News

Gianmarco Soresi’s long-running podcast co-hosted by Russell Daniels, The Downside, announced today its move to Headgum, the comedy podcast network behind such shows as Handsome, We’re Here to Help with Jake Johnson and Gareth Reynolds, Senses Working Overtime with David Cross, Dead Eyes, and Newcomers with Lauren Lapkus & Nicole Byer. On this beloved show with a devoted following, stand up comedian and lifelong cynic Gianmarco Soresi interviews guests including Matteo Lane, Caleb Hearon, Busy Philipps, Dan Soder, Maria Bamford, Ilana Glazer, Brennan Lee Mulligan, just to name a few, about all the downsides to their life.

In each episode, the hosts kvetch about whatever happened during their week and encourage guests ranging from up-and-coming comedians to people more famous than them to complain about their childhood, careers and daily lives. During the segment called “This Has Gotta Stop,” they riff on one aspect of society that their guest would like to end immediately.

Hulu has set a July premiere date for Zarna Garg’s new comedy special, TheWrap can exclusively reveal.

The special, titled “Zarna Garg: Practical People Win,” will premiere Friday, July 18 on Hulu. The streamer also revealed a first-look, which you can find below.

In the special, which marks Garg’s Hulu debut, the comedian will take aim at husbands, kids, in-laws and anyone who dares question an Indian mom’s wisdom, per the official logline. The hour-long special was filmed at Bimbo’s 365 Club in San Francisco.

This is all part of Hulu’s Hularious stand-up comedy slate, which kicked off back in November with Jim Gaffigan’s “The Skinny.” Other comedians who have been featured under the banner include Atsuko Okatsuka, Bill Burr, Chris Distefano, Ilana Glazer, Roy Wood Jr. and Matteo Lane. In August, Ralph Barbosa will debut his second comedy special, titled “Planet Bosa.”

Garg’s last comedy special,...

Despite battling a cold that left her noticeably hoarse, Whoopi Goldberg was back at The View table on Thursday, May 15, proving once again that the show’s heartbeat doesn’t skip easily—even when under the weather.

Goldberg, who had missed Wednesday’s episode, returned to join Sara Haines, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, and Alyssa Farah Griffin for the show’s signature “Hot Topics” segment.

While her presence was a comfort to viewers, it was clear she wasn’t at her usual energetic self. Her voice, scratchy and subdued, gave it away.

“It’s Kicking My Behind”: Whoopi Addresses Her Health On-Air

Following a discussion on the political drama surrounding testimonies by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Kristi Noem, the show went to a commercial break. When they returned, Goldberg decided to address the obvious.

“So before I go any further, I have to explain what’s happening. Have a cold,...

It was the quoted joke that had folks clutching their pearls all the way into the stratosphere. And Matteo Lane is not having it, ya’ll. As you may know, Gayle King landed herself in some hot water last month during a CBS Mornings interview with the comedian about his cookbook, Your Pasta Sucks. The convo turned to his standup routine, with King repeating a line, with the caveat that “I hope I don’t get in trouble,” which Lane uses in a bit about white women who approach him about cooking that included a term many found derogatory. From TikTok to TMZ, the online uproar was immediate. But Lane is not one of her haters. In the now-viral clip, he erupts into laughter at her usage of his joke and still stands by it. Talking with TV Insider ahead of the May 16 premiere of his Hulu stand-up hour, Matteo Lane: The Al Dente Special,...

Gay? Check. Geeky? Check. Hot? Check. Hilarious? See all three above. Because of course, comic Matteo Lane is a scream. The man is made of the best things on Earth required to forge a world view with a twist, and his 1.7 million Instagram followers all know it. So does Variety, which has named him one of their “10 Comics to Watch” An absolute smokeshow who’s no doubt come across your feed in his yellow duck t-shirt, performing in front of The Comedy Cellar’s iconic stained-glass window, Lane’s myriad clips have been a social-media treat for years, and now, folks will get a full dose of the Chicago native’s cat eye-sharp in Hulu’s latest standup offering, Matteo Lane: The Al Dente Special. Disney/Christopher Willard “What’s so funny is, I recorded an hour of material I had been working on for years to try and sell to Netflix or whoever,...

The Hulu May 2025 premiere schedule has been announced and can be viewed below. The streaming service has also revealed the titles that will leave next month.

The Hulu Originals for the month include Kun by Agüero, Matteo Lane: The Al Dente Special, Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2, Nine Puzzles, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 2, Summer of 69, and Vanderpump Villa Season 2.

The Last Showgirl, The Seed of the Sacred Fig, FX’s Adults, and Welcome to Wrexham Season 4 will also be available on Hulu in May.

Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2 Highlights

A look at the originals, exclusives, and premieres that are part of the Hulu May 2025 lineup.

Pita Hall (2025 – Streaming May 2)

Kalender, along with his daughter Filiz, runs a small pita shop inherited from his father. After losing his wife ten years ago, he became withdrawn. Closed to innovations and unwilling to take risks, his shop is also struggling.

