“Better Call Saul” actor Bob Odenkirk, “Pitch Perfect” star Anna Kendrick and acclaimed comedians Chelsea Handler and Eric André are among the lineup South by Southwest (SXSW) announced for its upcoming comedy festival.
The comedy festival will include improv, stand-up showcases, live podcast recordings and conversations.
In addition to Odenkirk, Kenrick, André and Handler, the comedy lineup features Abbi Jacobson, Adrienne Iapalucci, Andre Hyland, Anthony Atamanuik, Anthony DeVito, Aristotle Athari, Beth Stelling, Brian Moses, Caitlin Peluffo, Caleb Hearon, Christina Catherine Martinez, Doug Benson, Eddie Pepitone, Emma Willmann, Felipe Esparza, Godfrey, Greg Proops, Ismael Loutfi, Jackie Fabulous, Jake Johnson, James Adomian, Jessica McKenna, Joe DeRosa, John Gemberling, Josh Johnson, Joyelle Johnson, Katherine Blanford, Leonard Maltin, Matt Besser, Mike Lawrence, Natalie Palamides, Nick Thune, Patton Oswalt, Pete Lee, Phoebe Robinson, Rachel Sennott, Reggie Watts, Sabrina Jalees, Sam Jay, Sam Tallent, Sandy Honig, Steve Agee, Steph Tolev, Stuart Goldsmith, Tim Robinson, Todd Barry,...
The comedy festival will include improv, stand-up showcases, live podcast recordings and conversations.
In addition to Odenkirk, Kenrick, André and Handler, the comedy lineup features Abbi Jacobson, Adrienne Iapalucci, Andre Hyland, Anthony Atamanuik, Anthony DeVito, Aristotle Athari, Beth Stelling, Brian Moses, Caitlin Peluffo, Caleb Hearon, Christina Catherine Martinez, Doug Benson, Eddie Pepitone, Emma Willmann, Felipe Esparza, Godfrey, Greg Proops, Ismael Loutfi, Jackie Fabulous, Jake Johnson, James Adomian, Jessica McKenna, Joe DeRosa, John Gemberling, Josh Johnson, Joyelle Johnson, Katherine Blanford, Leonard Maltin, Matt Besser, Mike Lawrence, Natalie Palamides, Nick Thune, Patton Oswalt, Pete Lee, Phoebe Robinson, Rachel Sennott, Reggie Watts, Sabrina Jalees, Sam Jay, Sam Tallent, Sandy Honig, Steve Agee, Steph Tolev, Stuart Goldsmith, Tim Robinson, Todd Barry,...
- 2/27/2023
- by Julia MacCary
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Two-time Emmy nominee and SAG Award winner Matt Walsh has boarded the Apple Original limited series Manhunt about the Lincoln assassination and aftermath.
Walsh will play Dr. Samuel Mudd, who treated John Wilkes Booth’s broken leg the night President Abraham Lincoln was shot. Mudd did not report Booth to the authorities until days later and later was imprisoned for conspiring with the assassin.
2022 Apple TV+ Pilots & Series Orders
Manhunt is created by Emmy-nominated writer-producer Monica Beletsky, who also is the showrunner and an EP. The historical-fiction conspiracy thriller is based on the best-selling book by James Swanson. Manhunt features Black historical figures whose lives intertwined with the escape, manhunt and subsequent high-crimes investigation, including Mary Simms (Lovie Simone), a former slave of Mudd’s. Anthony Boyle plays Booth.
Walsh joins recently announced Tobias Menzies who stars as Edwin Stanton, Lincoln’s War Secretary and friend,...
Walsh will play Dr. Samuel Mudd, who treated John Wilkes Booth’s broken leg the night President Abraham Lincoln was shot. Mudd did not report Booth to the authorities until days later and later was imprisoned for conspiring with the assassin.
2022 Apple TV+ Pilots & Series Orders
Manhunt is created by Emmy-nominated writer-producer Monica Beletsky, who also is the showrunner and an EP. The historical-fiction conspiracy thriller is based on the best-selling book by James Swanson. Manhunt features Black historical figures whose lives intertwined with the escape, manhunt and subsequent high-crimes investigation, including Mary Simms (Lovie Simone), a former slave of Mudd’s. Anthony Boyle plays Booth.
Walsh joins recently announced Tobias Menzies who stars as Edwin Stanton, Lincoln’s War Secretary and friend,...
