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Bo Burnham is a multitalented creative who has been conspicuously absent from the big and small screen since 2021. After appearing in Promising Young Woman in 2020 and performing the tour-de-force stand-up routine Bo Burnham: Inside during the pandemic in 2021, Burnham has largely disappeared from the public to work on new projects behind the scenes. One such project is The Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show, which debuted on HBO in March 2024.

While Carmichael takes center stage on the intimately revealing reality TV show, Burnham appears secretly on the show as a masked friend and confidant named Anonymous. Carmichael speaks to Anonymous as a therapeutic sounding board and seeks his relationship advice, further establishing the profound friendship between Burnham and Carmichael. For fans of both comedians, The Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show provides must-see entertainment that explores family, friendship, and the longing for lasting connections.

Who Is Bo Burnham?

Netflix

Born Robert Pickering Burnham in...

Chicago – The future is bright for Chicago comedy, as the stand-up scene keeps growing along with the improv and sketch juggernauts. Comedian Ariel Julie is organizing the upcoming Windy City Comedy Fest, set for 2025, and is hosting a benefit for that Fest at Chicago’s Den Theatre on August 8th, 2024. Click here for details/tickets.

Three of the best comedians in Chicago are coming together for “One Night Only,” to raise funds for the first annual Windy City Comedy Fest … Kristen Toomey, Junior Stopka, and Dwayne Kennedy. Your host is Ariel Julie, known for her comic energy, charisma, and a wry sense of humor. At a towering 4-ft/10, Ariel Julie takes pride as part of the long, hilarious and influential lineage of the Jewish comedian. Her full-hour stand-up special, “Weiner Patrol,” is available on YouTube (link below).

Hosted by Comedian Ariel Julie

Photo credit: TheDenTheatre.com

Kristen Toomey haș been named a “Chicago Original,...

John Mulaney is bringing the “Sack Lunch Bunch” to Comedy Central.

Variety has confirmed that Mulaney has signed a deal with the cabler to host and executive produce two new “John Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunch” specials. The first special debuted on Netflix this past December.

“I was an intern at Comedy Central when I was barely older than the kids in the ‘Sack Lunch Bunch.,'” Mulaney said. “I wasn’t a very good intern, so I am psyched they hired me again. We are thrilled to bring these specials to Comedy Central: a place where I have had so many good times.”

The first installment of the “Sack Lunch Bunch” was an hour-long variety special starring Mulaney, over a dozen child actors, and celebrity guests like Jake Gyllenhaal, Natasha Lyonne, and David Byrne. Mulaney co-wrote it with Marika Sawyer with music by composer Eli Bolin. Rhys Thomas directed.

Indebted creator Dan Levy is expanding his relationship with Sony Pictures TV, signing a two-year overall deal with the studio behind the upcoming NBC comedy series. Under the pact, Levy will create and develop new projects for the studio via his production company Screaming Elliot Productions.

Writer, producer and stand-up comedian Levy wrote and is executive producing the multi-cam comedy series Indebted, starring Adam Pally, Abby Elliot and Fran Drescher, which was recently picked up to series by NBC and set to premiere midseason. Previously, he was a writer and co-executive producer on ABC’s Sony TV-produced The Goldbergs.

On the comedy side, Levy’s first hourlong stand-up special Dan Levy: Lion, premiered on Seeso. His Comedy Central album Congrats On Your Success debuted at No. 1 on iTunes. He also has appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers and Comedy Central Presents. Levy is repped by Jackoway Tyerman.

ABC has formally ordered a pilot for the comedy series based on the life of comedian Nate Bargatze, Variety has learned.

The untitled multi-cam project was originally set up with a put pilot commitment at Fox before moving to ABC last year. Bargatze will star in the series in addition to writing and executive producing. The project will be in contention for a potential midseason pickup.

The series follows Nate and his wife, who choose to move from California to Nate’s native Tennessee, where his parents still live, to raise their six-year-old daughter. They find the pursuit of a simple life to be much more complicated than they imagined.

Jerrod Carmichael will co-write and executive produce along with Bargatze. Ari Katcher and Dan Shaki will also write and co-executive produce. Danielle Sanchez-Witzel will executive produce and serve as showrunner. Tim Sarkes and Alex Murray of Brillstein Entertainment Partners will executive produce.

The comedy series based on the life of comedian Nate Bargatze is on the move.

The untitled multi-cam series, which Variety exclusively reported had scored a put pilot commitment at Fox, has now been set up under a put pilot commitment at ABC.

Bargatze will also star in the series, which will follow him and his wife, who choose to move from California to his native Tennessee to raise their six-year-old daughter with a combination of West Coast and Southern values. But finding the balance proves more difficult than he imagined, especially where his parents are concerned.

Bargatze is will write and executive produce the project in addition to starring, with Jerrod Carmichael also serving as writer and executive producer.

Ari Katcher and Dan Shaki will also write and co-executive produce. Danielle Sanchez-Witzel will also executive produce along with Tim Sarkes, Alex Murray, and Jon Liebman. 20th Century Fox Television...