It turns out Saturday Night Live isn’t the only show facing heat for letting some bad words fly on live television this week.

Thursday on CBS Mornings, co-host Gayle King let a gay slur slip while quoting one of guest Matteo Lane‘s jokes to the comedian, igniting mixed reactions from audiences on social media.

“Let’s talk about the stand-up. Can I just say one joke? I hope I don’t get in trouble,” prefaced King. “You do a riff about white women who approached you, and they said something about cooking, and you said, ‘What in the f—try are you talking about?’ I thought that was hilarious. What does that mean?”

After suppressing his own laughter, Lane seemed validated as he responded, “I love you, Gayle King. It means exactly what you think it means. White women, they’re fine during the day, but they have...

Gayle King received backlash from CBS Mornings viewers after using a gay slur on the air.

The remarks arrived during Friday’s episode, as she and her co-stars chatted with comedian Matteo Lane about his standup material and a new cookbook.

Gayle expressed excitement over having Lane on the show, calling him “so funny” after showing a clip of one of his standup jokes.

She mentioned his cookbook, Your Pasta Sucks, and the first chapter’s title: How to Cook Pasta like an Italian, Irish, Mexican Homosexual.

During the interview, Lane discussed his various tips for cooking pasta, including not using olive oil in the water and only using freshly made pasta for certain sauces.

However, things turned interesting when Gayle mentioned his standup and one of his jokes, using a gay slur.

Gayle said she hoped not to ‘get in trouble’ for slur on CBS Mornings

During part of the interview,...

CBS Mornings viewers may have done a spit-take on their coffee Friday morning as cohost Gayle King recited a gay slur during an interview with comedian Matteo Lane. “Can we talk about the standup? Can I just say one joke? I hope I don’t get in trouble,” King said. “You do a riff about white women who approached you, and they said something about cooking, and you said, ‘What in the f*****ry are you talking about?’” Lane, who was on the morning show to promote his cookbook, Your Pasta Sucks, covered his mouth and cackled in response. “I love you, Gayle King,” he said. “It means exactly what you think it means. What in the hell? No, white women, they’re fine during the day, and then they have one sip of a rosé, and they’re like, ‘Tonight’s about me.’ And they just won’t stop.

On Tuesday April 1 2025, CBS broadcasts The Drew Barrymore Show!

Matteo Lane Season 5 Episode 256 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “The Drew Barrymore Show” features comedian Matteo Lane, who is known for his lively personality and sharp wit. This episode promises to be a delightful blend of cooking and humor, as Lane takes to the kitchen to whip up a delicious dish. Viewers can expect to see his culinary skills on display, along with plenty of laughs.

In addition to cooking, Lane will also be answering some spicy questions from Drew Barrymore. This segment is sure to bring out Lane’s comedic side, as he navigates through fun and possibly challenging questions. The dynamic between Drew and Matteo is likely to create an entertaining atmosphere, filled with engaging conversation and playful banter.

This episode seems to be a perfect mix of food and comedy, appealing to fans of both. With Matteo...

CBS Mornings presents a unique blend of science, entertainment, and education this Thursday, April 3, with guests including former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, television anchor Deborah Norville, comedian Matteo Lane, and YouTube sensation Ms. Rachel. Bowe will likely share her fascinating experiences at NASA and her work in Stem. Norville will discuss her long […]

CBS Mornings Thursday April 3: Aisha Bowe, Ms. Rachel...

Kathryn Hahn, known for her scene-stealing roles in everything from “WandaVision” to “Bad Moms,” graces Drew Barrymore’s stage this Tuesday. Hahn will be discussing her new comedy Apple TV+ series, “The Studio,” offering viewers a peek behind the curtain of her latest project. But the laughter doesn’t stop there. Comedian Matteo Lane, a multi-talented performer […]

The Drew Barrymore Show: Kathryn Hahn, Matteo Lane...

Kumail Nanjiani will release a comedy special on Hulu, his first stand-up special in over a decade. The show will mark his second-ever standup special.

Since Nanjiani’s first comedy special, Beta Male, in 2013, he’s starred in projects such as HBO’s Silicon Valley and Hulu’s Welcome to Chippendales, with other appearances on shows like Only Murders in the Building. He picked up an Oscar nod for his screenplay on The Big Sick and previously hosted The Meltdown With Jonah and Kumail, a Comedy Central stand-up series.

Nanjiani...

Kumail Nanjiani is returning to the stand-up stage, and bringing Hulu with him.

The Emmy- and Oscar-nominated actor and writer is joining the Disney-owned streamer’s lineup of comedy specials. The special will be the second of his career — and the first in more than a decade. His inaugural special, Beta Male, aired on Comedy Central in 2013.

Since then, Nanjiani has worked regularly as an actor in HBO’s Silicon Valley and Hulu’s Welcome to Chippendales and feature films The Big Sick — for which he and Emily V. Gordon earned Oscar nominations for writing — The Lovebirds and Eternals, among others. He also hosted Comedy Central’s stand-up showcase The Meltdown With Jonah and Kumail from 2014-16.

