Recent News – Page 77 – The Comedy Bureau

Pick of the Day: A Christi-mas Spectacular! with Christi Chiello 12/17

December 1, 2020

benefit show, brittany carney, brooklyn, brooklyn comedy, chris gethard, Christi Chiello, jo firestone, matteo lane, nyc comedy

As Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and a time of giving, what better way to celebrate it than with the amazing Christi Chiello who loves Jesus (it’s in her Twitter bio next to loving pizza and “UR MAN”) and supporting of one of NYC’s best venues, Littlefield and COVID-19 relief?

That’s what Christi-mas Spectacular will be on Thurs. Dec. 17th at 5PM PT/8PM ET. The evening of virtual comedy will definitely be a welcome alternative to celebrating the holiday season if you’re not into hearing Christmas standards playing everywhere and just looking at Christmas lights.

Christi’s Christi-mas Spectacular! will feature a holiday gift box collection of NYC’s favorites including Chris Gethard, Jo Firestone, Matteo Lane, Brittany Carney, and other special guests.

Tickets are given by donation and you can and should give then get your tickets here.

The Squirrel Comedy Theatre Virtually Launched by UCB Alums in NYC (with Hopes for Brick & Mortar Venue)

November 30, 2020

News

nyc comedy, squirrel comedy theatre

There have been plenty of closures of comedy venues across the country due to the pandemic enduring in America and, unfortunately, we won’t be surprised to see more to come. The Upright Citizens Brigade’s NYC venues, a cornerstone of the NYC comedy scene, had to close their doors permanently earlier this year for that reason.

Though, as of today, it would seem not all hope is lost. UCB alums, specifically comprised of queer and/or POC performers, have banded together to reimagine a new sketch and improv comedy destination for NYC in the newly minted, non-profit Squirrel Comedy Theatre. Similar to comedy theater/schools across the country, they’ll be offering classes in addition to putting on shows, which will be, for the time being, done virtually. Founders Lou Gonzalez (Teenage Bounty Hunters, The Other Two), Michael Hartney (former UCB NY Artistic Director, School of Rock), Patrick Keene (UCB Touring Company), Maritza Montañez (Disney+, MTV News), Alex Song-Xia (The Tonight Show, High Maintenance), and Corin Wells (Characters Welcome, Adult Swim) do want to set themselves apart for being inclusive and representative of the expansive diversity NYC is known for.

There is no physical space yet, but that’s the goal whenever that can be safely done (hopefully, sometime in 2021). You can support their quest for said space via donations accepted on their website.

For now, The Squirrel Comedy Theatre will be doing shows with great improv and sketch folks from both NYC and LA on Wednesdays & Thursdays, streaming on their respective YouTube & Twitch channels. You can keep up with their schedule/line-ups on their website here.

FYI, the founders even have their own improv group, Borabish.

It’s a daring time to open a comedy theater as so many are in danger of shutting down, but kudos to Squirrel for pushing to keep comedy alive not only for NYC, but for the art form at large.

Pick of the Day: Tinder Live! with Lane Moore 12/19

November 30, 2020

News

lane moore, tinder, tinder live

Earlier this year, we naively hoped this pandemic would be well over by now. At that time, we were looking forward to a potential, in-person Tinder Live! with Lane Moore to lift our spirits for a 2020 that was already godawful before it got way worst.

Lane Moore‘s live show, where she boldly swipes and messages all sorts of folks on Tinder in front of a crowd, is a rollicking, raucous, yet very sweet time. She had been touring it all over the place in years past and was set to do the same this year, but everything got cancelled/postponed/etc. because of COVID-19.

Going into December with so much of the U.S. put on reinforced pandemic safety protocols, Moore is aiming to do a virtual Tinder Live! on Sat. Dec. 19th at 6PM PT/9PM ET via On Location Live. If she wanted, Lane could even open up her search distance much further since the whole world can tune into this live-stream and we’re all in lockdown anyway (minus New Zealand and Taiwan).

Tickets for this virtual edition of Tinder Live! with Lane Moore are $12 and you very much should go get them here right now.