Variety has chosen its 10 Comics to Watch for 2018.

The honorees will be profiled in the July 18 issue of Variety and at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal at a cocktail party on Thursday, July 26, followed by a panel and showcase on Friday, July 27.

The standups and comedy creatives are chosen by a group of Variety editors, reporters, and critics after extensive discussions with the comedy community, including those that scout, book, represent, produce, and cast comics on a daily basis.

Variety launched the list in 2000 with such now-recognizable names as Zach Galifianakis and Patton Oswalt. Over the years, other honorees have included Tiffany Haddish, Hasan Minhaj, Amy Schumer, Kumail Nanjiani.

“It’s hard to remember a more unsettled time for the business of comedy. From the Trump Effect to the digital disruption of normal business models, while the causes are widely discussed and debated, the solution is always the same: laughter,...

Some standups have God-given charisma that’ll cut a hole through the bottom of the stage. They’ll make you laugh out of sheer force of will, whether by volume or inflection or antics or some mystical combination of all three. They’re the kind of performers that, if you saw their set, written out on paper, it would look more like an observational casual brunch conversation than something people would willingly spend money to go see.

But there are some comics who take the reverse route: They’ve got enough punchlines to fill out a late night packet or a Twitter feed and spend time bulking up the means of delivery. If you watch John Mulaney’s 2009 episode of “Comedy Central Presents,” it’s got most of the material that would eventually find its way onto his first album, “The Top Part.” The Salt and Pepper Diner story has...

Sarah Silverman will unpack the emotional and political baggage of the Trump era in her new weekly series with Will Ferrell and Adam McKay's Funny or Die production company. Hulu recently picked up the topical show, tentatively titled I Love You, America, with a 10-episode order.

In a statement announcing the project, Hulu stated that Silverman is "looking to connect with people who may not agree with her personal opinions through honesty, humor, genuine interest in others and not taking herself too seriously." The network added, "While it's great to connect with like-minded people,...

Comedy Central has joined forces with Superfly and Another Planet Entertainment, to launch Comedy Central Presents Colossal Clusterfest, a jam-packed, multi-format festival experience headlined by Kevin Hart, Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Burr. A first of its kind, Colossal Clusterfest will… Continue Reading →...

In June 2014, comedian Pete Holmes’ TBS talk show “The Pete Holmes Show” was cancelled after just nine months on the air. But now, Holmes is set to make a comeback with a new stand-up special and a half-hour sitcom, executive produced by Judd Apatow. His new series “Crashing” follows a young comedian (Holmes) whose wife (Lauren Lapkus) abruptly leaves him for an Italian boxer. Holmes wrote the pilot and it will be directed by Apatow. Watch a sneak peek trailer from the series below.

Read More: Listen: Over 2 Hours Of Interviews With Judd Apatow, Plus Over 25 New ‘Trainwreck’ Photos

Holmes has performed stand-up for over ten years. He has appeared on Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend” and “John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show,” and has previously performed a half-hour “Comedy Central Presents” special as well an hour-long special entitled “Pete Holmes: Nice Try, the Devil!” Holmes has also...

First he was “Undateable.” Now comedian Ron Funches is “Powerless.” The comedian has joined the cast of the upcoming NBC series, billed as the first comedy set in the DC Comics world.

Read More: NBC Gears Up Workplace Comedy ‘Powerless’ Featuring DC Comics Characters

Funches will play Ron, an I.T. guy “who works at RetCon Insurance Co., which specializes in coverage against damage caused by Super Heroes. Ron is a sweet and innocent guy who, unlike his co-workers, has not lost his childlike enthusiasm for all things Super Hero.”

Vanessa Hudgens, Alan Tudyk, Danny Pudi and Christina Kirk star in “Powerless,” which comes from writer and executive producer Ben Queen.

Read More: ‘Undateable Live’ Leans Into its Chaos to Make History

Funches, who has developed a fanbase for his easygoing and innocent comic persona, also has appeared on “New Girl,” “Conan,” “The Kroll Show” and his own half-hour special “Comedy Central Presents Ron Funches.

Last week, Single Palm Tree Productions hosted an international showcase called America Meet World at the famed Gotham Comedy Club in New York City. A project created to introduce Americans to new voices from other regions, including Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, the showcase saw top international acts entertain the crowd in the club’s main room, which has also seen the likes of Dave Chappelle, Jerry Seinfeld, and more.

Featuring local acts Alex Barnett, Subhah Agarwal, and Ben Kissel, the stars of the night were two of Africa’s top comedians: Emmy nominated Loyisa Gola (pictured above) and David Kibuuka. No subject was left untouched. The showcase was just a snippet of Single Palm Tree Productions’ goal for America Meet World, a global comedy platform designed to produce and curate short form comedic content from around the globe that will not only entertain but introduce Americans...