Nanjiani will also be an executive producer of the Hulu special alongside Elan Gale and Bernie Schaeffer. ITV American and TheYearOfElan are producing. A date and title for the special will be announced later.

Kumail Nanjiani is joining Hulu’s “Hularious” line-up with his own special.

It will mark Nanjiani’s second special in more than a decade. It’s produced by ITV America, Winter Coat (Nanjiani’s production company) and TheYearOfElan. Nanjiani will serve as an executive producer alongside Elan Gale and Bernie Schaeffer.

The special will premiere domestically on Hulu and internationally on Disney+, with the release date and additional details to be announced at a later date.

In 2024, Nanjiani launched his stand-up comedy tour, Kumail Nanjiani: Doing This Again across North America and Europe.

Nanjiani’s upcoming acting gigs Peacock’s Poker Face and in Ella McCay from 20th Century. His past work include Marvel’s The Eternals, Fox’s The X-Files, NBC’s Community, Disney’s Obi-Wan, Men In Black: International, Stuber, The Lovebirds, Migration, and Fist Fight.

His first comedy special was “Beta Male” that aired in 2013 on Comedy Central.

Kumail Nanjiani is returning to stand-up comedy after 10 years with a new special for Hulu.

The hour is Nanjiani’s first comedy special in 12 years, his second after 2013’s “Beta Male.” A release date and title will be revealed at a later date.

ITV America and TheYearOfElan will produce the new special, which is executive produced by Nanjiani, Elan Gale and Bernie Schaeffer.

Nanjiani is a comedian and actor best known for his roles in the HBO comedy series “Silicon Valley” and the romantic comedy film “Big Sick,” which he co-wrote with his wife, Emily V. Gordon, about their relationship. His credits range from blockbuster fare to beloved comedy programs. Nanjiani is an Oscar nominee for the “Big Sick” screenplay and an Emmy nominee for his guest role in an episode of Jordan Peele’s reboot of “The Twilight Zone,” as well as his lead role in the Hulu limited series “Welcome to Chippendales.

Exclusive: Hulu announced this morning that Matteo Lane: The Al Dente Special, its first hour of stand-up from comedian Matteo Lane, is set to premiere on the streamer on Friday, May 16.

Marking Lane’s first special for a major service, The Al Dente Special comes on the heels of self-released specials including Hair Plugs & Heartache and The Advice Special, which the comic released in multiple installments. Comparing his stand-up to catching up with your old friend at brunch, Lane uses his new hour to share a glimpse into his travels, friendships and unique family background. He taped it at Eli and Edythe Broad Stage in Santa Monica last October.

Matteo Lane: The Al Dente Special is written, performed and executive produced by Lane. Additional executive producers include Ally Engelberg, Tiffany Schloesser, and Jared Lapidus, who also directed the special.

Boasting a major social media following, with 1.7M followers on Instagram,...

New York Fashion Week is officially underway and there were so many celebs in attendance at the Christian Siriano show!

Katie Holmes, Julianne Hough, and Whoopi Goldberg were seen sitting next to each other in the front row at the runway show on Thursday (February 6) at Chelsea Insutrial in New York City.

More celebs in attendance included Adam Lambert, Tiffany Haddish, Laverne Cox, Harvey Guillen, and others.

Coco Rocha and Winnie Harlow were among the models who walked the runway during the event.

An after party was held at Paradise Club at The Times Square Edition, where Natasha Bedingfield treated guess to a performance of hit songs like “Unwritten” and “Pocketful of Sunshine.”

Head inside to see more celebs who attended the show…

Keep scrolling to see more celebs who were there…

Adam Lambert

Katie Holmes

Danielle Brooks

Bronwyn Newport and Natasha Bedingfield

Tiffany Haddish

Laverne Cox

Harvey Guillen

Gavin Casalegno...

Hulu has released a trailer for the upcoming comedy special from Chris Distefano, streaming Feb. 21.

Titled “It’s Just Unfortunate,” the stand-up hour sees the Brooklyn-born comic riffing on his three Puerto Rican kids, his 13-year-old stepson and his dad’s rudimentary understanding of Latin culture (“They throw the parties for the girls at 15 — they call them Quesadillas”).

In the minute-long teaser, Distefano quips, “My girl, she wants a guy who knows how to build stuff. I don’t know how to build anything. I can build walls — emotionally.”

Distefano’s last stand-up special, “Speshy Weshy,” aired on Netflix in 2022, and his 2019 debut “Size 38 Waist” came courtesy of Comedy Central.

“What an honor to be one of the 12 comics chosen by Hulu,” Distefano said in a statement to Variety. “I feel like an apostle right now. Chrissy The Catholic. I bought my entire outfit at the Queens Center Mall. Shoutout Zara.

Trey Kennedy has set a new stand-up comedy special at Hulu, where it will be available to stream starting Jan. 24.

Titled “Grow Up,” the hour “takes audiences on a hilarious journey through the ups and downs of adulthood.” Kennedy shot the family-friendly special in front of a sold-out crowd in Salt Lake City, and he explores navigating fatherhood as well as his own upbringing. He discusses his relationship with his wife, what makes them so different and the aspects of his life that need some growing up.

