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michael che

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Oh Boy, Michael Che Was on Ziwe and Pretended He Didn’t Forget About Fran Lebowitz

November 21, 2022
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michael che, ziwe

Ziwe is officially back and it might be one of the things we’re most thankful for this month. The unrelenting satire of the eponymous star of the show is one of the few things that give us hope about late night/comedy talk shows these days and she certainly has picked up right where she left off and continues to blaze the iconic trail she started with Baited on YouTube.

The latest episode has SNL star Michael Che, who has had his fair share of controversy over the years, in the hot pink seat and, as you might imagine, the tension is hilariously thick, especially when Che pretends to know who NYC icon Fran Lebowitz is. Ziwe only ups the ante throughout the interview with sharper and more sly questioning, making the case for her already being worthy of awards contention.

Please enjoy Ziwe’s nice, little chat with Michael Che here, then check out full new episodes of Ziwe on Showtime on Fridays.

Michael Che, Julia Fox, DeRay Mckesson, and More Will Be Latest Iconic Guests in Ziwe’s Pink Hot Seat

November 1, 2022
News
Amber Riley, blake griffin, bob the drag queen, DeRay Mckesson, drew barrymore, joel kim booster, Julia Fox, michael che, showtime, wayne brady, ziwe

The first part of season 2 of Ziwe came to a close in June and it has been far too long since we’ve heard from the icon and her iconic guests (especially with Trevor Noah leaving The Daily Show and Desus & Mero and Full Frontal with Samantha Bee being over).

Thank goodness we only have to survive less than three more weeks to get what very much should be the new frontier of late night, led fearlessly in hot pink by the one and only Ziwe. This round of episodes will bring in Michael Che, Julia Fox, Amber Riley, Blake Griffin, Joel Kim Booster, Bob The Drag Queen, DeRay Mckesson, Drew Barrymore and Wayne Brady for some of the most hilariously cringe and clippable interviews as well as some of the best, unrelenting satirical bits/sketches on all of television.

Get a taste of what’s all to come with this latest trailer for Ziwe here, then look for new episodes to begin streaming on Showtime starting Nov. 18th.

A&E Set to Debut Two Part Black Comedy History Doc “Right to Offend: The Black Comedy Revolution”

May 24, 2022
News
a and e, aisha tyler, amber ruffin, black comedy, comedy documentary, dl hughley, katt williams, kevin hart, michael che, right to offend, sherri shepherd, steve harvey, tiffany haddish, w kamau bell, wayne brady

Undeniably, there is a wave of documentaries examining the history of comedy from every possible angle and at every degree. From covering individuals such as Dick Gregory, George Carlin, and even Bill Cosby to focusing on such changing attitudes in the form through the lens of 9/11 with Too Soon: Comedy After 9/11, there is an ever growing fascination of the inner workings of inciting laughter.

A&E is putting their hat in the ring here with Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat & Time Studios’ Right to Offend: The Black Comedy Revolution, a two-part doc series that will trace the lineage of black comedians that defied racial barriers and sought to skewer the absurd inequalities that were just taken for granted, especially the ones based off the amount of melanin you had in your skin.

The likes of Tiffany Haddish, W. Kamau Bell, Michael Che, Steve Harvey, Sherri Shepherd, Wayne Brady, Aisha Tyler, DL Hughley, Amber Ruffin, and Katt Williams amongst other comics and historians will weigh in on the oft-overlooked milestones of black comedy (just compare Mike Binder’s The Comedy Store to Phat Tuesdays: The Hip Hop Era of Comedy).

Take a gander at what’s to come with this teaser for Right to Offend here, then look for its premiere on A&E on Jun. 29th & 30th at 9PM (then presumably streaming on aetv.com afterwards).

 

HBO Max Orders Up Six Episodes of a Michael Che Sketch Series

July 14, 2020
News
hbo, hbo max, lorne michaels, michael che

Announced today, sketch comedy has a new series on the way, effectively spun-off from the sketch comedy behemoth, Saturday Night Live. It’s untitled as of this moment, but the series is coming from SNL Weekend Update co-anchor Michael Che with SNL’s very own Lorne Michaels attached as an EP.

The series, which has gotten an order for six episodes will focus on such themes as “police brutality, unemployment, and falling in love” from a black perspective.