Last week, Single Palm Tree Productions hosted an international showcase called America Meet World at the famed Gotham Comedy Club in New York City. A project created to introduce Americans to new voices from other regions, including Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, the showcase saw top international acts entertain the crowd in the club’s main room, which has also seen the likes of Dave Chappelle, Jerry Seinfeld, and more.

Featuring local acts Alex Barnett, Subhah Agarwal, and Ben Kissel, the stars of the night were two of Africa’s top comedians: Emmy nominated Loyisa Gola (pictured above) and David Kibuuka. No subject was left untouched. The showcase was just a snippet of Single Palm Tree Productions’ goal for America Meet World, a global comedy platform designed to produce and curate short form comedic content from around the globe that will not only entertain but introduce Americans...

Comedian Dave Attell is back in business with Comedy Central. The cable network has ordered its first-ever weekly late-night stand-up series hosted by Attell, who also will headline a one-hour stand-up special. The eight-episode series and the special, both executive produced by Attell and 3 Arts, will premiere in 2014. “When I was first approached for this, I thought someone said ‘Dave Chappelle,’ said Comedy Central’s Kent Alterman. “I immediately said yes. I love Dave Attell, too, so it’s fine.” Attell is a familiar face on Comedy Central where his late-night travelogue series Insomniac With Dave Attell aired for four seasons and spawned several hourlong specials. His other Comedy Central projects have included the revival of The Gong Show With Dave Attell, working as a contributor to The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, a frequent panelist on Tough Crowd With Colin Quinn, and doing a Comedy Central Presents stand-up special.

Tags: Morning BrewEllen DeGeneresThe FostersKristin BauerKristin Bauer von StratenMelissa EtheridgeKristen StewartNecar ZadeganIMDbAdrienne RichOrphan BlackLove Rehab: A Novel In 12 StepsAustraMandi LinePretty Little Liars

Good morning!

Kristen Stewart went to a Hooters in Amarillo, Texas and why were we not there?

The Fosters has cast Necar Zadegan as Lena's ex-girlfriend. Necar was in the Nicole Conn film A Perfect Ending and most recently the bitchy boss on Emily Owens M.D.. According to Zap2It:

Gretchen is a world-traveler who runs in very wealthy and elite circles and will share stories from her and Lena's shared past during an uncomfortable dinner -- which we assume will involve Lena's current partner, Stef (Teri Polo).

Vulture wants to hear your Orphan Black questions so they can ask the showrunners for you!

Kristin Bauer von Straten said we almost saw a hot sex on the beach scene between Pam and Tara.

There have been many different revisions and different scripts,...

Tags: Morning BrewAmerican Masters: Billie Jean KingEllen PageFreeheldAlyssa QuijanoChariceTatiana MaslanySamantha MathisUnder the DomeAisha HindsEmily SaliersSara GilbertIMDb

Good morning!

Charice says her girlfriend Alyssa Quijano is "like her everything." They've known each other for years, having met when they competed against one another in a singing competition and re-meeting when Charice was judging The X-Factor and Alyssa was a contestant. I need some duets, stat.

Speaking of Charice coming out, apparently her Glee co-star Matthew Morrison was "stunned" to hear she was gay.

Can't get enough of Orphan Black? Check out this Screen Actors Guild conversation with Tatiana Maslany.

This fall, PBS will air American Masters: Billie Jean King. The documentary will premiere on Tuesday, September 10 and will feature commentary from King herself as well as Rosie Casals, Chris Evert, Venus Williams, Gloria Steinem, Sir Elton John, and Bobby Riggs' son Larry.

I'm super excited about the lesbian couple in Under the Dome.

Tags: Morning BrewMichelle ChameulFran LebowitzJenna LyonsAmber HeardBrittney GrinerIMDbKirsten VangsnessLaurel Holloman

Good morning!

Last night in New York, the annual Met Ball went down with the theme of "Punk: Chaos to Couture" and some of the best looks came from queer women. (Of course!)

Jenna Lyons

Amber Heard

Fran Lebowitz

The New Yorker has two moms on the cover of this week's issue. Gotta love it.

Kirsten Vangsness reportedly turned down an offer for another season of Criminal Minds because her male co-stars are getting paid more than she and her female castmates. Of course there's room for negotiation, but I can't imagine that show without Garcia. Give her what she's worth!

Laurel Holloman posed in front of one of her pieces at the opening of her exhibition "All The World Inside" last week.

Brittney Griner wrote a piece for The New York Times on why she came out and how...

Exclusive: Comedy Central executive-turned-producer Lou Wallach has signed an overall deal with Universal TV’s Alternative Studio. Under the pact, Wallach will develop, produce and consult on comedies of different formats, primarily for NBC but also possibly for other networks. Wallach most recently has been an independent producer and consultant. He executive produced Comedy Central’s Michael & Michael Have Issues, and BBC America’s Funny As Hell: UK and consulted for AMC, Comedy Central UK, Mtvx, Red Bull Media House and Just For Laughs Festival. Previously, he was Svp, Original Programming at Comedy Central where he oversaw Chappelle’s Show, The Colbert Report, Comedy Central Presents, Crank Yankers, and Insomniac with Dave Attell.