Per a press release, “With a comedic blend of stand-up, videos, and music, Kennedy delivers an hour-long ride through his comedic mind, with both poignant moments and laugh-out-loud observations about life’s better or worse moments.”

“I’m super grateful Hulu is helping me show ‘Grow Up’ to the masses,” Kennedy said in a statement. “I’m so proud of this special and...

Ali Wong is directing and producing a new comedy special from Frankie Quiñones, which will premiere on Hulu as part of its upcoming Hularious program.

The stand-up hour is produced by Irwin Entertainment. A release date and title have yet to be announced.

“To have my homegirl Ali Wong produce and direct my first one-hour special is a dream come true. Thanks to Hulu/Disney for making this possible. Be ready for some vulnerable ridiculousness. That’s what’s up,” Quiñones said in a statement.

Added Wong: “Frankie, on and offstage, was always one of the funniest coming up in the Bay Area comedy scene. I’m really honored to be directing and producing his first stand up special because his hour is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. People mostly know him as Creeper from the viral Cholofit videos or from his hilarious performance in ‘This Fool,’ so...

As Hulu continues to bulk up his comedy coffers, the platform announced a new hour from comedian Ralph Barbosa.

The news comes just weeks before Hulu rolls out its ambitious stand-up initiative, which it has cheekily titled “Hularious.” Jim Gaffigan will serve as the brand’s guinea pig, with his new special, Jim Gaffigan: The Skinny, kicking it off Nov. 22. Other hours, from major names like Bill Burr, Sebastian Maniscalco and Roy Wood Jr., will follow. The Barbosa special has not yet been dated, and its focus, at least for now, is being kept under wraps.

Unlike Burr, Gaffigan and Maniscalco, who are all arena-playing vets, Barbosa is considerably greener in his career. In fact, the 28-year-old made his debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in early 2023, and then swiftly kicked off his theater tour, Ralph Barbosa: The Super Cool Ass Tour, the following year. This is not his first special,...

Ralph Barbosa has set his second stand-up special at Hulu.

The comic, who self-identifies as “one of the shyest attention hogs to ever do comedy,” became a breakout star of 2023 after the release of his Netflix special, “Cowabunga,” which ranked at No. 3 on the streamer’s television chart during its premiere week.

The new comedy hour will launch as part of Hulu’s new stand-up initiative, Hularious. It will be available to stream domestically on Hulu and internationally on Disney+. A release date or title has not yet been announced.

Named one of Variety‘s 10 Comics to Watch for 2024, Barbosa is currently touring theaters on his North American tour, dubbed “Ralph Barbosa, The Super Cool Ass Tour.” He has featured on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and has performed stand-up for Comedy Central. In November 2022, he starred in the HBO Max comedy special “Entre Nos: The Winners 3,” and his...

Comedian Zarna Garg has inked a deal for a stand-up special with Hulu, becoming the latest to take part in their new comedy brand, Hularious.

No specifics on the special were provided, other than that Rotten Science is producing, and that it will launch domestically on Hulu and Disney+ internationally.

Stated Garg, “I’m beyond excited to join the Hulu family and bring families together for my comedy special! Just make sure they get back to their math homework afterward.”

An Indian immigrant mom known for her sharp, relatable family humor, Garg’s first streaming special, One in a Billion, premiered on Prime Video last year. Recently seen in hit SXSW film A Nice Indian Boy, she’s developing the sitcom Zarna, produced by Mindy Kaling and Kevin Hart, at CBS, as we were first to report, and will unveil her debut book next spring. Also known for her Zarna Garg Family Podcast,...

Zarna Garg has set a new stand-up special at Hulu.

Produced by Rotten Science, the comedy hour will launch as part of Hulu’s new stand-up initiative, Hularious. A release date or title has not yet been announced.

“I’m beyond excited to join the Hulu family and bring families together for my comedy special! Just make sure they get back to their math homework afterward,” Garg said in a statement.

Garg is an Indian-born comedian and screenwriter who escaped an arranged marriage and later moved to the United States. She was a stay-at-home mother for 16 years before her children encouraged her to try stand-up comedy. After performing at open mics in New York City, she began winning competitions for stand-up comedy and screenwriting, and was recognized by Kevin Hart and Hillary Clinton.

Garg’s first comedy special, “One in a Billion,” was released on Amazon Prime Video in 2023. She...

Andrew Santino — the comedian, actor and host of podcasts “Whiskey Ginger” and “Bad Friends” with Bobby Lee — has set his next stand-up special at Hulu.

The comedy hour will be executive produced by Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions banner. The special joins the streamer’s “Hularious” lineup, which boasts a roster that includes Bill Burr, Chris Distefano, Jim Gaffigan, Ilana Glazer, Jessica Kirson, Matteo Lane, Sebastian Maniscalco, Atsuko Okatsuka and Roy Wood Jr.

