After "Saturday Night Live" ended season 48 a little prematurely back in the spring due to the Hollywood strikes beginning, the late night sketch comedy show returned for season 49 this weekend. Despite the fact that the Screen Actors Guild is still on strike while negotiating for a new deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), SAG-AFTRA gave its full support for the cast of "SNL" to return to work, which meant former cast member Pete Davidson finally got to make his hosting debut.
While it might seem like a quick turnaround for Davidson to return as host so soon after leaving at the end of season 47, plenty of other more recent cast members have come back to the show as host just as quickly, such as Kristen Wiig, Andy Samberg, and Bill Hader. However, since Davidson wasn't exactly known for many recurring characters or impressions, it didn't...
While it might seem like a quick turnaround for Davidson to return as host so soon after leaving at the end of season 47, plenty of other more recent cast members have come back to the show as host just as quickly, such as Kristen Wiig, Andy Samberg, and Bill Hader. However, since Davidson wasn't exactly known for many recurring characters or impressions, it didn't...
- 10/15/2023
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
In her new hit Netflix show Lady Dynamite, Maria Bamford stars as a comedian rebuilding her life after a devastating mental breakdown and bipolar diagnosis.
In real life, she's actually doing the same.
Turning her pain into art has been therapeutic for Bamford, who experienced a mental breakdown in 2010 that left her suicidal and in and out of psych wards.
"I went through a nightmare, but it means a lot to me that other people with mental illness tell me the show has helped them and made them laugh," Bamford says in this week's issue of People. "Getting that reaction...
In real life, she's actually doing the same.
Turning her pain into art has been therapeutic for Bamford, who experienced a mental breakdown in 2010 that left her suicidal and in and out of psych wards.
"I went through a nightmare, but it means a lot to me that other people with mental illness tell me the show has helped them and made them laugh," Bamford says in this week's issue of People. "Getting that reaction...
- 7/14/2016
- by Patrick Gomez
- People.com - TV Watch
In her new hit Netflix show Lady Dynamite, Maria Bamford stars as a comedian rebuilding her life after a devastating mental breakdown and bipolar diagnosis. In real life, she's actually doing the same. Turning her pain into art has been therapeutic for Bamford, who experienced a mental breakdown in 2010 that left her suicidal and in and out of psych wards. "I went through a nightmare, but it means a lot to me that other people with mental illness tell me the show has helped them and made them laugh," Bamford says in this week's issue of People. "Getting that reaction...
- 7/14/2016
- by Patrick Gomez
- PEOPLE.com
The weekend is approaching. You deserve legendary Netflix entertainment. Check out our five picks starring legendary entertainers proving why they're fantastic. Robert Redford is a bad-ass with a ladies' Wimbledon haircut in "Three Days of the Condor" There was a magical time called 1975 in which Robert Redford was indistinguishable from Martina Navratilova. Celebrate that sacred hour with "Three Days of the Condor," the caper starring Redford as a CIA analyst who goes into hiding with a sultry Brooklyn Heights dame (Faye Dunaway) as foes zero in on him. Plenty of Oscar cred here: In addition to Dunaway, John Houseman and Cliff Robertson have key roles, and nominee Max von Sydow scares the hell out of you as an Alsatian assassin. Bill Murray makes monotony a joy in "Groundhog Day" It took me until this year to watch "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and I've decided Andie MacDowell does have a certain something.
- 3/18/2015
- by Louis Virtel
- Hitfix
It's finally happening, "Arrested Development" fans. After seven years (and what's felt like a lifetime), Season 4 of the fan favorite comedy has finally arrived, and we couldn't be more excited. That's why we here at Zap2it couldn't wait a minute longer than necessary to watch the show's 15 new episodes.
Sure, series creator Mitch Hurwitz suggested against marathoning the new season, but what does he know? We decided to watch Season 4 in one sitting starting when it premiered at 12:01 a.m. Pt on May 26 because we already waited long enough for it, and we welcome you to check out our thoughts. Read our live blog below, and make sure you check out Zap2it's "Arrested Development" Rewatch of Seasons 1 through 3 as well.