Tags: Morning BrewKatee SackhoffRachel MaddowSusan MikulaVanessa CarltonMichelle ShockedNicola GriffithZanele MuholiIMDb

Good morning! And a thank you to Heather Hogan for doing the Brew while I was out.

Of course lesbians are part of a book about bad girls! Carol Dyhouse's Girl Trouble includes this tidbit:

....flappers were portrayed somewhat inconsistently as either man-hungry or boyish, vamps or lesbians. If they weren't preying on young men, they might be preying on young women.

Maybe they were just all bisexual. Split the difference!

Out author Nicola Griffith has compiled a list of her favorite lesbian sci-fi books.

Zanele Muholi's series of South African lesbian portraits is finally coming to the U.S.! "Faces and Phases" will be on display at New York City’s Yancey Richardson Gallery now through April 6.

Lesbians, we are apparently dying younger! According to a new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, gay women have...

Tags: Morning BrewBrooke CandyCharlie MorganTegan and SaraThe NunIsabelle HuppertAna BriseñoMagic MouthJenna LyonsIMDb

Good morning!

Ok, so Brooke Candy identifies as a lesbian but this song "I Wanna Fuck Right Now" is very, hmm, "dick" heavy. But she's a rapper/stripper (former stripper?) so maybe it's just about her on-stage persona. At any rate, her butch fluffer is pretty rad. I need one of those.

Good news guys!

Heading to La to tape @theellenshow !!! Can't believe we get to be on Ellen! My mom is seriously excited. We've finally made it in her eyes.

— Tegan and Sara (@teganandsara) February 11, 2013

Tune in tomorrow to watch their performance.

R.I.P. Charlie Morgan, who was fighting for her partner to receive her benefits from the National Guard after she passed. She spent her last days working for her family and for us.

Tom Tom magazine has an interview with out drummer Ana Briseño of Magic Mouth.

Tags: Morning BrewToni BraxtonEllen DeGeneresGLEEIsoleeChristopher DornerTegan and SaraCynthia NixonIMDbPratibha ParmarAlice WalkerJillian Michaels

Good morning! Remember when Santana said "AfterEllen" on Glee? I was all like:

Are you wanting to watch an aesthetically pleasing yet weird and lesbianish video? Perfect, try Isolee's "Allowance."

An Lapd officer that's accused of murder left a few messages for celebrities as a bizarre sort of goodbye. One of those he left was for Ellen DeGeneres:

Ellen Degeneres, continue your excellent contribution to entertaining America and bringing the human factor to entertainment. You changed the perception of your gay community and how we as Americans view the Lgbt community. I congratulate you on your success and opening my eyes as a young adult, and my generation to the fact that you are know different from us other than who you choose to love. Oh, and you Prop 8 supporters, why the f*ck do you care who your neighbor marries.

Starting in the spring, SiriusXM users will be able to listen to Comedy Central's extensive library of stand-up comedy and other comedy recordings exclusively on a new station launching on the satellite radio provider.

SiriusXM and Comedy Central announced Tuesday morning that they will begin streaming a 24 hour channel that will draw from hundreds of hours of stand-up comedy from Comedy Central-produced TV shows and audio recordings, such as "Premium Blend" and "Comedy Central Presents."

No word yet on whether more high-profile Comedy Central talent, such as Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, will have a presence on the channel.

In a press release, Comedy Central said that the station will include "new performances, behind-the-scenes and backstage broadcasts from Comedy Central events," as well as broadcasts from comedy clubs, and blocs of programming that use popular comedians as "guest DJs."

The Viacom-owned cable channel has been expanding its empire...

Tags: Morning BrewJillian MichaelsThe Jeff Probst ShowTegan and SaraBrandi CarlileRuby RoseMelissa EtheridgeIMDbSera Cahoone

Good morning!

Because it's Thanksgiving tomorrow, we'll be taking the day off. But the good news is we have a massive gift guide for you we're posting on Friday, so make sure to come back then. p.s. I'm thankful you all come to AfterEllen.com and read my Morning Brews.

Fiona and Imogen are headed to Las Vegas, ya'll! But my question is, are any of these kids old enough to gamble?

Jillian Michaels was on The Jeff Probst Show yesterday and told a cute story of how she met partner Heidi Rhodes. She was also interviewed in Parenting magazine this month, where she says her favorite kid toy is the iPad. To be Jillian Michaels' kid!

Melissa Etheridge talks about her new album with Spinner and says she's playing guitar better than ever.

Ruby Rose...

When Maria Bamford, one of the most unique comedic voices working today, decides to release a special, she doesn't need to adhere to your stinkin' rules. That's why her next stand-up special, entitled "Maria Bamford: The special special special!", will be filmed in her living room for an audience of two: her parents.

Available on November 28, Bamford will also release the special directly to fans for $5, using a model pioneered by Louis C.K. and since copied by Jim Gaffigan, Aziz Ansari and Rob Delaney. Instead of releasing the show via her website, as those comics did, Bamford will release the special via Chill.com.