- 3/30/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The Ucb Theatre is coming back as Mosaic founder Jimmy Miller and former CEO/Owner of The Onion Mike McAvoy have acquired the legendary comedy brand with the financial support from Elysian Park Ventures.
As part of the acquisition, their plan is to reopen theaters in the coming months as well as completely rebuilding the Upright Citizens Brigade’s business, including providing additional support and opportunities for comedic talent and continuing the brand’s efforts to create a more diverse and inclusive environment. The venue reopening, I’m told, includes Ucb’s black box theater at 5919 Franklin Ave. in Hollywood.
Miller will serve as chairman and McAvoy will serve as CEO of the new Ucb entity, which is not part of Mosaic. A rep to several big names in comedy, Miller brings a long history of success in entertainment to the future of Ucb.
The esteemed comedy theater, which...
As part of the acquisition, their plan is to reopen theaters in the coming months as well as completely rebuilding the Upright Citizens Brigade’s business, including providing additional support and opportunities for comedic talent and continuing the brand’s efforts to create a more diverse and inclusive environment. The venue reopening, I’m told, includes Ucb’s black box theater at 5919 Franklin Ave. in Hollywood.
Miller will serve as chairman and McAvoy will serve as CEO of the new Ucb entity, which is not part of Mosaic. A rep to several big names in comedy, Miller brings a long history of success in entertainment to the future of Ucb.
The esteemed comedy theater, which...
- 3/25/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The final curtain has come down on Upright Citizens Brigade’s Sunset Boulevard theater. The comedy troupe says the venue has been sold as the group has “been unable to make mortgage payments during this extended shutdown.”
News about the Ucb Theatre comes eight months after the troupe founded by Amy Poehler, Matt Walsh and others closed its New York venue. The group said on social media, however, that it is “still working to maintain Franklin [Avenue] space and look forward to being legally allowed to gather again.” Ucb notes that digital classes will continue.
The 30-year-old improv and sketch-comedy troupe is led by co-founders Poehler, Walsh, Matt Besser and Ian Roberts, who said wrote, “We know this theater was a home for so many, and so many people were responsible for helping it grow. We want to thank all of those people and the New York community who were also significantly impacted by recent closures.
News about the Ucb Theatre comes eight months after the troupe founded by Amy Poehler, Matt Walsh and others closed its New York venue. The group said on social media, however, that it is “still working to maintain Franklin [Avenue] space and look forward to being legally allowed to gather again.” Ucb notes that digital classes will continue.
The 30-year-old improv and sketch-comedy troupe is led by co-founders Poehler, Walsh, Matt Besser and Ian Roberts, who said wrote, “We know this theater was a home for so many, and so many people were responsible for helping it grow. We want to thank all of those people and the New York community who were also significantly impacted by recent closures.
- 12/24/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Eight months after the closing all of its New York City locations, Upright Citizens Brigade announced Wednesday it has closed its famed Sunset theater due to financial constraints amid the pandemic.
Co-founders Amy Poehler, Matt Besser, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh shared the announcement on Instagram, writing on the Los Angeles Instagram account for the comedic institution, “We have been forced to sell our theater on Sunset. We have been unable to make mortgage payments during this extended shutdown. We know this theater was a home for so many, and so many people were responsible for helping it grow. We ...
Co-founders Amy Poehler, Matt Besser, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh shared the announcement on Instagram, writing on the Los Angeles Instagram account for the comedic institution, “We have been forced to sell our theater on Sunset. We have been unable to make mortgage payments during this extended shutdown. We know this theater was a home for so many, and so many people were responsible for helping it grow. We ...
- 12/24/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Eight months after the closing all of its New York City locations, Upright Citizens Brigade announced Wednesday it has closed its famed Sunset theater due to financial constraints amid the pandemic.
Co-founders Amy Poehler, Matt Besser, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh shared the announcement on Instagram, writing on the Los Angeles Instagram account for the comedic institution, “We have been forced to sell our theater on Sunset. We have been unable to make mortgage payments during this extended shutdown. We know this theater was a home for so many, and so many people were responsible for helping it grow. We ...
Co-founders Amy Poehler, Matt Besser, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh shared the announcement on Instagram, writing on the Los Angeles Instagram account for the comedic institution, “We have been forced to sell our theater on Sunset. We have been unable to make mortgage payments during this extended shutdown. We know this theater was a home for so many, and so many people were responsible for helping it grow. We ...
- 12/24/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
With live entertainment and all kinds of gatherings on hold for the foreseeable future, the theater community has been hit particularly hard — including Upright Citizens Brigade, the group of improv performance spaces and training centers started by the comedy troupe of the same name.