Pick of the Day: LPR.TV: Chris Gethard Fully Improvised Live-streamed Special 12/10

November 27, 2020

News

chris gethard, comedy special, fully improvised, le poisson rouge, lpr, stand up

When it comes to taking on the unknown in comedy these days, Chris Gethard has proven time and time again that he’s willing to dive head into uncharted waters even if it definitely seems like an ill-advised idea. For Gethard, that has made for several genuine and unforgettable moments that make up the beautiful tapestry that is Chris’ comedy career.

Next month, Gethard is going to be at it again, jumping in without a clear idea of what’s going to happen, as he is set to fully improvise an entire live-stream stand-up comedy special. Le Poisson Rouge in NYC via LPR.tv tapped Chris to do some stand-up and Chris obliged and upped the ante with this experiment. His vulnerability, truth, and honesty (along with years of stand-up, improv experience, and spontaneous conversations with strangers on Beautiful Anonymous) are what, we believe, should make this improvised stand-up special, done virtually to boot, will be something that’s indeed special.

LPR.TV: Chris Gethard is set for Thu. Dec. 10th at 6PM PT/9PM ET. Tickets are $16-$19.99 and you can and very much should get them here.

Pick of the Day: Jam in The Van Presents Melissa Villaseñor 1/6

November 25, 2020

News

comedy, live comedy, los angeles, melissa villaseñor, outdoor show, stand up

The new lockdown measures that take place in LA county due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases are pretty much shutting down outdoor shows until January. That’s, of course, only one facet of the what will be a rough several weeks ahead.

That being said, there is already outdoor, socially distanced, masked shows planned for January, pending a lift of current restrictions/no further restrictions and one such evening that you really ought to look forward to is Jam in The Van presenting a headlining set from SNL star Melissa Villasenõr. Her uncanny impressions and joyful energy that she brings to her stand-up is what so many of us need at the moment.

You’ll get a chance for that on Jan. 6th between two shows, 7PM PT & 10PM ET, thanks to Jam in The Van. Tickets are $50 per person and capacity is limited to 36 people per show. Included with ticket price is a treasure trove of drinks from Sierra Nevada, Devils River Whiskey, Dulce Vida Tequila, Topo Chico, Kill Cliff Energy Drinks, AquaHydrate, Artet, Castoro Cellars, Ashland Hard Seltzer, Dezo Canned Cocktails, Suja Juice, New Wave Soda and a free gifts from cannabis brands like Stone Road, Wyld Canna, S*SHOTS and MORE!

Undoubtedly, these tickets will go fast. Go get your tickets here before they sell out.

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 35: Chris Gethard & Community Building

November 25, 2020

News, The Comedy Bureau Field Report

beautiful anonymous, best comedy album, chappelle's show, chris gethard, dave chappelle, grammys, netflix, planet scum

Chris Gethard has not only built his career in comedy on his own terms, but Gethard has also built beautiful communities around so much of his work. From his public access days to the cable days of The Chris Gethard Show all the way to his current podcast, Beautiful Anonymous, there is something special about the folks that rally around Gethard and his endeavors. This includes devoted fans as well as other comedians that Chris wants to shine a light on.

Gethard zooms with TCB’s Jake Kroeger for a deep conversation about the crucial importance of community during 2020 in comedy and especially with Beautiful Anonymous, a show uniquely equipped to offer connection at a time in history where we’re more isolated from each other than ever. Also, they dish out “hot” takes on 2021 Grammy nominees for Best Comedy Album and Dave Chappelle not getting paid over streaming of Chappelle’s Show.

Follow Chris at ChrisGeth.com, listen/subscribe to Beautiful Anonymous wherever you get your podcasts, check out Planet Scum here, and get tickets to Chris Gethard’s Live Improvised Special on 12/4 here.

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

And Here Are Your Grammy Comedy Nominees for 2021

November 24, 2020

News

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You might have seen that the nominees for the 2021 Grammys were announced this morning and, with that, there is just a handful of comedy folks that get the expressed distinction of being nominated for said Grammy. Usually, with how distribution of comedy specials work (i.e. most big time comedy specials get released as comedy albums somehow), comedy specials take up the bulk of the nomination slots and this year is no different (even though they were plenty of worthy stand-up albums that were released only as albums).

This year, the nominees for Best Comedy Album are:

Tiffany Haddish-Black Mitzvah
Patton Oswalt-I Love Everything
Jim Gaffigan-The Pale Tourist
Bill Burr-Paper Tiger
Jerry Seinfeld-23 Hours to Kill

All were specials on a big time streaming service and, four of out of the five were on Netflix. Still, Haddish and Oswalt offered up really uplifting specials and Burr got more introspective than he ever has with Paper Tiger.