The special, or "anti-special" as Bamford calls it, follows two Comedy Central Presents half-hour specials, as well as a YouTube-only special from 2009 that has since been taken off the Internet. She was also featured in the "Comedians of Comedy" documentary and special, and has been...

Tags: Morning BrewLana ParrillaMENPussy RiotCarol LeiferAmber HeardJessica CapshawIMDb

Good morning!

Last night's episode of The Good Wife was so good, per usual. Kalinda is my spirit animal.

Photo from CBS

Moving on!

If you want to know how Jessica Capshaw felt about the season premiere of Grey's Anatomy, read this interview with the actress over at The Hollywood Reporter. Just so you know, she says Arizona and Callie are strong enough to get through this, so it'll be Ok!

Photo by ABC

A New York-based lesbian birth mom has lost custody of her daughter because her ex, the non-biological mom, was seen to be better suited as a parent. This case is the first of its kind. Equality, yay.

Lana Parrilla loves us, she really loves us! The Once Upon a Time star says:

I have a lot of Lgbt friends and family members and I've always supported the community,...

Tags: Morning BrewModern FamilyCandy Bar GirlsChristina NovelliJodie FosterWendi McLendon-CoveyDani ShayIMDbAngie’s BodyBomb GirlsSassy Pants

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Jodie Foster is developing a female-centric mob series for Showtime. Angie’s Body is said to be "a Sopranos-like drama that follows a shrewd and lethal woman who runs a family-based crime syndicate." It doesn't look like Jodie will star in it, but she is going to direct and executive produce. It's Showtime so I hope there are lesbians.

Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty

Remember when Wendi McLendon-Covey got drunk and kissed Ellie Kemper in Bridesmaids? Well now she's committing to being a lesbian on Modern Family. The funny lady will be playing "one-half of a lesbian couple whose son gets into a fight with Lily on the first day of kindergarten." Michaela Watkins will be her wife and Wendi tells EW:

I can’t wait. I go in and film it tomorrow and Wednesday and Thursday.

Exclusive: TBS has ordered two comedy series ahead of its upfront presentation next week: Deon Cole’s Black Box, written by and starring Conan writer and performer Deon Cole and executive produced by Conan O’Brien; and Who Gets The Last Laugh?, from Punk’d co-creators Jason Goldberg and Ashton Kutcher. The series, both from Warner Horizon Television, are slated to premiere in 2013. Related: It’s Official: ‘Cougar Town’ Is Moving To TBS The network has picked up six episodes of Deon Cole’s Black Box. On the weekly show, the writer-comedian will provide his take on some of the most outrageous video clips to pop up across the media landscape. In his commentary, he is expected to riff on racial and gender stereotypes, politics and more. Deon Cole’s Black Box is produced by O’Brien’s Conaco and Warner Horizon, with Conaco’s Conan O’Brien, Jeff Ross...

Since 1998, "Comedy Central Presents" introduced comics like Mike Birbiglia, Mitch Hedbgerg, Dane Cook, Maria Bamford, and countless others to a national audience in their first televised stand-up specials. This year, however, Comedy Central is replacing that long-running half-hour stand-up series with a new one: The cable network will begin taping the first season of "The Half Hour" in Boston next week.Comedians Joe Mande, Rory Scovel, Jesse Popp, David O'Doherty, Michael Palascak, Garfunkel & Oates (Kate Micucci and Riki Lindholm), Neal Brennan, Na'im Lynn, Brendon Walsh, Nick Vatterott, Maronzio Vance, and Theo Von are the dozen established and up-and-coming acts who will tape their first Comedy Central solo specials for the series.Tapings will take place from Tuesday, Feb. 28 to Thursday, March 1 at The Royale in Boston. There will be two shows per night, featuring two comedians each. If you live in the Boston area, click here to request...

Stand-up comedian and Saturday Night Live scribe John Mulaney makes plenty of pop culture references in his one-hour Comedy Central special New in Town: Among other jokes, there’s a well-delivered line about Ratatouille and even a pitch-perfect Def Comedy Jam take on Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. But Mulaney, who has an affinity for all things television (“I don’t daydream, I just think about things I saw on TV. I’ve noticed that sometimes I’ll be staring off and I’ll just be thinking about a commercial I saw when I was 10, or when...

Good morning!

Did you miss Sue Sylvester on last week's Glee? Don't worry — she's back, and just in time for Christmas.

Several lesbian artists in the UK have contributed to an It Gets Better charity single for something called The L Project. Here's a behind-the-scenes look, led by Horse.

Have you seen the Indigo Girls video for "Making Promises"? Well just in case you haven't.

The day after Christmas you can tune into E! and watch E! Entertainment's Celebrity Wedding Primetime Special for a glimpse of Chely Wright and Lauren Blitzer's nuptials.

Bitch put The Watermelon Woman through their Bechdel Test Canon. Do you think it passed?

Rebecca Walker is behind a new collection of essays called Black Cool: One Thousand Streams of Blackness. Staceyann Chin is one of her contributors.