While a release date for Santino’s special was not announced, “Hularious” kicks off on Nov. 22. It also features a curated collection of previously released stand-up specials licensed from smaller distributors like 800 Pound Gorilla, Comedy Dynamics, and Don’t Tell Comedy, among others.

In 2015, Santino released a Comedy Central half-hour stand-up special alongside his debut album “Say No More.” He made his stand-up debut on Adam DeVine’s “House Party” and has since performed on “Conan” and “The Meltdown.

Sebastian Maniscalco is headed to Hulu.

In what is considered a sizable coup for the platform, Maniscalco’s latest hour will debut as part of Hulu’s new standup initiative, which will kick off next month under the headline “Hularious.” The special, which is not yet dated, is expected to tackle what Maniscalco sees as the absurdities of modern life, from nonexistent manners and wallet-winced prices to the chaos of social media. It will be filmed during his top-selling “It Ain’t Right” tour.

“How many times do you catch yourself thinking, ‘It Ain’t Right’?” he said in a statement Thursday. “This special is my way of uniting us to laugh at the ridiculousness of the world around us, and I’m thrilled to share it with my fans. So, get your sweats on, pop yourself some popcorn, and get ready to laugh.”

Done+Dusted, which produced the 74th Emmy Awards,...

On Monday, After Midnight, hosted by Taylor Tomlinson, welcomes comedians Nicole Byer and Matteo Lane, and actress Sasheer Zamata to discuss the day’s trending internet topics. Plus what’s happening the rest of this week on the show. On Tuesday, comedian Josh Peck, comedian Kurt Braunohler, and comedian Taylor Ortega join Taylor. On Wednesday, comedian Josh […]

After Midnight: Nicole Byer, Matteo Lane...

Matteo Lane is the latest comedian to join Hulu’s stand-up comedy lineup.

Lane will host a new stand-up special for Hulu under the streamer’s Hularious comedy banner, which is set to launch in November with Jim Gaffigan. Subsequent monthly specials are also set for Bill Burr, Ilana Glazer, Roy Wood Jr., Atsuko Okatsuka, Jessica Kirson and Chris Distefano.

Lane’s special, which will launch domestically on Hulu and on Disney+ internationally, is set to be taped on Thursday, Oct. 24 at the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage in Santa Monica. Further information regarding the special’s release date is not available at this time.

“I am thrilled to be part of the Disney/Hulu family,” Lane said in a Tuesday statement. “This is the closest I’ll get to becoming the 5th Golden Girl.”

With a previous life as an oil painter and classically trained opera singer in Italy,...

Joan Rivers may be gone but she’s far from forgotten. Rivers has inspired a November fundraiser featuring some big names from the world of comedy all in service to one of the late icon’s most beloved charities.

Dead Funny – An All-Star Tribute to Joan Rivers Benefiting God’s Love We Deliver is set to take place at New York’s Apollo Theater on Nov. 7. The event will also serve as the official opening night of the 20th annual New York Comedy Festival while also coming on the heels of another milestone with the 10th anniversary of her passing. Rivers passed away at age 81 on Sept. 4, 2014.

Dead Funny has booked Michelle Buteau, Rachel Brosnahan, Nikki Glaser, Matteo Lane and Randy Rainbow to start with additional names expected. Rivers’ daughter and frequent collaborator, Melissa Rivers, is executive producing the event alongside star of stage and screen Erich Bergen.

“My mother always said,...

Katy O'Brian, who has broken out in a big way in the last 18 months, and Outer Banks star Madison Bailey are the latest to sign on to star in the romantic comedy Maintenance Required, produced by Future Artists Entertainment, Luber Roklin Entertainment, and Amazon MGM Studios, according to a report by Deadline. They join previously announced cast members Madelaine Petsch and Jacob Scipio. The film, which is currently shooting, also features Inanna Sarkis, comedian Matteo Lane, and Emmy-nominated actor Jim Gaffigan.

The documentary “Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution” is set to premiere globally on June 18 on Netflix. The feature-length documentary, the first of its kind to address this topic, examines the history of queer stand-up comedy as — according to its logline — “an instrument for social change over the past five decades, actively reflecting and challenging cultural norms and values.”

The film combines stand-up performances and talking head interviews, as well as archival materials featuring LGBTQ+ comedians, and includes Lily Tomlin, Sandra Bernhard, Wanda Sykes, Suzy Izzard, Hannah Gadsby, Tig Notaro, Rosie O’Donnell, Margaret Cho, Bob The Drag Queen and Trixie Mattel.

Historians interviewed for the documentary include Dave Holmes, Roger Mason, Shar Jossell, Susan Stryker and Kate Aurthur, Variety‘s Editor-at-Large.

“Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution” is written and directed by Page Hurwitz. “I’m excited for the film to premiere, particularly at this time, because comedy has the power to unite, and...

Chris Rock, David Letterman, Jerry Seinfeld, Hannah Gadsby, Seth Rogen, and Tom Brady (yes, that Tom Brady) are among the comedians and non-comedians set to appear at the 2024 Netflix Is a Joke festival.

