can (and should) go them here.

Pick of the Day: Return of Who Wants $2.69? with Martin Urbano 3/28

March 26, 2021

News

martin urbano, planet scum live, who wants $2.69

Martin Urbano has been at the helm of the best game show in the live-stream era of comedy, Who Wants $2.69. The very timely and sharply written trivia and the novel prize of $2.69 has been keeping us and plenty of other folks get through another hour of lockdown wherever we are.

Urbano took a hiatus over the last month, which, among so many other things, has made so much of March very, very hard to get through. Yet, fret not, as the second season of Who Wants $2.69 is on the horizon, specifically this coming Monday at 5PM PT/8PM ET at its home, Planet Scum.

Whether you’re a loyal follower of the best game show in virtual comedy or not, you should get ready for this Monday, which is set to be a “surprise bloodbath” edition of Who Wants $2.69.

Solar Opposites Releases a “Super Red Band” Trailer for Season 2

March 25, 2021

News

red band trailer, solar opposites, super red band trailer

To entice viewers, some shows will release a red band trailer that is meant for adults only and is thus, usually released only online or, perhaps, with an R-rated movie in theaters (that thing we used to do so long ago).

Solar Opposites is the sort of a show that has enough explicit content to warrant a red band trailer and they have indeed released one. However, it would seem that they have gone above and beyond during their time at SXSW Online 2021 and unveiled a “super red band trailer” that really goes to town with language and gore. The alien family of Solar Opposites that have been stranded on Earth and cause chaos in the meantime really do one-up themselves for this super red band trailer (which might be the first of its kind?)

Watch it here, then look for season 2 of Solar Opposites to start on Hulu this Fri. Mar. 26th.

Pick of the Day: HotelTV 3/27

March 25, 2021

News

Ali Lu, Chelsea Pope, courtney pauroso, joe kwaczala, Kyle Helf, lifekitla

As you hopefully know, the city of Los Angeles is going through another reckoning with its unhoused population, some of LA’s most vulnerable folks. The possible forced eviction of Echo Park Lake, where many unhoused people have taken refuge during the pandemic, is yet another tragic part of the longstanding homelessness crisis here.

There are many ways to support and give unhoused folks what they need right now. One of them is sketch comedy live-stream HotelTV‘s fundraiser for grassroots org LifeKitLA that supports people in need with basic essentials. This Sat. Mar. 27th at 7PM PT/10PM ET at the Pack Theater’s Twitch Channel, the comedy powers of Joe Kwaczala, Courtney Pauroso, Ali Lu, Chelsea Pope, Kyle Helf, Andres Parada, and Joe Hospodor will combine for some marvelous comedy videos and take donations for LifeKitLA at the same time (Venmo: @LifeKitLA).

Get more info and details @hoteltheshow on IG.

A What We Do In The Shadows Spin-Off “Wellington Paranormal” Returns To Where It All Started, New Zealand

March 24, 2021

News

cw, hbo max, jemaine clement, taika waititi, wellington paranormal, what we do in the shadows

(via Deadline)

If you have followed us for any amount of time, we make no secret about our deep love and affinity for What We Do In The Shadows. Both the 2014 movie and the hit FX series are some of the funniest pieces of comedy to be committed to screen in recent memory. Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement have made, what we believe, a foundational comedy franchise in this era of comedy defined by its own meta-textuality as well as managing to stand out in the increasingly crowded TV field in this ongoing, new Golden Era of television.

The original movie took place in New Zealand and the series followed a new unlikely bunch of vampires all the way to Staten Island. The success of the film led to the adaptation for TV for American audiences and now, that has excitingly led to a new spin-off series from Waititi and Clement that will take the What We Do in the Shadows universe back to NZ, but will air on the CW and then stream on HBO Max right after. This brand new spin-off, Wellington Paranormal, will harken from the movie following those very same police officers in Wellington, New Zealand that unfortunately are beset with the responsibility of having to deal with supernatural hijinks perpetrated by vampires, werewolves, witches, etc. while trying to just get by.