11:30 p.m. - We're prepping for the new season by watching "Development Arrested," the final episode of Season 3. Also, this is about as themed as we get.
Sure, series creator Mitch Hurwitz suggested against marathoning the new season, but what does he know? We decided to watch Season 4 in one sitting starting when it premiered at 12:01 a.m. Pt on May 26 because we already waited long enough for it, and we welcome you to check out our thoughts. Read our live blog below, and make sure you check out Zap2it's "Arrested Development" Rewatch of Seasons 1 through 3 as well.
11:30 p.m. - We're prepping for the new season by watching "Development Arrested," the final episode of Season 3. Also, this is about as themed as we get.
- 5/26/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
If you look on Netflix Instant right now, there are some great documentaries about comedians that are worth a look. Conan O'Brien Can't Stop, The Comedians of Comedy, Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project and many more have plenty of laughs and provoking insight into the life and mind of a comedian. Now a new documentary chronicles the unique trials and tribulations of comedian Steve Mazan. Like any other comic, he dreamed of performing on "The Late Show with David Letterman," but a curveball was thrown his way in the form of cancer that might leave him with only five years to live. It looks inspiring and heart-wrenching and there's interviews with comedians like Jim Gaffigan and Ray Romano. Watch the trailer! Here's the first trailer for Joke Fincioen and Biagio Messina's Dying to Do Letterman from YouTube: When 35 year old stand-up comedian Steve Mazan learned he had cancer,...
- 10/23/2012
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
It's hard to miss Brian Posehn. His movie and TV appearances have attracted fans from sitcoms ("Just Shoot Me") to comedy nerd documentaries ("The Comedians of Comedy"), so he's pretty used to getting recognized by strangers. He just never thought a certain ex-President would be among them.
We caught up with Brian at Caroline's in Times Square, where he's performing stand-up this weekend. In addition to telling us about his run-in with Bubba, he also talked about his new tour, Comedy Mutant, his upcoming podcast and an exciting new collaboration with Marvel Comics.
Check out our exclusive interview above, and if you're in New York City (and not attending the Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival), check out Brian at Caroline's. (Warning, the video has some stray Nsfw language.)...
We caught up with Brian at Caroline's in Times Square, where he's performing stand-up this weekend. In addition to telling us about his run-in with Bubba, he also talked about his new tour, Comedy Mutant, his upcoming podcast and an exciting new collaboration with Marvel Comics.
Check out our exclusive interview above, and if you're in New York City (and not attending the Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival), check out Brian at Caroline's. (Warning, the video has some stray Nsfw language.)...
- 9/14/2012
- by Ross Luippold
- Huffington Post
Colt Cabana has one of the most unique jobs in the world: comedic pro wrestler. When he's not busy dishing out punches and bodyslams for rabid crowds, he's making them laugh with his patented brand of slapstick. And this week, he's got to perform in front of one of the most intimidating crowds in the world: the Gathering of the Juggalos, the yearly summer music festival hosted by the notorious hip hop act, the Insane Clown Posse. Thousands of fans with painted faces will be heading to the sweltering heat of Cave-In-Rock, Illinois, for five days of Faygo soda, nudity and illegal substances -- and it's Cabana's job to play the villain as a marijuana-hating police officer.
The proud Chicago native has developed a eclectic resume; he's a onetime WWE superstar who has carved out his own independent path (but he's still best buds and former roommate of current WWE...
The proud Chicago native has developed a eclectic resume; he's a onetime WWE superstar who has carved out his own independent path (but he's still best buds and former roommate of current WWE...
- 8/8/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
Patton Oswalt is not only a funny comedian and a solid actor, but he's also a big movie, TV, and comic book geek. The guy has used his status in the industry to kind of be a spokesperson for the rest of us. During a keynote speech he delivered at the Just For Laughs Comedy Conference in Montreal, Canada, he read two open letters. One of the letters addressed all of the comedians, and the other one addressed all of the "gatekeeper" in the room.
The letters are not only funny, but inspirational, adressing all kinds of creativity and expression. It's definitely worth your time to read through these letters. Let us know what you think about what Oswalt said when you're done!