Usually, the comedy category for The Grammys gets overshadowed by the dozens and dozens of other categories, but we’ll be watching closely for who wins on the CBS telecast of The Grammy Awards on Jan. 31st.

Pick of the Day: Convoy’s 14th Annual Thanksgiving Feast Show 11/25

November 24, 2020

News

alex berg, alex fernie, convoy, deborah tarica, improv comedy, julie brister, la regional food bank, oscar montoya, suzi barrett, thanksgiving, todd fasen

Thanksgiving is upon us and the need for food on a day that’s pretty much dedicated to pretty much being everyone’s cheat day. Still, plenty of folks are short on or without food and, especially because of the pandemic and new lockdown restrictions, are in dire need of support, more so than ever before.

That’s why Convoy, one of LA’s best improv groups for several years & long running UCB house team, is doing their annual Thanksgiving Feast Show in support of the LA Regional Food Bank. Alex Berg, Julie Brister, Alex Fernie, Deborah Tarica, Suzi Barrett, Oscar Montoya, and Todd Fasen will all be assembling for a special virtual edition of what will be their 14th Annual Thanksgiving Show on their Twitch channel, twitch.tv/convoyimprov/, on Wed. Nov. 25th at 8PM PT/11PM ET. Forget all the holiday specials that are airing/streaming and get in on an actual Thanksgiving themed show on Thanksgiving Eve.

FYI, they’ll be taking donations for LA Regional Food Bank here, but you can go ahead and donate right now if you’d like.

Natalie Palamides’ “Nate” Special Gets First Teaser

November 23, 2020

News

amy poehler, comedy special, natalie palamides, nate, netflix, solo show

One of the most groundbreaking, revolutionary shows we’ve ever seen (and we do not throw around such a claim lightly or frequently at all) was Natalie Palamides’ Nate. Her critical acclaimed, award winning solo show had Natalie taking on the role of a toxic masculine guy, Nate, reckoning with his toxic masculinity.

As always with the case with Palamides, it’s a wild journey that really goes deep, pushes boundaries, and is a rare comedy solo show that can genuinely be described as breathtaking (and it was that way for the several times we saw Nate while it was being developed).

Thankfully, Amy Poehler took a liking to Natalie and Nate and brought it to Netflix to be made into special for the world to see and we have no doubt that it will be a lightning rod of a comedy special. We truly cannot wait for it.

You can just a tiny, but very enticing taste of what’s to come with Nate in this teaser here, then look forward it to stream on Netflix on Tues. Dec. 1st.

Pick of the Day: 6th Annual High & Mighty Thanksgiving Eve Power Hour 11/25

November 23, 2020

News

betsy sodaro, high and mighty, jon gabrus, mano agapion, mike mitchell, nick wiger, nicole byer, okra project, power hour

The annual tradition of Jon Gabrus doing a power hour live on stage with friends is one of the few things that we look forward to Thanksgiving week. Normally, we’d get to see the madness take place on stage and secrets and wild things run amok during the whole time.

As a stage show can’t happen in a proper venue, Gabrus will be doing this year’s High & Mighty Thanksgiving Eve Power Hour virtually and we have no doubt they’ll revel in the chaos of taking a shot of beer every minute for an hour just as much as they have in years past. Joining Gabrus for this Sixth Annual (and first virtual) Power Hour will be Mano Agapion (Drag Her!), Nicole Byer (Why Won’t You Date Me?), Mike Mitchell (Doughboys), Betsy Sodaro (A Funny Feeling), and Nick Wiger (Doughboys).

Also, this year’s show will be donating proceeds to a great org, The Okra Project.

High & Mighty Thanksgiving Eve Power Hour is set for Wed. Nov. 25th at 6PM PT/9PM ET (you’ll be able to watch the live-stream up until Sun. 11/29 at midnight). Tickets are $10 and you can and very much should get them here.

Watch Ahamed Weinberg Attempt to Start a Prank Show During the Pandemic

November 20, 2020

News

ahamed weinberg, chad damiani, meta comedy, pranks

Thank goodness Ahamed Weinberg survived from having COVID-19 early on in the pandemic so he could bring this.