Kevin Hart, John Mulaney, Ali Wong, Chelsea Handler, Maya Rudolph, Nate Bargatze, Nick Kroll, Kumail Nanjiani, Tim Robinson, Sebastian Maniscalco, and Patton Oswalt are just some of the dozens of A-list comics also on the bill when the fest hits venues across Los Angeles between May 2 and 12.

Despite all the comic legends, the name that stands out the most is Brady’s,...

Netflix is bringing back its “Netflix Is a Joke Fest,” which so far has lined up more than 300 live events across 35 venues in Los Angeles. The event, last held in 2022, will include Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Gaffigan, Nate Bargatze and Sebastian Maniscalco in a night of comedy at the Hollywood Bowl; also holding stand-up shows there are Bill Burr, John Mulaney, Seth Rogen, Matt Rife, Kevin Hart, Trevor Noah and a joint show with Taylor Tomlinson, Sarah Silverman, Nikki Glaser and Michelle Buteau.

Netflix produces the festival with Live Nation; this year’s event will take place from May 2 to May 12, 2024. Besides the Bowl, other venues on tap include The Greek, The Dolby, The Forum, The Palladium, Orpheum Theatre and The Wiltern, as well as well as comedy venues including The Hollywood Improv, Largo, Laugh Factory and The Comedy Store.

“This is a special time for comedy, both for Netflix and the genre at large,...

Exclusive: Rising stand-up comedian Matteo Lane, who has released a number of YouTube specials, has signed a deal with Studio71.

The move will see the company expand Lane’s reach across digital media and act as his ad sales partner to monetize his content. The deal will see Studio71 distribute his work.

Lane is the latest comedian to work with Studio71, which is growing its stand-up roster; it already works with the likes of Trixie, Trevor Wallace, Bob the Drag Queen, Mayim Bialik, Josh Wolf, Brittany Furlan and Tim Chantarangsu.

He has more than 3M followers on social media and his last self-released special Hair Plugs & Heartache has been gaining traction on YouTube. He also released The Advice Special last year and has appeared on Netflix’s Stand Out and The Comedy Lineup as well as appearing in series such as Survival of the Thickest and Crashing.

Joseph Marchese, EVP of Creator Partnerships,...

Conan O’Brien will bring his podcast Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend to this year’s New York Comedy Festival, with a taping of the live episode later airing on Team Coco’s SiriusXM Channel.

O’Brien joins a festival line-up that includes Dave Attell, Bill Burr, Nicole Byer, Jimmy Carr, Margaret Cho, Tim Dillon, Giggly Squad, Ilana Glazer, Brett Goldstein, Nate Jackson, Anthony Jeselnik, Matteo Lane, Sam Morril, Nick Mullen and Adam Friedland, Atsuko Okatsuka, Pod Meets World, Donnell Rawlings, Jeff Ross, Robyn Schall, Daniel Sloss, and Michelle Wolf.

The festival runs Nov. 3-12 and includes more than 100 shows at such New York venues as the Apollo Theatre, Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Beacon Theatre, Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Msg, Town Hall, and more.

The taping of Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend live podcast will take place at Brooklyn Academy of Music (Bam) on Tuesday,...

The New York Comedy Festival has announced its 2023 headliners, this year welcoming Dave Attell, Bill Burr, Nicole Byer, Jimmy Carr, Margaret Cho, Tim Dillon, Giggly Squad, Ilana Glazer, Brett Goldstein, Nate Jackson, Anthony Jeselnik, Matteo Lane, Sam Morril, Nick Mullen and Adam Friedland, Conan O’Brien, Atsuko Okatsuka, Pod Meets World, Donnell Rawlings, Jeff Ross, Robyn Schall, Daniel Sloss and Michelle Wolf to the 10-day event.

The largest comedy festival in the U.S., the New York Comedy Festival is now in its 19th year and will run from Nov. 3 to Nov. 12. The event, founded by Caroline Hirsch and produced by Carolines, brings together over 200 of the country’s top comedians who perform in more than 100 shows at some of the most prestigious venues in the five boroughs, including the Apollo Theatre, Bam, the Beacon Theatre, Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Msg and Town Hall.

Burr returns to...

The New York Comedy Festival, considered the largest comedy festival in the U.S., is about to get larger: In its 19th year, the 2023 Nycf will expand from seven to ten days, running Friday, Nov. 3 to Sunday, Nov. 12.

Headliners are set to include Dave Attell, Bill Burr, Nicole Byer, Jimmy Carr, Margaret Cho, Tim Dillon, Giggly Squad, Ilana Glazer, Brett Goldstein, Nate Jackson, Anthony Jeselnik, Matteo Lane, Sam Morril, Nick Mullen and Adam Friedland, Atsuko Okatsuka, Pod Meets World, Donnell Rawlings, Jeff Ross, Robyn Schall, Daniel Sloss and Michelle Wolf.

“We’re very excited to bring the best comedians – from emerging talent to established headliners – from across the country and throughout the world to perform at this year’s festival,” said Caroline Hirsch, founder and owner of the New York Comedy Festival. “We’ve curated an amazing line-up of shows, with many more to be announced in the coming months.