Letter to comedians:
Dear comedian in 2012:
How are you? I am good. In answer to your last letter, the mozzarella sticks at the Irvine Improv do taste weird.
The letters are not only funny, but inspirational, adressing all kinds of creativity and expression. It's definitely worth your time to read through these letters. Let us know what you think about what Oswalt said when you're done!
Letter to comedians:
Dear comedian in 2012:
How are you? I am good. In answer to your last letter, the mozzarella sticks at the Irvine Improv do taste weird.
- 8/2/2012
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
“Daddy’s Girlfriend Part 1” was about as adorable an episode of Louie as my girlfriend could hope for. From the title alone one could guess that the episode would follow Louie on a bit of a quest for a female companion suitable for not only himself but also his daughters, but with Louie you really never know what to expect. This time around, however, was pretty straightforward and simple, without any fancy techniques to convey any complex concepts; just Louie looking for love. Nevertheless, the episode was still a very clever and honest examination of the personal insanity that such an endeavor fosters.
The opening stand-up from C.K. found him explaining to the Comedy Cellar audience the technical meaning of prejudice via the example that Louie would like to fuck Scarlett Johansson despite never having met the woman and assuming it would simultaneously be the...
“Daddy’s Girlfriend Part 1” was about as adorable an episode of Louie as my girlfriend could hope for. From the title alone one could guess that the episode would follow Louie on a bit of a quest for a female companion suitable for not only himself but also his daughters, but with Louie you really never know what to expect. This time around, however, was pretty straightforward and simple, without any fancy techniques to convey any complex concepts; just Louie looking for love. Nevertheless, the episode was still a very clever and honest examination of the personal insanity that such an endeavor fosters.
The opening stand-up from C.K. found him explaining to the Comedy Cellar audience the technical meaning of prejudice via the example that Louie would like to fuck Scarlett Johansson despite never having met the woman and assuming it would simultaneously be the...
- 7/22/2012
- by Joseph Kratzer
- Obsessed with Film
It may be hard to believe, given his propensity for playing an ageless man-child, but Zach Galifianakis is a full blown adult. In fact, today, October 1st, marks his 42nd birthday.
That we are even acknowledging, let alone celebrating, the man's life in such a public setting would have seemed an impossibility a decade or so ago, when Galifianakis was a comedy gadfly bombing his opportunities like a performance artist covering himself in gasoline. A writer on "Saturday Night Live" for just a few weeks before getting canned, he was putting on eccentric, under-appreciated performances before a few breaks, such as featuring in "The Comedians of Comedy" came his way.
Now, we know him as Alan from "The Hangover" and Ray in "Bored To Death," but the story of how he got there, and the roles he took along the way, is just as interesting as his massive present.
Watch:...
That we are even acknowledging, let alone celebrating, the man's life in such a public setting would have seemed an impossibility a decade or so ago, when Galifianakis was a comedy gadfly bombing his opportunities like a performance artist covering himself in gasoline. A writer on "Saturday Night Live" for just a few weeks before getting canned, he was putting on eccentric, under-appreciated performances before a few breaks, such as featuring in "The Comedians of Comedy" came his way.
Now, we know him as Alan from "The Hangover" and Ray in "Bored To Death," but the story of how he got there, and the roles he took along the way, is just as interesting as his massive present.
Watch:...
- 10/1/2011
- by Jordan Zakarin
- Huffington Post
Usually, this spot is reserved for our weekly rundown of the new movies available to stream on Netflix Instant but August is a dead month and there is nothing notable streaming this week. Doesn’t look like there will be for another couple weeks either, so let’s pick the best comedies available to stream on Netflix right now:
Mystery Team
Rated R | 2009
Flickchart Ranking: #1913
Times Ranked: 4081
Win Percentage: 57%
Top-20 Rankings: 6 Users
My favorite comedy on Netflix Instant. It’s the perfect mix of smart and stupid and Donald Glover is pretty much my favorite human being right now.