Remember when enterprising and aspiring YouTubers could openly and freely prank the general public in the before times? That’s just one facet of “normalcy” that we’re all missing so much. Comedian Ahamed Weinberg want that bit of normalcy and has opted to start doing those very type of pranks again where so many wouldn’t dare during this seemingly never-ending pandemic.

Given how tense and scared everyone is these days, there’s no telling what’s going to happen and if there will be very real, serious reprecussions when there’s a hooligan loose on the streets. See what happens with Ahamed’s first prank here.

Whatsup guys I am officially pivoting my brand to become a youtube prank comedian! Check out my channel. Subscribe, Follow and Smash that Like.

ft. @jetzotime pic.twitter.com/8oKtfV7p2S

— Ahamed Weinberg (@ahamedweinberg) November 19, 2020

Pick of the Day: Stand Up for Sex Workers (Live-streamed from UK) 12/17

November 20, 2020

News

carmen ali, desiree burch, fern brady, jacq the stripper, joe sutherland, kelly vee, kitty velour, lauren elise, sasha diamond, sex workers, Siân Docksey, sikisa, sue gives a f, that ray

Pandemic or no, sex workers all around the world do some very essential work and very much need to be appreciated and supported as such. Dec. 17th marks International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers and UK’s Siân Docksey will be putting an extravaganza of a live-stream comedy variety show, Stand Up for Sex Workers.

Slated to do stand-up, pole dancing, drag, and more are many of the UK’s best comedians, strippers, and drag performers including: Desiree Burch, Fern Brady, Jacq the Stripper, Kitty Velour, Sikisa, Lauren Elise, Joe Sutherland, Carmen Ali, That Ray, Sasha Diamond, Sue Gives a F*ck, and Kelly Vee.

Proceeds from Stand Up for Sex Workers will go to funds and charities in the UK that strive to end violence against sex workers as well as supporting sex workers in crisis due to COVID-19. So, watching this live-stream will give you an entire evening of British comedy and variety (that’s not for kids) and you’ll be giving sex workers the respect and aid that they deserve.

Stand Up for Sex Workers is set to stream on Thu. Dec. 17th at 11AM PT/2PM ET/7PM British Time. Tickets are going for £5.98 – £16.76 and you can and should get them here.

Adam Conover Set to Host Another Necessary Sketch Edutainment Series “The G Word” About Government

November 19, 2020

News

adam conover, barack obama, edutainment, michelle obama, the g word

(via Deadline)

Since the end of the brilliant Adam Ruins Everything, we truly believed it was only a matter of time before Adam was going to get do something in that vein again on television. Conover did get another TV gig after this as host of family friendly competition series The Crystal Maze and kept up his blend of comedy and knowledge and insight on his podcast, Factually!

As of today (or probably weeks ago when Conover got the green light), we were right. Adam Conover will be doing a whole new sketch series, The G Word, in partnership with The Obamas on Netflix that examines the folks that represent “the g word”/government, and what they really do with a comedic lens. The Obamas have an overall deal at Netflix and, as far as we’re concerned, this will be one of the more intriguing things on their slate.

The show is described thus far as a sketch series with some “documentary elements”, which is reminiscent of Adam Ruins Everything. Whether it’ll essentially be Adam Ruins Government or something that takes a slightly different angle into civil service will have to wait until next year since production is set to start at the beginning of 2021. We’ll also be curious to see how much Barack and Michelle Obama will figure into this series and how much Conover might closely examine Obama’s two terms as POTUS.

Conover is one of the best at fitting dense, complex subject matter into several very clever sketches and bits and it’s a good omen for 2021 that he’ll get to do it again.

Please Help Save The Bob Baker Marionette Theater

November 19, 2020

News

bob baker marionette theater, fundraiser

You’ve very likely seen that the enduring pandemic has taken down live venues around the country, one-by-one as the months wear on in lockdown (especially with another full scale lockdown looming). UCB in NYC, The Creek & The Cave, Cap City Comedy Club, and Improv Olympic have unfortunately made the grave decision to close down for good as the cost of trying to weather the storm and re-opening was just far too costly.

The Bob Baker Marionette Theater could be another such place that will have to close without direct support (and that doesn’t seem to be coming from the government, like it should be, any time soon). For decades, The Bob Baker Marionette Theater has been one of the more magical, hidden gems of LA that housed famous puppeteer Bob Baker and all of his creations. All sorts of puppet, marionette, and variety shows have been put up at the theater to the delight of so many folks of all ages.