Making a rom-com that cuts through the clutter these days can be a tall order. Once a regular date-night megaplex staple, most seem to wind up buried on streaming platforms, easily lost soon after their release. So it’s welcome when a filmmaker comes at the genre with admiration, reverence and ideas about how to make it appealing to a modern audience. In “Molli and Max in the Future,” writer-director Michael Lukk Litwak works from familiar incredients in crafting his story of two mismatched lovers who bicker and feud on their way to realizing that they were meant for each other. There’s fast-talking repartee, witty dialogue and fantastic chemistry between his leads Zosia Mamet and Aristotle Athari. It’s in what he chooses to surround his lead characters with, that he foibles the surefire setup.

Litwak’s clearly inspired by “When Harry Met Sally.” In fact, he lifts his story,...

A reimagining of the classic 1950s TV game show I’ve Got A Secret is in the works. Sony Pictures Television’s Embassy Row, Werner Entertainment and Game Show Enterprises Studios, Gsn’s production arm, have teamed to produce the pilot for a potential series, hosted by Katie Nolan (Friday Night Baseball), that will be available for network and syndication.

In the hour-long part game show and part comedic talk show, four celebrity panelists will try and figure out each contestant’s “secret,” drawn from pop culture both past and present, by asking them a series of yes or no questions. Celebrity panelists for the pilot include comedians Nikki Glaser, Colton Dunn, Cristela Alonso and Matteo Lane.

Nolan will keep an eye on the panelists as they unravel each secret – sometimes playing the role of referee and other times acting more like a ringleader. Contestants win a cash prize if they stump the panel.

Vice TV has teamed with Jimmy Kimmel’s Kimmelot and ITV America on Super Maximum Retro Show, a series based on the viral Super70sSports Twitter feed. Hosted by comedian Chris Distefano, Super Maximum Retro Show will premiere on Vice TV on Tuesday, March 7 at 10 Pm.

Super Maximum Retro Show comes from Ricky Cobb, who is behind the Twitter account, and will feature “the best, worst and most outrageous” videos, photos, ads and games from the 70s, 80s and 90s, In each episode the show’s guest panelists will comment, joke and make fun some of the most absurd things to come out of those decades in the pre-Internet era. Panelists include Hasan Minaj, Roy Wood Jr., Chris Redd, Matteo Lane, Judy Gold, Chris Gethard, Adam Pally and more.

“I love Ricky Cobb’s Super70sSports twitter feed and Chris Distefano is one of my favorite comics,” said Kimmel. “I...

Vice TV has ordered the series “Super Maximum Retro Show,” from Jimmy Kimmel’s Kimmelot and ITV America. The series, which is based on the Super70sSports viral Twitter feed, launches on Tuesday, March 7 at 10 p.m. Et.

Ricky Cobb is behind the Twitter account, while comedian Chris Distefano will host. The show will include videos, photos, ads and games from the pre-Internet era and focus on things that would have gone viral had the web existed back then. A group of guest panelists will join in and comment, as well as share their memories from the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

Among the panelists lined up: Hasan Minaj, Roy Wood Jr., Chris Redd, Matteo Lane, Judy Gold, Chris Gethard, Adam Pally and others.

“I love Ricky Cobb’s Super70sSports Twitter feed and Chris Distefano is one of my favorite comics,” Kimmel said in a statement. “I cannot wait for...

Exclusive: ICM’S Michael Grinspan has joined UTA as an Agent in the Comedy Touring division.

In his new position, Grinspan will focus on live touring, podcasts, comedy specials and branding. He will be based out of UTA’s Los Angeles headquarters, reporting to Partner and Head of Comedy Touring, Nick Nuciforo.

Grinspan spent nearly seven years at ICM, where he built a diverse roster of clients including comedians who identify as members of the Lgbtqia+ community and other entertainers from underrepresented backgrounds. While at the CAA-acquired agency, he helped found its internal LGBT resources group, InQlusion. Grinspan will bring to UTA such notable clients as Trixie Mattel, Matteo Lane and Bob the Drag Queen, among others.

“Throughout his career, Michael has played a pivotal role in advancing diverse comedic voices,” said Nuciforo. “We are thrilled to welcome him to UTA as we broaden our roster of comedic talent.

Exclusive: The Flight Attendant star Zosia Mamet and Saturday Night Live’s Aristotle Athari are leading sci-fi romcom Molli & Max in the Future.

Principal photography on the New York-filmed feature debut from short film director Michael Lukk Litwak has just wrapped and pic has now entered post-production.

Set one billion years into the future and employing techniques used for Disney+’s The Mandalorian, the film is set in an absurd world where lead Max (Athari) believes people change and Molli (Mamet) doesn’t. Over the course of ten years, six planets, four dimensions, and one space cult, they prove each other right.

Rounding out cast is Arturo Castro (Broad City), Michael Chernus (Severance), Aparna Nancherla (BoJack Horseman), Okieriete Onaodowan (Broadway’s Hamilton), Paloma Garcia-Lee (Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story), Erin Darke (Good Girls Revolt), Grace Kuhlenschmidt (Search Party), stand-up comedian Matteo Lane and seven-time Tony Award nominee Danny Burstein (Broadway’s Moulin Rouge!