On March 17, Ucb leadership announced mass layoffs at both its New York and Los Angeles facilities — making it among the first entertainment organizations to do so in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. And, on April 21, co-founders Amy Poehler, Matt Besser, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh informed members of the community that both ...
On March 17, Ucb leadership announced mass layoffs at both its New York and Los Angeles facilities — making it among the first entertainment organizations to do so in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. And, on April 21, co-founders Amy Poehler, Matt Besser, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh informed members of the community that both ...
- 4/22/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
With live entertainment and all kinds of gatherings on hold for the foreseeable future, the theater community has been hit particularly hard — including Upright Citizens Brigade, the group of improv performance spaces and training centers started by the comedy troupe of the same name.
On March 17, Ucb leadership announced mass layoffs at both its New York and Los Angeles facilities — making it among the first entertainment organizations to do so in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. And, on April 21, co-founders Amy Poehler, Matt Besser, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh informed members of the community that both ...
On March 17, Ucb leadership announced mass layoffs at both its New York and Los Angeles facilities — making it among the first entertainment organizations to do so in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. And, on April 21, co-founders Amy Poehler, Matt Besser, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh informed members of the community that both ...
- 4/22/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
There will be plenty of laughs next week when the SXSW Comedy Festival kicks off on March 13 after the opening night film and world premiere of Judd Apatow’s The King of Staten Island starring Pete Davidson. He is set to host a standup revue that will feature the Saturday Night Live star, Bill Burr and others that will benefit the Friends of Firefighters foundation.
In addition, the Austin-based fest which runs March 13-22 will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic National Lampoon. They will bring two nights of its National Lampoon Radio Hour: The Podcast to the fest. Meanwhile Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (Ucb) co-founder, Matt Besser is set to return with a slate of shows including the podcast improv4humans, The 420 Show, and the legendary improv show Asssscat. This year the theatre’s flagship show will feature Horatio Sanz, Gil Ozeri, the cast of Golden Arm,...
In addition, the Austin-based fest which runs March 13-22 will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic National Lampoon. They will bring two nights of its National Lampoon Radio Hour: The Podcast to the fest. Meanwhile Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (Ucb) co-founder, Matt Besser is set to return with a slate of shows including the podcast improv4humans, The 420 Show, and the legendary improv show Asssscat. This year the theatre’s flagship show will feature Horatio Sanz, Gil Ozeri, the cast of Golden Arm,...
- 3/4/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
The comparisons are inevitable, so we might as well get them out of the way: “Good Girls Get High” sounds a lot like “Booksmart” because, well, it is a lot like “Booksmart.” But if its heroines can co-exist as joint valedictorians, there’s no reason we can’t embrace a pair of like-minded comedies about brainy teens who decide to go wild before high school ends.
The movie is narrated by Sam. She’s making a video for Harvard’s admissions team, in hopes she can undo an impulsive mistake. She got accepted, but her single dad is struggling just to keep his old-fashioned ice-cream shop open in the Instagram era. Having been denied financial aid, she impulsively turned down their acceptance in order to join her Bff Danielle (“A.N.T. Farm”‘s Stefanie Scott) at State. But then Danielle got into Harvard too, and now Sam has to scramble to...
The movie is narrated by Sam. She’s making a video for Harvard’s admissions team, in hopes she can undo an impulsive mistake. She got accepted, but her single dad is struggling just to keep his old-fashioned ice-cream shop open in the Instagram era. Having been denied financial aid, she impulsively turned down their acceptance in order to join her Bff Danielle (“A.N.T. Farm”‘s Stefanie Scott) at State. But then Danielle got into Harvard too, and now Sam has to scramble to...
- 11/7/2019
- by Elizabeth Weitzman
- The Wrap
"Are you experiencing increased appetite?" Warner Bros & DirecTV have debuted an official trailer for a wild indie coming-of-age comedy titled Good Girls Get High, the second feature film made by filmmaker Laura Terruso (following Fits and Starts previously). This is pretty much a riff on Booksmart (and Eighth Grade), about two high school girls who are "good girls" just about to finish up and graduate. The decide to become "bad girls" and get stoned on their last night of senior year, only learning that being bad really ain't so good after all. Surprise, surprise. The film stars Abby Quinn and Stefanie Scott, along with Lauren Lapkus, Matt Besser, Isabelle Fuhrman, Chanté Adams, Cole Carter, and Danny Pudi. This looks a bit too cheap, and a bit too cheesy for my tastes, but maybe I'm not the target audience. Still - light one up. Here's the first official trailer (+ poster) for...