Before the pandemic started creeping in, The Bob Baker Marionette Theater was just getting used to their shiny, brand new home in Eagle Rock. It would be a travesty if building up their new theater and moving across town was all for naught just because of COVID-19.

So, they’re looking to raise funds to keep them afloat into 2021 (and hopefully longer). Their goal is $365K and they’re already almost a third of the way there. Please consider keeping one of LA’s treasures around and support the Bob Baker Marionette Theater here.

Pick of the Day: How Did This Get Made? 12/11 & 12/18

November 19, 2020

News

how did this get made, jason mantzoukas, june diane raphael, paul scheer

How Did This Get Made? stands as a cornerstone to both comedy and movie podcasts and it has been that way for several years now thanks to the wit and passion of Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas. Their dissection of movies that present a mystery as to why they even exists is a standard for podcasting that delves into the “best of the worst”.

Next month, HDTGM will be doing two special virtual live-streams via On Location Live that will dive into the holiday movie bargain bin with A Very Nutty Christmas and The Knight Before Christmas. Honestly, tickets for live-stream access would be a pretty swell holiday gift either to friends/family or yourself.

These virtual HDTGM will happen Fri. Dec. 11th & Dec. 18th at 6PM PT/9PM ET. Tickets are $15 (or $25 for both shows). Go get them here before they sell out.

Tuca & Bertie Season 2 Gets a Sneak Peek of a First Look

November 18, 2020

News

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Since it looks more and more likely that the world will survive into 2021, there are things we can and will look forward to. A vaccine is at the top of most people’s lists, but a new season of Tuca & Bertie is up there.

Fresh from this past weekend, Tuca & Bertie creator Lisa Hanawalt graciously gave a peek of a sneak peek with an animatic clip from season 2. Tuca & Bertie are together again at a strip club and, as is one of the magical things about this show, it’s a team of plant strippers are on stage.

If you’re having a bit of trouble dreaming up that up, just enjoy the sneak sneak peek here.

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 34: Morgan Jay & Going Boffo on Zoom

November 18, 2020

News, The Comedy Bureau Field Report

conan, history of sketch comedy, judd apatow, keegan michael key, livestream comedy, morgan jay, zoom comedy

At the top of 2020, Morgan Jay was riding high off of his network TV appearances on Bring the Funny, playing colleges across the country, and being set to make a run at the world famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival. COVID-19, of course, put a full stop to all of that, but that didn’t hold Jay back from still making this a banner year.

Jay zooms with TCB’s Jake Kroeger on how he spent considerable time and money to fine tuning his live-streamed performances to the best that they could be and how that very quickly evolved into a very steady flow of corporate Zoom gigs and what Jay envisions for how live-streaming will continue to figure into the future of comedy. Also, “hot” takes on Conan’s exit from late night, The History of Sketch Comedy with Keegan-Michael Key, Judd Apatow’s meta quarantine movie.

Follow Morgan Jay @TheMorganJay on Twitter and @morganjay on IG and visit MorganJay.com

Pick of Day: In Stitches-Hydrocephalus Association Benefit 11/19

November 18, 2020

News

chris estrada, dan levy, Debbie Allen, esther povitsky, hyrdocephalus, jamie lee, jesse tyler ferguson, kurt braunohler, max greenfield, Meghan Trainor, natasha bedingfield, neil patrick harris, Nigel Lythgoe, rachael harris, sebastian maniscalco, wayne brady, whitney cummings

One of the biggest benefit shows this week is dedicated to raising money in the fight for the deadly condition known as Hydrocephalus via the Hydrocephalus Association. The condition is caused by build-up of fluid in the brain and can currently only treated by brain surgery.

Annually, the Hydrocephalus Association puts on a big benefit show, In Stitches, and they’ve really outdone themselves this year with this 2020 virtual edition. For comedy, Whitney Cummings, Kurt Braunohler, Chris Estrada, Jamie Lee, Dan Levy and Esther Povitsky are on the bill, but there will also be a special musical performance from Natasha Bedingfield as well as some cameos from Debbie Allen, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Max Greenfield, Neil Patrick Harris, Rachael Harris, Nigel Lythgoe, Wayne Brady, Sebastian Maniscalco, and Meghan Trainor.