Hot off the heels of being named the NBA Finals Mvp, Stephen Curry is hosting the 2022 Espy awards, ESPN announced Wednesday.

The four-time NBA champion will host the ceremony live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Curry is also a three-time nominee at the awards, which honors the best achievements in major league sports by male and female athletes over the course of the past season. This year, the Golden State Warriors athlete is nominated in the best men’s sports athlete and best NBA player categories. In addition, his recent record for most three-pointers in a game is nominated for the record breaking performance award.

During the ceremony, Vitali Klitschko, former heavyweight boxing champion and mayor of Kyiv, will be honored with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage. Additional announced recipients of honorary awards include Gretchen Evans, who will receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service, and Dick Vitale,...

Amy Schumer, Hasan Minhaj, Taylor Tomlinson and Jerrod Carmichael will receive awards at the Just for Laughs award show next month.

The ceremony will take place at the Just For Laughs Montreal festival, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The award show, which takes place July 29 at the DoubleTree, will see Schumer receive an award for comedy person of the year. In addition, Minhaj will be named stand up comedian of the year, Tomlinson will receive the festival’s breakout comedy star award and Carmichael will accept the best comedy special award, for his recent HBO Max special “Rothaniel.”

In addition, Just For Laughs also announced that Schumer will perform an extra show at the festival in addition to her previously announced set. Carmichael has also been confirmed to perform. Additional new performers announced include Amanda Seales, Pete Holmes, Chris Distefano and Jake Hurwitz and Amir Blumenfeld, who will bring...

Click here to read the full article.

Page Hurwitz had a plan to tell the story of LGBTQ+ comedians with the help of one big historic show — and then the pandemic hit.

But as the global shuttering put a pause on her original plans, it opened the door for an invitation to the Netflix Is a Joke festival, where the director, writer, producer and comedian’s planned show — a featured part of Stand Out: The Documentary, which will debut on Netflix later this year — was able to be part of the streamer’s first major live comedy festival.

Hosted by Billy Eichner and headlined by Eddie Izzard, Margaret Cho, Sandra Bernhard, Tig Notaro, Wanda Sykes and Rosie O’Donnell, the show is the largest known amassing of LGBTQ+ comedic talent on one stage. The sold-out three-hour set, held at the 5,900-capacity outdoor Greek Theatre, featured Billy Porter, Lena Waithe, Sarah Paulson,...

Billy Eichner and Mae Martin have called out Netflix’s support of Dave Chappelle’s jokes about queer and trans people — in a comedy special released by Netflix itself.

Both comedians appear in “Stand Out: An LGBTQ Celebration,” which debuted on June 9 after being taped at Netflix Is a Joke Fest in May. The event, hosted by Eichner, was the largest-ever gathering of LGBTQ+ comics in one stand-up special, according to Netflix.

“We all know how backwards and dangerous the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ laws are,” Eichner says in the special. “Queer people, and especially trans people, are under legislative attack in this country. Trans people are being demeaned. They’re trying to dehumanize trans people. They’re trying to erase trans people. And I’m not even talking about Florida. I’m talking about Dave Chappelle’s latest Netflix special!”

“Oh, come at me! I don’t have Jamie Foxx to defend me,...

Variety has named its 10 Comics to Watch for 2022. This year’s honorees will be profiled in the July 20 issue of Variety and be honored at this year’s Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, held in Montreal July 13-31. There will be a panel and cocktail reception held on July 29, followed by a performance showcase July 30.

Variety has been presenting the 10 Comics to Watch list since 2000 and has included such names as Tiffany Haddish, Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt and Quinta Brunson.

The list is comprised of stand-up comedians, writers and content creators selected by a panel that includes Variety editors and those in the comedy community that scout, book, cast and represent comics.

Says Christine Walters, creative director, Just For Laughs ComedyPRO and ComedyCON: “We look forward to welcoming the hilarious new class of Variety 10 Comics to Watch in this, our 40th anniversary year of the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal.

Amy Schumer, James Acaster, Jimmy O. Yang and many other comedians have joined the lineup of Just for Laughs Montreal’s 40th anniversary festival. The news comes ahead of the launch for tickets of the event, which goes live Wednesday.

Schumer, Acaster, Yang, Jimmy Carr, Dara Ó Briain, Debra Digiovanni, Jacqueline Novak, Katherine Ryan, Maria Bamford, Fortune Feimster will all perform concert shows over the course of the almost three-week long Canadian comedy festival. In addition, Rick Mercer will host a special concert spotlighting Canadian comics. They join previously announced performers, who include John Mulaney and Hasan Minhaj.

Just for Laughs also announced a special gala celebrating the festival’s 40th anniversary, as well as several club shows, a podcast reading for Hesseltine and Rayna Greenberg’s comedy show “Girls Gotta Eat” and programming for the Off-jfl spin-off festival.

The festival also released the dates for its 26th annual New Faces series,...