________________________________________________
This is Spinal Tap
Rated R | 1984
Flickchart Ranking: #197
Times Ranked: 177999
Win Percentage: 54%
Top-20 Rankings: 1020 Users
Widely considered one of the best comedies ever made. If you haven’t seen Spinal Tap, go now. Seriously, right now.
________________________________________________
Wet Hot American Summer
Rated R | 2001
Flickchart Ranking: #617
Times Ranked: 11327
Win Percentage: 52%
Top-20 Rankings: 37 Users...
Mystery Team
Rated R | 2009
Flickchart Ranking: #1913
Times Ranked: 4081
Win Percentage: 57%
Top-20 Rankings: 6 Users
My favorite comedy on Netflix Instant. It’s the perfect mix of smart and stupid and Donald Glover is pretty much my favorite human being right now.
________________________________________________
This is Spinal Tap
Rated R | 1984
Flickchart Ranking: #197
Times Ranked: 177999
Win Percentage: 54%
Top-20 Rankings: 1020 Users
Widely considered one of the best comedies ever made. If you haven’t seen Spinal Tap, go now. Seriously, right now.
________________________________________________
Wet Hot American Summer
Rated R | 2001
Flickchart Ranking: #617
Times Ranked: 11327
Win Percentage: 52%
Top-20 Rankings: 37 Users...
- 8/15/2011
- by Daniel Rohr
- Flickchart
You probably recognize stand-up comic Maria Bamford, even though you might not know it. That's because Bamford -- who has been on the verge of becoming a "household name" for the past decade -- is best known for her ability to manipulate her voice and facial features to embody multiple characters, ranging from her friends and dysfunctional family to more general types.In addition to various supporting roles in movies and TV series, Bamford was featured in the documentary "The Comedians of Comedy" with Patton Oswalt, Zach Galifiniakis, and Brian Posehn; has taped two half-hour Comedy Central Specials; and has recorded three stand-up albums (the latest, "Unwanted Thoughts Syndrome," was released in 2009 and was named one of the "Best Comedy Albums of the Decade" by The A.V. Club). She has also put her transformative abilities to use as a voiceover artist, providing voices for animated series such as "Ugly Americans,...
- 7/27/2011
- by help@backstage.com (Dan Lehman)
- backstage.com
Each week within this column we strive to pair the latest in theatrical releases to the worthwhile titles currently available on Netflix Instant Watch.
This week Cars 2 gives sequels a bad name, and Bad Teacher attempts to cash in on the R-rated comedy wave, while limited release offers A Better Life and discovers Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop. Now, if these features can’t fulfill your need for animated tales of triumph, rotten role models, immigrant-centered drama and sidesplitting tour docs, don’t fret. We’ve got a line up that’s sure keep you on the edge of your seat as you kick back in your AC!
— — —
Cars 2
Larry the Cable Guy returns to voice the buck-toothed pick-up truck Mater, who falls into a world of international espionage as his buddy Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) spins his wheels abroad. Michael Caine, John Turturro and Eddie Izzard join the free-wheelin’ cast.
This week Cars 2 gives sequels a bad name, and Bad Teacher attempts to cash in on the R-rated comedy wave, while limited release offers A Better Life and discovers Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop. Now, if these features can’t fulfill your need for animated tales of triumph, rotten role models, immigrant-centered drama and sidesplitting tour docs, don’t fret. We’ve got a line up that’s sure keep you on the edge of your seat as you kick back in your AC!
— — —
Cars 2
Larry the Cable Guy returns to voice the buck-toothed pick-up truck Mater, who falls into a world of international espionage as his buddy Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) spins his wheels abroad. Michael Caine, John Turturro and Eddie Izzard join the free-wheelin’ cast.
- 6/23/2011
- by Kristy Puchko
- The Film Stage
With a new documentary about the life of Bill Hicks opening in New York City this weekend, it seemed like a good time to dig deeper into the world of documentaries about stand-up comedians. And, pending an thorough examination, this is what we found: there aren't a lot of good ones. Obviously there are plenty of concert films of stand-ups, just not a ton of docs about stand-ups, and most of the ones that do exist aren't very good. "American," which is smartly edited and constructed, is a fine exception. Here are five more:
"The Comedians of Comedy" (2005)
Directed by Michael Blieden
As "The Comedians of Comedy" opens, Patton Oswalt talks about one of the worst gigs of his life: Yuk-a-Buck Night, six comedians, six bucks, one comedy club. Places like that Yuk-a-Buck joint, with their lowest common denominator expectations and two drink minimums, are the reason Oswalt gathered together Brian Posehn,...