That’s bordering on a mini-festival line-up and should make for a pretty swell Thursday evening this week.

In Stitches is virtually set for Thurs. Nov. 19th at 6PM PT/9PM ET. Tickets for the live-stream start at $50. There will also be a silent auction and a virtual red carpet starting at 5:30PM PT/8:30PM ET.

Satirical Auteur Ruben Östlund’s Latest “Triangle of Sadness” Finally Wraps Shooting

November 17, 2020

News

ruben ostlund, triangle of sadness

(via Deadline)

As you well know by know, all film and TV production around the world was severely disrupted by COVID-19. In fact, it still is very much disrupted as crew members keep testing positive in certain productions and other productions find that they are not taking enough precautions and transmission of the virus continues.

However, there are and will continue to be some success stories. One of those is Ruben Östlund’s latest work, Triangle of Sadness, which ending up going on a nine month long shoot with several delays, when principal photography had been slated for maybe three or four months.

Östlund is the mind behind some of the most adept, sharply observed, hysterical satirical comedies within the last decade. Both Force Majeure and The Square, which won the much coveted Palme D’Or at Cannes, will both stand as master works for shrewdly sending up both masculinity and the overly self-important world of high art. As such, his next film would be highly anticipated by us and anyone else looking for high brow comedies of the sort that actually get into awards consideration.

Triangle of Sadness will be Östlund’s dissection of the fashion industry and class hierarchy by following the sinking of a yacht that leaves models, billionaires, and a cleaning lady on a deserted island to fend for themselves. We’re very excited to see what Ruben has worked up, not only through the pandemic, but with what we’re sure will be searing commentary on the fashion industry

There is no release date yet, but let’s hope for Triangle of Sadness to hopefully hit some sort of screen in 2021.

Conan O’Brien to End Late Night Talk Show in 2021, Start Weekly Variety Series at HBO Max, Continue Conan Without Borders at TBS

November 17, 2020

News

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The elder statesman of late night, Conan O’Brien is actually stepping away from the world of late night after nearly 30 years of being one of late night’s best voices. Announced today, O’Brien will end his run as a late night talk show host that spans Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, and now, Conan on TBS, in June 2021.

“In 1993 Johnny Carson gave me the best advice of my career: ‘As soon as possible, get to a streaming platform.’ I’m thrilled that I get to continue doing whatever the hell it is I do on HBO Max, and I look forward to a free subscription,” says O’Brien.

If you’re already lamenting his exit, do know that so many of the best elements of all of his shows over the last several years will live on. Conan Without Borders, O’Brien’s global travel specials will continue to be made over at TBS and Conan will also embark on a new weekly variety series. We’d guess will feature so many of the bits, stand-ups, remote segments and more that have made Conan endure all these decades as one of late night’s best. So, Conan O’Brien will very much be continuing to do so much of what he does best.

Personally, we can’t wait to see what Conan will do with the freedom of being on a streaming platform like HBO Max as well as where else he’ll travel to for the travel Conan Without Borders specials.

Pick of the Day: Make My Day with Josh Gondelman 12/3

November 17, 2020

News

emmy blotnick, fair fight, fundraiser, gary gulman, josh gondelman, make my day, voting rights

While the election is over and Trump is due for a harsh exit, the air still hangs slightly heavy as to what to do or what will come next, especially as COVID-19 still plagues our lives quite literally. For now, there are still small things you can do, even just make a single person’s day better in some way, shape, or fashion.

Also, you can watch comedians attempt to do that very thing for one of the kindest comedians around, Josh Gondelman, for a special live version of Gondelman’s podcast, Make My Day. The podcast indeed has comedians, in a game show format, try to cheer Gondelman up. 2020 has made that quite a feat no matter who it is, but it can be a whole hell of a lot of fun watching comedians, some of the most critical people on the planet, do it for other comedians.

There will be a very special live-stream edition of Make My Day on Thurs. Dec. 3rd at 5PM PT/8PM ET with the likes of other very kind hearted comedians Gary Gulman and Emmy Blotnick joining in the quest to cheer Josh up. Littlefield NYC will be virtually hosting and donations ($10 suggested) will be accepted for live-stream access. Also, a portion of donations will go towards Fair Fight, an org fiercely dedicated to defending voting rights.