I'm still upset about Chicago Code being cancelled but at least Jennifer Beals is able to move on. The...

Sad news for Comedy Central fans: stand-up comedian/actor Patrice O'Neal passed away at the age of forty-one after suffering complications from a stroke. His passing was confirmed by "Opie & Anthony" host Opie this morning, who tweeted, "Yes, it's true that our pal Patrice O'Neal has passed away. The funniest and best thinker I've ever known Period. #devastated"  Known for his darkly comic sensibility, O'Neal, who last appeared on September's Comedy Central Roast of Charlie Sheen, was a longtime fixture of the New York comedy scene, making frequent appearances on shows like Late Night with Conan O'Brien, the Opie and Anthony radio show, and Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn. He also filmed half-hour and hour-long specials for HBO's One Night Stand and Comedy Central Presents. His first hour-long special, "Patrice O'Neal: Elephant in the [...]...

Over your turkey hangover yet? No? Good. You may have thought the holiday marathons would end with today’s televised deluge, but you would be wrong. We roll out the best of the rest below, including Spongebob, Battlestar, Mad Men, Glee, and, yes, the Kardashians. We’re talking wall-to-wall weekend television, people. Keep reading…

Friday

As Black Friday descends on America, TLC will never let us forget that there are brides in desperate need of an overpriced gown. The network is launching a full-scale Say Yes to the Dress attack with six hours of its original recipe series (6 a.m.

Donald Glover is the reason the term “Renaissance Man” exists.

Most of you will recognize Glover as one half of a large reason why Community is as successful as it is, the character Troy Barnes, best friend of Abed, the infamous fictional embodiment of all that WhatCulture! represents. I, however, got my first taste of Glover’s genius back in early 2007 while sitting in my dorm hoping Stumble Upon would show me something awesome – and it did. The website discovery engine directed me to the sketch comedy group, Derrick Comedy’s homepage where I watched the first of many videos that made me laugh harder than I had in years. The sketch consists of three white spelling bee finalists awkwardly struggling to spell the word “niggerfaggot” chosen by a black judge, played by Glover. Even as I reminisce on it, I’m forcing myself to stifle my laughter from the...

Actress-writer-comedian Natasha Leggero, a regular on E!’s Chelsea Lately, has signed with CAA. She was with Gersh. Leggero next is doing an arc on Chelsea Handler’s midseason NBC comedy series Are You There, Chelsea? Earlier this year she starred in the Comedy Central special Comedy Central Presents Speed Dating: Natasha Leggero, and her record, Coke Money, has been in the top 10 on iTunes since its debut on Comedy Central Records in March. Leggero continues to be repped by Brillstein Entertainment and attorney Lev Ginsburg.

photo credit: Frank Micelotta

Nick Swardson's Pretend Time has already kicked off its second season, and I wanted to make sure you're all tuning in, and offer up some incentive. The completely wild sketch show which also features cuts of Swardson performing stand-up premiered the second season at the beginning of the month, and you can catch it Wednesdays at 10:30/9:30c. If you've missed out so far, Comedy Central is very good about giving you the chance to catch up online, and you can check past episodes here.

You can also catch a clip below.

To celebrate the return of the show, I have a giveaway for you, and have three copies of his DVD available.

DVD - Nick Swardson: Seriously, Who Farted?

Nick started stand up at the age of 18. In his first year of stand up he was chosen to perform at the U.S.

Roadrunner Comedy is excited to announce that premiere comedian Doug Stanhope will be releasing new live CD/DVD package Oslo: Burning The Bridge To Nowhere on May 3rd, 2011. This is Roadrunner Comedy.s first release.

Recorded in an abandoned factory in the Grünerløkka suburb of Oslo, Norway, the performance is as spontaneous and unhinged as anything Stanhope has ever done. Originally a sewing machine factory converted to a German WWII bunker, the setting forOslo is anything but conventional. Whereas most comedy specials are filmed on an elaborate stage, Stanhope and Nikon Norway filled a dilapidated industrial space with lights and folding chairs, ultimately allowing the material be the focus of this release.

Oslo.s madcap backdrop mimics the process that led to the recording: Bjorn Opsahl, one of Norway.s most notorious photographers, planned only to do a portrait session with Stanhope in Long Beach. The shoot went so well...

Fringe

9/8c Fox

With Walter's well-known love for music and drugs, it figures that his Euterpean tastes tilt toward progressive and psychedelic rock. And prominent in his vinyl collection is a band called Violet Sedan Chair, so Walter is in for a treat when he meets Roscoe Joyce (Christopher Lloyd), the group's keyboardist. Also of note is the show's move to Friday, and the episode's title, "The Firefly," is likely a nod to Joss Whedon's sci-fi cult classic "Firefly" that floundered on Friday nights. — Joe Friedrich

Read on for previews of Kitchen Nightmares, Medium, Onion News Network, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, Portlandia and Comedy Central Presents.

Read More >...