So, What We Do In The Shadows didn’t get nearly the amount of recognition it deserves this awards season thus far, but this expansion of the WWDITS universe might make up for it.

Please Enjoy Mary Beth Barone Doing Stand Up in Studio on The Tonight Show

March 24, 2021

News

jimmy fallon, late night, mary beth barone, stand up comedy, tonight show

Over the last few weeks, the tides of late night have shifted towards doing in studio tapings again (though that’s not all of them quite yet).

For Fallon and The Tonight Show gang, there have been back in Studio 6B in 30 Rock and have just started featuring live stand-up on their stage once more (as opposed to being done remotely on a ferry or in some other club in a different state or an outdoor show). They recently had Mike Vecchione as the first comedian to perform yards away from Jimmy and, last night, Mary Beth Barone delivered a terrific set that very much feels like a throwback to pre-pandemic times (hearing other people laugh not through Zoom and the like), yet is so wryly and cleverly of the moment.

Please enjoy Mary Beth’s set here.

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 52: Danny Jolles & Oh Yeah, We’ve Been Doing This for a Year

March 24, 2021

News, The Comedy Bureau Field Report

a black lady sketch show, comedy special, culturally cancelled, danny jolles, kat burns, russell peters, six parts, wga awards

Without really knowing that it was coming, we’ve been at The Comedy Bureau Field report, officially, for a year now (quarantine has a funny way of messing with our perception of time). On our anniversary(?), we’re thrilled to have the great Danny Jolles with us to not only celebrate the release of his fabulous first hour special, Six Parts, but also recount his very long, delay-filled journey through the last year leading up to this point. Danny persevered despite, like so many folks in comedy, having their entire identities stripped of them (as well as so many life-changing career prospects). Also, “hot” takes on WGA Award winners, A Black Lady Sketch Show returning next month, and Russell Peters calling his upcoming podcast Culturally Cancelled. Oh, and there’s a big shout out to the one of the best choreographers in the biz, Kat Burns.

Follow Danny @dannyjolles on Twitter and IG and please watch/enjoy/share his hour special Six Parts, now streaming on YouTube.

The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).

Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT

Pick of the Day: Looking Forward to It with Josh Gondelman 4/3

March 24, 2021

News

aparna nancherla, asian americans advancing judstice, dan fox, desi domo, Ike Ufomadu, jenny yang, josh gondelman, josh sharp

It you’re looking for beacons of hope in comedy, one of the brightest of them is none other than than Josh Gondelman. Not only does his award winning comedy (he just snagged a WGA Award for his work on Desus & Mero) bring light and joy through his clever attention to detail, but he has repeatedly put his comedy out there in service of worthy causes.

As of late, he has been the host and face of a monthly comedy live-stream Looking Forward To It that is specifically dedicated to voter engagement past this most recent general election here in the U.S. This particular month is special as Gondelman along with a fantastic line-up of Ike Ufomadu, Aparna Nancherla, Josh Sharp, Jenny Yang, and a video by Dan Fox & Desi Domo will be raising money for Asian Americans Advancing Justice (it’s still a pretty important issue, FYI).

This lovely edition of Looking Forward to It is set for Sat. Apr. 3rd at 5PM PT/8PM ET. Tickets/access are available via a donation ($20 suggested).

The Second Season of A Black Lady Sketch Show Is Just a Few Weeks Away

March 23, 2021

News

a black lady sketch show, hbo, hbo max, robin thede, season 2

Though the arrival of COVID-19 in America immediately halted production on the second season of A Black Lady Sketch Show, Robin Thede has found her way through picking back up to finish that second season in 2021 and having it set to premiere on April 23rd.

This actually might mark the first non-live sketch comedy series to return from the before times. Plenty of late night shows have done various bits and sketches (and SNL has paid audience members in order to tape episodes in studio), but there has been a long dry spell for scripted, non-live-broadcast sketch comedy for however long the last year has been.