Please go get your tickets for what might be one of the more heartwarming comedy live-streams you’ve seen in awhile and support a crucial cause.

Keegan-Michael Key Will Be Taking Us All Through “The History of Sketch Comedy” Next Year

November 16, 2020

News

audible, comedy history, history of sketch comedy, keegan michael key, key and peele

When it comes to the history of comedy, so much of it is and has been dedicated to stand-up comedy. Yet, as you’d hopefully know, stand-up is only one facet of the art form. Sketch comedy also has a wide and wild history that is very deserving of an extensive and deep retrospective. Sure, SNL gets debated over plenty and there are documentaries and books on the likes of Kids in the Hall and even the doomed The Dana Carvey Show.

Yet, the entire expanse of sketch comedy needs a Ken Burns level of attention to detail and that’s what it’ll get with upcoming Audible audio series, The History of Sketch Comedy, that will be narrated and co-written by none other than Keegan-Michael Key, a sketch comedy icon in his own right just from being Obama’s Anger Translator alone. Key, along with co-writer/director Elle Key, will journey through all of sketch comedy’s past, from 16th century to now, over ten half-hour episodes.

If you are or someone you care about is obsessed with sketch comedy, you might want to get an Audible subscription as and early holiday gift as The History of Sketch Comedy will get an exclusive Audible release on Jan. 28th, 2021.

Photo by Cliff Lipson

Please Enjoy “Tennis & Abandonment”, a Sketch from Joshua Turek

November 16, 2020

News

christina catherine martinez, joshua turek, sketch comedy

At this, in-person human interaction/connection is a very precious resource. Much of the country is about to impose or already has imposed stricter lockdown measures as COVID-19 cases have been spiking up again and travel and gathering for Thanksgiving is being highly discouraged.

Joshua Turek taps into this very notion with this wonderful new sketch, “Tennis & Abandoment”. It shows what happens when even an ounce of carelessness comes into the equation of physically meeting up with another person these days and how even a friendly morning round of tennis is to be cherished and absolutely not wasted.

Oh, you’ll notice that Christina Catherine Martinez delivers an inspired performance and continuing to blaze her trail in serving up marvelous comedy during the global pandemic.

Tennis & Abandonment. We’ve all been there ??. Starring the brilliant @xtina_catherine pic.twitter.com/NjwLP6JCSB

— J*shua Turek (@JoshuaTurek) November 13, 2020

Pick of the Day: The 10th Annual Sandwich Night 11/25

November 16, 2020

News

chris gethard, planet scum, sandwich night, tcgs

As Thanksgiving approaches, the time honored tradition of The Chris Gethard Show’s Sandwich Night is upon us. Despite the pandemic raging on still, Gethard’s virtual comedy network, Planet Scum, will host the evening virtually for the 10th Annual Sandwich Night. It’s the day before Thanksgiving and it’s a lovely Gethard-esque holiday where sandwiches are the the choice dish instead of the ever delicate-to-prepare turkey.

Potentially, this could be one of the biggest Sandwich Nights ever since it won’t just be celebrating those who stay in NYC instead of going home to celebrate Thanksgiving with family.

Tune in to this very first, completely virtual/10th Annual Sandwich Night on Wed. Nov. 25th at 5PM PT/8PM ET on Planet Scum for completely FREE.

Big Mouth’s Season 4 Trailer Is Here (and Introduces the Anxiety Mosquito)

November 13, 2020

News

andrew goldberg, big mouth, jason mantzoukas, jessi klein, john mulaney, john oliver, nick kroll, season 4

Though it is one of the most explicit animated series of all time, Big Mouth has proven over three seasons that it also has plenty of heart, depth, and humanity in following the horrific time that is puberty and playing it out hilariously with a flair of magic realism.

Normally, waiting for this fourth season to come out would have been a little excruciating, but there has been plenty of things in 2020 that kept our minds more than occupied (probably overloaded to be quite frank). So, the arrival of an entire new season of Big Mouth on Fri. Dec. 4th on Netflix is the second of early holiday gifts (the first being a Trump loss of course).

This trailer promises a season that delivers on the high bar that Big Mouth has set for itself as well as introducing a new imaginary character that will surely hit us all way to close to home, the “anxiety mosquito”

Get a taste of all of that here.

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