Back in the day, the average “Comedy Central presents” routine lasted about 20 minutes and made for superb listening. The key factor there was that they never lasted longer than 20 minutes so the comedians never had to stretch their material too far. Ever since they began giving comedians full-length time slots the selection of great Comedy Central stand-up DVDs has dropped noticeably. With that said, comedians like Gabriel Iglesias remind us exactly why Comedy Central decided to extend that average runtime to over an hour. Here we have a routine that’s fully fleshed out and never relies too heavily on frat-boy humor or multiple takes on the same joke over and over. Like the best comedians out there, Iglesias takes not just humorous observations from life but the stories themselves and lays them out for the audience to see, funny and unfunny parts alike.

Getting his start as one of...

hollywoodnews.com: Kristen Schaal will host the Writers Guild of America Awards New York ceremony. The awards will be held on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at the Axa Equitable Center in New York City.

Once described by New York Magazine as one of the “Ten Funniest New Yorkers You Never Heard Of,” today everyone has heard of Kristen Schaal. A well-known actress, comedienne and writer, she is on television, in film and print, and soon to be on the stage hosting this year’s East Coast Writers Guild Awards.

Schaal is the women’s issues correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Her TV credits include series regular Mel on HBO’s Flight of the Conchords and Louise on Fox’s Bob’s Burgers, as well as appearances on Mad Men, Modern Family, How I Met Your Mother, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Law and Order: Svu, and The Simpsons.

2009.s .The Hangover. was a smash hit and it seems that the sequel, .The Hangover 2′ may be bigger according to the star of the films Zach Galifianakis.Galifianakis says that he feels that the script is way better than its predecessor. Since, expectations this time are sky-high, Zach wants to stay focused and be real with what he does.The sequel will supposedly begin filming in a matter of just a few weeks. It would be filmed in California and in a few other locations, the names of which haven.t been disclosed yet. The plot of the sequel also remains unknown. It seems that the cast and crew behind .The Hangover 2′ are planning something awesome and maybe that.s why everything is being kept mum.This American comedian and actor has earned a solid reputation for working in a plethora of films. He also has several TV appearances to his credit.

Filed under: TV News

Could Bo Burnham's rise from YouTube celebrity to pseudo-fame be as lucrative as Justin Bieber's one day? Or is he destined to go the way of Tay Zonday?

The 20-year-old comedian, who has become a rising star in the comedy world after his offensive yet delightfully self-deprecating songs garnered major YouTube attention, landed a four-record deal with Comedy Central at age 17, a writing deal with Judd Apatow at 18, and the Panel Prize at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival at 20. He's also got a Comedy Central special called 'Words, Words, Words' airing Oct. 16, not to mention that episode of 'Comedy Central Presents' he filmed last year.

Now, he's landed a put pilot deal with MTV for an as-yet-untitled new series about "a kid fresh out of high school who's pursing the new American dream of being a celebrity without having any talent," Burnham told Variety.

Stand-up comic Myq Kaplan has a knack for winning comedy contests: The rising comedian won NY's Funniest Stand-Up Competition as part of the NY Comedy Festival, and "March Comedy Madness" at Carolines on Broadway. He was a finalist in the Boston Comedy Festival and Comedy Central's "Open Mic Fights." Earlier this year, Kaplan was given the "Emerging Comic Award" at NYC's Ecny Awards. He has also performed on the New Faces show at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal, as well as Comedy Central's Live at Gotham and Comedy Central Presents.Which is why we think Kaplan, one of five remaining finalists on the seventh season of the NBC reality competition series "Last Comic Standing," has a good chance to win America's vote and take home the title. The voting has now ended, and he has already outlasted hundreds of other funny people from Los Angeles, New York City,...

Comedy Central has unveiled its entire development slate and, as to be expected, there are plenty of funny concepts in the bunch. The standouts include Highdeas, which explores such stoner-friendly hypotheticals as “white chocolate milk” and “hamster-sized rhinos”, Jc, the animated New York City adventures of one Jesus Christ, and The Fuzz, a police procedural in a corrupt city where humans and puppets co-exist.

Also in development are potential series from the likes of Jon Benjamin (Archer), Broken Lizard (Super Troopers), and Bob Odenkirk (Mr. Show), plus a Wating… adaptation from Rob McKittrick, the writer/director of the feature film that starred Ryan Reynolds. Note that this in addition to already announced projects from Will Ferrell, Nick Swardson, and The Onion. For a complete rundown, hit the jump.

Series In Production

“Futurama” – premieres Thursday, June 24

The Emmy® Award-winning “Futurama” is back! Everybody’s favorite zany group from the future has returned with 12 brand-new episodes,...

Patton Oswalt has taken a stroll away from starring in "Beach Lane."

The comedian was set to star as lazy millionaire heir James in the series, but following a table read Tuesday (April 13), he's no longer going to take the role, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

It's not certain if that means he's leaving the show altogether or if he'll take another part.