See the season 2 announcement teaser for A Black Lady Sketch Show here, then look for new episodes starting Fri. Apr. 23rd.

Please Enjoy Danny Jolles’ Absolutely Delightful First Hour Special “Six Parts”

March 23, 2021

News

800 pound gorilla records, comedy special, danny jolles, don't tell comedy, stand up comedy

Though the reopening of America from COVID-19 is stumbling heartily along, the normal pace of things are far from where they used to be in 2019/early 2020. That includes the deluge of comedy specials from streaming services and networks alike drying almost all the way up.

That said, the few comedy specials that do come out these days do tend to stand out, especially if they’re a great reminder of the communal experience of live comedy and, for so many of us that have been stuck in the trauma-lined hamster wheel of the never ending news cycle, what it’s like to have a hearty laugh at honed, pointed observational humor and stories from a very funny, very polished stand-up comedian.

Danny Jolles‘ first hour special Six Parts is both this sort of harkening back to the joy of watching stand-up with people in person while also being a very well-crafted hour of stand-up comedy that is very much up-to-date (minus the pandemic in case you’re not ready for/tired of COVID jokes). Jolles has always had a certain timelessness to his humor and that really shines here. We would attribute said shine to Danny’s ever present thoughtfulness in his jokes no matter how light or heavy the subject matter may be.

Charmingly, this whole special cuts between a six different DIY set-ups including an art gallery and a surfboard shop. Each location represents a different thematic passage of the hour and is yet another element that reaffirms that timeless feel to this debut hour. Spanning the entirety of the pandemic, Six Parts is one of the best specials we’ve seen while having to stay in lock down (making it truly earn it’s “special” status).

Best of all, you can just stream the whole thing on YouTube, free of charge or any subscription. Get into Danny Jolles’ Six Parts presented by Don’t Tell Comedy and 800 Pound Gorilla Records here.

Pick of the Day: Birthday Double Crowd Work Show with Todd Barry & Natasha Leggero 3/26

March 23, 2021

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crowd work, natasha leggero, todd barry, virtual comedy

Whenever Todd Barry is embarking on his crowd work shows, it’s always worth dropping whatever you have for the night and going. Some of our favorite roast moments come from Natasha Leggero roasting couples on stage or on a podcast with her husband Moshe Kasher.

Barry and Leggero together (along with special guests) should be truly something special and riotous, especially over Zoom (rather than squinting to see who they are talking about in the audience). They’ll be doing a very, very special Birthday Double (Todd and Natasha have the same birthday 3/26) Crowd Work Show via Nowhere Comedy on, of course, Mar. 26th at 5PM PT/8PM ET.

Tickets are $20-$50 and you can (and very, very much should) go get them here.

OK, We’re Still Not Listing In Person Shows Again (Not Yet)

March 22, 2021

News

COVID-19 is still very dangerous.

Yes, there are vaccines that are being distributed at varying degrees across the world and there are declining numbers of cases and deaths, but the presence of several COVID-19 variants, the return of lockdowns across Europe, and the very clear negligence we’ve personally seen leads us to the same conclusion we had early on the pandemic: Until the majority of the world is vaccinated, this pandemic will not end and we all need to stick to the protocol and measures that have kept us safe in any way until the pandemic is actually over.

As such, we’re going to stick to covering virtual comedy shows (and maybe some drive-in shows) and mics and refrain from listing in-person events until it’s safe for any and all (especially when it comes to very immunocompromised folks). There are and have been in person comedy shows that you can see at your own risk, but we feel we bear a responsibility to curb gathering with this choice of ours as a way to prevent further transmission of the virus (and the gross lack of accountability that anyone has had for their actions and will continue to have well after this time).

Live comedy is best enjoyed when everyone can take part and we can’t wait for that time. Rest assured, we’ll be on the ball (as we have been for over a decade) when that happens.

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