We’re glad to see another sketch series set to arrive, when there has been a scarcity of sketch comedy on TV (not to mention the cancellation of Astronomy Club on Netflix). The intriguing aspect of this is Che’s sketch series being at HBO Max as opposed to NBC on SNL. Is it going to take more risks and be bolder than SNL (which isn’t that hard to do these days). Supposedly, this series won’t be afraid to get controversial. To see how true that is, there will be a wait because, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic is as much a reality (arguably more so) than it was in March/April.

So, Michael Che Threw a Live Comedy Show Yesterday

June 8, 2020
News
cipha sounds, michael che, nyc protest, rosebud baker

(all photos by Mindy Tucker)

The return of live, in-person comedy is something that is, even now, pretty unsure. Some states have opted to roll back their lockdown measures enough to let some comedy clubs operate at partial capacity with several safety measures to ensure safety of talent, staff, and the audience. Yet, how live comedy is exactly going to come back in full from COVID-19 is a mystery, especially without a proven vaccine or anti-viral.

That being said, the ongoing mass protests across the planet against police brutality have brought people together, even in the midst of a pandemic, in an unforeseen way. In a similarly unforeseen way, live comedy with a big crowd, packed tightly together had its time to shine, quite literally. Michael Che put on a true live comedy show outside with plenty of daylight yesterday in NYC.

He took to the bed of a pick-up truck with a mic and gathered the likes of Rosebud Baker, Cipha Sounds, Big Jay Oakerson, Joe DeRosa, Petey DeAbreu, and Nimesh Patel to take off their face masks briefly to take the mic to a crowd in the hundeds. Actually, it was such a big event, it was the sort of live comedy show that you’d see at Outside Lands or Bonnaroo or any number of big time live arts festivals that were effectively cancelled for 2020 a few months ago.

Do not let your eyes deceive you. These aren’t some super slick backgrounds on Zoom.

This was a true live comedy show done during the most enduring, biggest protests across the country. Tucker, the show’s photographer, reports that there was a surreal feeling of everyone being together again as well as attempting to tell jokes/do bits after taking so much time off from a real stage with a real crowd.

Most importantly, Che ended with a message that moments of levity such as this comedy show aren’t meant to distract from marching or fighting for change, but more of a rest and a moment of joy before going back out there. Self-care is crucial to changing the world and that just happens to be one of the most important things comedy provides. We’re glad to see that comedy swooped back in to give people that are literally out in the streets fighting for the future some much needed emotional and mental relief.

 

May 25, 2018
Uncategorized
ace hotel, comedy show, dtla, los angeles, michael che, stand up

SNL Weekend Update’s Michael Che will be stopping into LA for one big show at the big and gorgeous Theatre at Ace Hotel in DTLA. 

Specifically, this evening with Che will be on Sunday, June 24th at 8PM. Tickets are going for $35-$45 and you can (and should) get them here.

The rest of our listings for comedy shows, events, screenings, open mics, maps, and more can be found at www.thecomedybureau.com.

SNL Weekend Update’s Michael Che and Colin Jost Will Host 2018 Primetime Emmy Awards

April 26, 2018
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colin jost, emmys, michael che, natas, primetime emmys

SNL Weekend Update’s Michael Che and Colin Jost Will Host 2018 Primetime Emmy Awards

Just in case you don’t remember, the last 5 hosts of The Primetime Emmys were Neil Patrick Harris, Seth Meyers, Andy Samberg, Jimmy Kimmel, and Stephen Colbert.

As such, this is the first time the Emmys have had more than one host share the stage in a decade as well as Michael Che being the first POC host of The Emmys since Bryant Gumbel over a score of years ago. Duos seem to be a good formula for hosts over the last decade (Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, Nick Kroll and John Mulaney) and perhaps that’ll prove true this time around too.

We are really curious what to see what Che and Colin Jost will do together on a bigger stage and out in front of a desk. We’ll be that it’ll have something to reflect on whatever Trump is tweeting around that time.

The 70th Primetime Emmys are set for Sep. 17th, 2018.

Chris Hardwick Is Curating and Hosting His Own Music/Comedy/Gaming/Comics/Tech/Arts Festival in Silicon Valley, ID10T Fest

March 10, 2017
Uncategorized
chris hardwick, comedy festival, demetri martin, garfunkel oates, michael che, shoreline amphitheatre, silicon valley, yassir lester
image

Though it’s in Silicon Valley and curated and hosted by Chris Hardwick, ID10T Fest is priced reasonably with single day general admission tickets starting at $65 and weekend passes going for $110. 