In "Beach Lane," the character James is tasked with running a struggling newspaper in the Hamptons. He hires a famous writer (Matthew Broderick) to help him save it. Kristen Johnston has also been cast in the multi-camera series.

Deadline claims that there are already three names lined up to possibly take over the James role: Nick Thune, Michael McMillian and John Forest.

Of the three, probably the most recognizable is McMillian, who played Fellowship of the Son leader Steve Newlin on HBO's "True Blood." Thune is a...

Here's tonight's TV lineup (all times Eastern). All shows listed are new, unless otherwise noted.

Once again the schedule is light on the original. It may be time to clean out your DVR.

7:30

Cartoon Network: 'Batman: 'The Brave and the Bold'-- Fan of the show

8:00 to 9:00

The CW: 'Smallville'

NBC: 'Secrets of the Mountain' -- New made-for-tv movie

Disney Channel: 'The Suite Life on Deck' and 'Wizards of Waverly Place' -- 'Wizards' guest-stars Shakira

Nickelodeon: 'Big Time Rush' and 'The Troop'

9:00 to 10:00

ABC: 'Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution'

Animal Planet: 'I Shouldn't Be Alive'

Cartoon Network: 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars'

Cmt: 'Gator 911' and 'Danger Coast'

HBO: 'The Ricky Gervais Show' and 'The Life & Times of Tim'

National Geographic: 'Dog Whisperer'

SyFy: 'Stargate Universe'

Teen Nick: 'Degrassi: The Next Generation'

Tlc:...

Here's tonight's TV lineup (all times Eastern). All shows listed are new, except where otherwise noted.

8:00 to 9:00 CBS: 'Ghost Whisperer' The CW: 'Smallville' TCM: 'Hang 'Em High' -- 1968 Western starring Clint Eastwood 9:00 to 10:00 ABC: 'Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution' CBS: 'Medium' Fox: 'Kitchen Nightmares' NBC: 'Dateline NBC' -- Two hours Cartoon Network: 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' National Geographic: 'Dog Whisperer' TeenNick: 'Degrassi: The Next Generation' Tlc: 'What Not to Wear' SyFy: 'Stargate Universe' 10:00 to 11:00 ABC: '20/20' CBS: 'Miami Medical' Discovery: 'American Loggers' E!: 'The Soup' Food Network: 'Private Chefs of Beverly Hills' Starz: 'Spartacus: Blood and Sand' SyFy: 'Merlin' Tlc: 'The Message' 11:00 to Midnight

Comedy Central: 'Comedy Central Presents' -- Matt Braunger and Mo Mandel (two 30-minute episodes) VH1: 'Unplugged' -- Adam Lambert Midnight Comedy Central: 'The Awkward Comedy Show' HBO: 'Funny or Die Presents'...

Canadian comedian Jon Lajoie is the latest YouTube sensation to seep his way to primetime television with the premiere of his "Comedy Central Presents" special, which premiered over the weekend. Lajoie started to make a name for himself with his special blend of rap, rock and R-rated comedy on songs like "Everyday Normal Guy" and "High as F---," which later appeared on his 2009 album, "You Want Some of This."

But with song titles like "2 Girls 1 Cup Song," an ode to another viral video sensation of a total different not-safe-for-life kind, and the aforementioned "High as F---," when Comedy Central came knocking, they asked him to keep his set clean. "I was like, 'What do you want me to do? Make up brand new songs?'," Lajoie said. "I think that half of my set is bleeped, but you get what I'm saying so it's cool."

He hasn't actually seen the special.

Like a frat house overrun by drunk guys, various bodily functions and the perpetual stench of urine, comedian Rob Riggle's stand-up act is short on class and long on laughs. It is, in short, the American middle-class male's gift to the world of comedy. Riggle, best known for his work as a correspondent on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," returns to the network for "Comedy Central Presents Rob Riggle," which airs tonight. Drawing his material largely from his own first-hand experiences, Riggle leaves behind the subject of politics -- which marked much of his tenure on the "Daily Show" -- for more universal targets. During his 30-minute act, he manages to cover awkward airline moments, familiar marriage woes and self-indulgent celebrities. What emerges is a funny stand-up routine entirely without pretense or cultural one-upmanship. Carlin-esque at times, Riggle is at his...

After memorable stints on "SNL" and "The Daily Show," comedian Rob Riggle has continued to cement himself as the go-to guy for comedy scene-stealing with small but memorable parts in movies like "The Hangover" and "Step Brothers." Approached daily from fans with Riggle quotes like "The F-ing Catalina Wine Mixer" and "Ohhh, in the face," Riggle will add some more one-liners to his claim with the airing of his new Comedy Central special.

"Comedy Central Presents: Rob Riggle" features the comedian's take on old people, inappropriate airplane behavior, and an impression of his wife so unfortunate, he has to admit that she's not "ghetto ridiculous." "She's seen it. She hates it," Riggle says. "Well she doesn't hate it, but she's like, 'Really? Really?' She's nothing like that but that's what makes it funny to me."

The special concludes with Riggle giving a faux Oscars speech, a supposed "first...