"The Comedians of Comedy" (2005)
Directed by Michael Blieden
As "The Comedians of Comedy" opens, Patton Oswalt talks about one of the worst gigs of his life: Yuk-a-Buck Night, six comedians, six bucks, one comedy club. Places like that Yuk-a-Buck joint, with their lowest common denominator expectations and two drink minimums, are the reason Oswalt gathered together Brian Posehn,...
- 4/7/2011
- by Matt Singer
- ifc.com
Filed under: TV News
We understand that it's impossible to make a comedic movie these days without Zach Galifianakis. The Internet is buzzing about his upcoming film 'It's Kind of a Funny Story' and his November re-teaming with director Todd Phillips in 'Due Date.' While we love that the mainstream is finally embracing his talent, remember not to forget how wonderful the Great Bearded One is on TV.
Galifianakis's work on 'Dog Bites Man,' 'The Comedians of Comedy,' 'Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!', 'Saturday Night Live,' 'Reno 911' and even 'Tru Calling' (where he played a Eliza Dushku's supervising mortician) should not be overlooked. Plus, his performance in the HBO series 'Bored to Death,' which just premiered its second season, may be his best work yet.
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments...
We understand that it's impossible to make a comedic movie these days without Zach Galifianakis. The Internet is buzzing about his upcoming film 'It's Kind of a Funny Story' and his November re-teaming with director Todd Phillips in 'Due Date.' While we love that the mainstream is finally embracing his talent, remember not to forget how wonderful the Great Bearded One is on TV.
Galifianakis's work on 'Dog Bites Man,' 'The Comedians of Comedy,' 'Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!', 'Saturday Night Live,' 'Reno 911' and even 'Tru Calling' (where he played a Eliza Dushku's supervising mortician) should not be overlooked. Plus, his performance in the HBO series 'Bored to Death,' which just premiered its second season, may be his best work yet.
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments...
- 9/28/2010
- by Ryan McKee
- Aol TV.
Zach Galifianakis exploded onto the screen this year in The Hangover. But the bearded comedian has been inspiring laughter for a long time, garnering quite a following while touring with Patton Oswalt, Brian Posehn and Maria Bamford as part of The Comedians of Comedy. I've been following him for years, waiting for his career to take off. Now he's one of the most in-demand comedy actors working today, and he just added another project to his roster. THR reports Galifianakis has joined the cast of It's Kind of a Funny Story, a coming-of-age comedy from the writers/directors of Half-Nelson - Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden. It's Kind of a Funny Story, which also stars Emma Roberts, is based on the Ned Vizzini young-adult novel which tells the story of a teenage boy who, after a bout of depression, is sent to a mental institution, where he ends up in...
- 9/16/2009
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
WASHINGTON -- The American Film Institute isn't shying away from hot topics this year at its annual Silverdocs film festival. The festival, sponsored by AFI and the Discovery Channel, which is becoming one of the premier showcases for documentary films, is tackling threats to free speech in this year's showcase. Included in the festival's 89 films representing 43 countries are 12 world, nine North American, four U.S. and 19 East Coast premieres are: Sweet Honey in the Rock: Raise Your Voice, about the Washington-based, black female a cappella ensemble's unwavering message of social change; The Comedians of Comedy, directed by Michael Blieden; The Aristocrats, directed by Paul Provenza; and Off to War, which follows a small-town Arkansas National Guard unit as they are called to service in Iraq. Controversial films like that are just fine with actor, director, producer Richard Dreyfuss, who will be involved in a variety of talks and discussions about documentary filmmaking at this year's festival. To Dreyfuss, documentary filmmakers are one of the last lines of defense for freedom of expression at a time when it is under attack.
- 5/19/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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