You’re getting Michael Che, Michael Ian Black, Nikki Glaser, Garfunkel & Oates, Brian Posehn, Yassir Lester, Hampton Yount, Demetri Martin, and Matt Braunger in addition to TV on The Radio, Weezer, Car Seat Headrest, and Crystal Castles as well as plenty of panels and interactive exhibitions. 

Not too bad, huh?

ID10T Fest is set for Saturday, June 24th and Sunday, June 25th at the Shoreline Amphitheatre.

Get more details and tickets here.

Michael Che Matters Is Now, and Not a Moment Too Soon, Streaming at Netflix

November 25, 2016
Uncategorized
comedy special, michael che, michael che matters, netflix, stand up comedy

Given the feelings in the air in America still lingering from the election and, really, this whole year, Michael Che’s new hour hits a sweet spot of being open, honest, and ‘pinpoint funny’ about all the hot button issues right now, but does so with the aim of promoting understanding and having a conversation (i.e. what a lot of people need right now). 

Che goes confidently from Black Lives Matter to gun control to trans rights to Trump making the release of this special, Michael Che Matters, pretty well timed. 

You can go stream Michael Che Matters on Netflix now.

Watch Trailer for Michael Che’s Netflix Special Michael Che Matters

November 14, 2016
Uncategorized
comedy special, hour special, michael che, michael che matters, netflix, stand up, trailer

Going into Thanksgiving is going to be dicey this year. We’d say skip if you can.

Whether that’s possible or not, at least you’ll have a Michael Che stand-up special to look forward to.

Here’s the trailer for Michael Che Matters. It starts streaming on Netflix on November 25th.

Colin Quinn, Reggie Watts, Michael Che, Dana Carvey, and More Are Getting Netflix Comedy Specials

August 23, 2016
Uncategorized
colin quinn, comedy specials, dana carvey, michael che, netflix, reggie watts

Colin Quinn, Reggie Watts, Michael Che, Dana Carvey, and More Are Getting Netflix Comedy Specials

Netflix has built up its comedy branding so well, especially when it comes to comedy specials, that they now almost deal exclusively in big names.

It’s great to see Quinn having one of his solo shows get turned into a special it’ll also be fascinating to see what Watts does with the freedom of a Netflix special given that his last hour was done live in Central Park. 

The 3rd Annual 26th Annual Comedy Festival Announces Line-Up

March 2, 2016
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26th annual comedy festival, av club, chris gethard, jenny slate, jessica williams, michael che, onion, reggie watts, sarah silverman, tracy morgan, trutv

So far, Tracy Morgan, Sarah Silverman, Reggie Watts, Jenny Slate, Michael Che, Jessica Williams, Chris Gethard, Gabe Liedman, Phoebe Robinson, Max Silvestri, Ian Abramson, and Jo Firestone will be present for The 3rd Annual 26th Annual Comedy Festival taking place Jun. 1st-5th in Chicago.

That’s pretty swell if you ask us.

The Onion and A.V. Club have also joined forces with TruTV to present the festival this year, which seems pretty stacked. 

Tickets go on sale Wed. Mar. 3rd at 8AM PST right here.

Watch Latest Episode of Colin Quinn’s Cop Show That Has Michael Che and More Ridiculous Procedural Tropes

March 19, 2015
Uncategorized
colin quinn, cop show, keith robinson, l studio, michael che, parody

Colin Quinn’s Cop Show continues to expertly take on the real culprit in police procedural TV series: tired, hackneyed premises and writing. 

This time around he has the help of Michael Che.

Perhaps, like Burning Love got on E!, Cop Show will become a show on a network that will schedule it next to episodes of Law & Order, CSI, NCIS, and all their various spin-offs.

Watch the latest episode here.

The Daily Show Gives a Classy Send Off to Michael Che After Only a Few Months of Che Being a Correspondent

September 20, 2014
Uncategorized
daily show, jon stewart, michael che, Saturday Night Live, snl, weekend update

Michael Che is off from The Daily Show to co-anchor Weekend Update at Saturday Night Live and he just had his last appearance on The Daily Show last night.

So, of course, they gave him a send-off even after just three months as a correspondent. Watch it here.

Michael Che to Co-Anchor SNL’s Weekend Update in Place of Cecily Strong; Will Leave The Daily Show

September 12, 2014
Uncategorized
cecily strong, colin jost, daily show, michael che, nbc, Saturday Night Live, snl, weekend update

(via The Hollywood Reporter)

There’s been a lot of movement as of late ahead of the 40th season of Saturday Night Live. The latest change is Michael Che will return to SNL to co-anchor Weekend Update with Colin Jost. Che was a correspondent on The Daily Show, but with taking on this gig, will leave The Daily Show after his short tenure there.

Cecily Strong, who co-anchored Weekend Update last season, is moving back to being in more sketches. 

After seeing Che on The Daily Show, we think he will do quite well at The Weekend Update desk.

Michael Che Tries to Find the Safest Place to Report on Ferguson

August 27, 2014
Uncategorized
daily show, ferguson, michael brown, michael che

Being gone for the entire saga of the death of Michael Brown and the subsequent ordeals that has followed in Ferguson, MO, The Daily Show pretty much did their entire episode last night when returning from vacation on that very topic.

However, being on the ground in Ferguson to see what it’s like right now is a story in of itself according to The Daily Show’s Michael Che. Watch it here.

Comedy Central’s The Half Hour Returns Tonight

June 7, 2014
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chris distefano, comedy central, comedy special, half hour, michael che, stand up

Comedy Central’s The Half Hour Returns Tonight

At 12AM tonight, Comedy Central resumes their series of half hour stand-up specials starting with Michael Che and Chris Distefano. 

Don’t miss out and make sure you remember that it’s back every Friday at midnight for the next several weeks.

Michael Che Makes A Great Daily Show Debut

June 5, 2014
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aasif mandvi, daily show, debut, michael che

The newest correspondent of The Daily Show, Michael Che, made his debut last night and it was so good that Aasif Mandvi, mid-segment, had a thing or two to say about it.

Watch Che’s debut here.

Scott Moran Is Going Behind The Scenes of Comedy Central’s The Half Hour

June 5, 2014
Uncategorized
bts, chris distefano, comedy central, comedy special, michael che, the half hour

Director Scott Moran, who we sincerely who you know from his amazing Modern Comedian series, did an entire series of behind-the-scenes profiles for the upcoming batch of half hour stand up specials at Comedy Central.

Starting us off are ones for Michael Che and Chris Distefano.

Michael Che Makes His Debut as a Daily Show Correspondent Tonight

June 4, 2014
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daily show, debut, michael che

Michael Che Makes His Debut as a Daily Show Correspondent Tonight

It’s been a few weeks since Michael Che was announced as the newest correspondent at The Daily Show, but his debut episode will air tonight.

11PM, Comedy Central, tonight. Don’t miss it.

Michael Che Will Be Newest Daily Show Correspondent

April 28, 2014
Uncategorized
daily show, michael che

Michael Che Will Be Newest Daily Show Correspondent

With the the major shifts happening around The Daily Show, specifically John Oliver leaving with writer Tim Carvell, there’s room for some new folks. Jordan Klepper was brought on as a correspondent a few months ago and now, the very funny Michael Che will be joining the team. 

Now, we’re curious what he’ll be senior correspondent of.

Watch Michael Che as First Stand-up Comedian on Late Night with Seth meyers

March 1, 2014
Uncategorized
., late night, michael che, nbc, seth meyers, stand up

Late Night with Seth Meyers has just closed out its first week pretty well as far as new late night hosts go. 

In fact, the end of the week saw their very first stand up performance featuring the very funny Michael Che. 

Watch his set here.

Here’s The First Week’s Guest at Late Night with Seth Meyers and The Rest of The 8G Band

February 13, 2014
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amy poehler, fred armisen, joe biden, kanye west, late night, lena dunham, michael che, nbc, seth meyers

Seth Meyers lined up his first week of guests nice and big, but it’s even better to hear that the first comedian to perform under the banner of Late Night with Seth Meyers will be the very funny Michael Che.

Monday, Feb. 24: Guests Amy Poehler, Vice President Joe Biden and musical guest A Great Big World.
Tuesday, Feb. 25: Guests Kanye West and author Robyn Doolittle (Crazy Town: The Rob Ford Story).
Wednesday, Feb. 26: Guests Kelly Ripa, Brad Paisley and musical guest Brad Paisley.
Thursday, Feb. 27: Guests Lena Dunham, Anthony Mackie and musical guest John Mayer Trio.
Friday, Feb. 28: Guests Ian McKellen & Patrick Stewart, Sophia Bush and comedian Michael Che.

Also, Fred Armisen will be leading what will be known as The 8G Band (referencing the studio they’re performing in, not $8000), the rest of which you can get to know here.

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