- 10/4/2019
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Endemol Shine Boomdog, a division of Endemol Shine North America, is teaming with improv and sketch comedy theatre Upright Citizens Brigade to create the next wave of Spanish comedy talent both in front of and behind the camera.
Endemol Shine Boomdog and Ucb will jointly launch the first-ever Spanish language comedy boot camp to cultivate both writers and performers to participate in an untitled sketch comedy show.
Under the partnership, Upright Citizens Brigade’s existing bilingual talent will serve as instructors for the boot camp, while Endemol Shine Boomdog will recruit new up-and-coming talent to populate the program that will be housed at its studios in Mexico City, Mexico.
“This unique partnership with Upright Citizens Brigade is truly exciting for all of us at Endemol Shine Boomdog,” says Alejandro Rincon, CEO, Endemol Shine Boomdog. “We are looking to identify and help launch the careers of the next wave of Spanish...
Endemol Shine Boomdog and Ucb will jointly launch the first-ever Spanish language comedy boot camp to cultivate both writers and performers to participate in an untitled sketch comedy show.
Under the partnership, Upright Citizens Brigade’s existing bilingual talent will serve as instructors for the boot camp, while Endemol Shine Boomdog will recruit new up-and-coming talent to populate the program that will be housed at its studios in Mexico City, Mexico.
“This unique partnership with Upright Citizens Brigade is truly exciting for all of us at Endemol Shine Boomdog,” says Alejandro Rincon, CEO, Endemol Shine Boomdog. “We are looking to identify and help launch the careers of the next wave of Spanish...
- 6/6/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
In an unprecedented move for both entities, Mexico-based Endemol Shine Boomdog is teaming up with improv and sketch comedy theater group Upright Citizens Brigade (Ucb) to form a Spanish-language comedy boot camp in Mexico City.
The initiative is aimed at creating the latest generation of Spanish-language comedy talent in front of and behind the camera to serve the ever-expanding Hispanic market. The immediate goal is to cultivate both writers and performers to participate in an untitled sketch comedy show.
“This unique partnership with Upright Citizens Brigade is truly exciting for all of us at Endemol Shine Boomdog,” said Alejandro Rincon, CEO, Endemol Shine Boomdog. “We are looking to identify and help launch the careers of the next wave of Spanish comedy talent in both Mexico and the U.S. and we couldn’t imagine having a better partner to do so.”
“Alejandro [Rincon] and I are great comedy fans,” said Flavio Morales,...
The initiative is aimed at creating the latest generation of Spanish-language comedy talent in front of and behind the camera to serve the ever-expanding Hispanic market. The immediate goal is to cultivate both writers and performers to participate in an untitled sketch comedy show.
“This unique partnership with Upright Citizens Brigade is truly exciting for all of us at Endemol Shine Boomdog,” said Alejandro Rincon, CEO, Endemol Shine Boomdog. “We are looking to identify and help launch the careers of the next wave of Spanish comedy talent in both Mexico and the U.S. and we couldn’t imagine having a better partner to do so.”
“Alejandro [Rincon] and I are great comedy fans,” said Flavio Morales,...
- 6/6/2019
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
With “Rocketman” set to delight audiences with another tale of how a rock icon found fame and fortune, let’s remember the movie that did it better than all the rest: the 2007 film “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.” While not an actual biopic, a recent oral history for The Ringer shows just how much work went into making sure that the parody shone as brightly as the real thing.
To tell the story of the fictional Johnny Cash-like rocker portrayed by John C. Reilly, they built seven hotel rooms and three music studios, with music director Michael Andrews overseeing the creation of 45-50 songs within six months. “John was literally on set all day and then we’d record at night,” he said. “He was working around the clock making these records.”
Said songwriter Charlie Wadhams, “The description they gave me for ‘Guilty As Charged’ was something like,...
To tell the story of the fictional Johnny Cash-like rocker portrayed by John C. Reilly, they built seven hotel rooms and three music studios, with music director Michael Andrews overseeing the creation of 45-50 songs within six months. “John was literally on set all day and then we’d record at night,” he said. “He was working around the clock making these records.”
Said songwriter Charlie Wadhams, “The description they gave me for ‘Guilty As Charged’ was something like,...
- 6/2/2019
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
Comedy Central will return to Austin for the 2019 SXSW Festival to present a series of events including: a featured session with The Daily Show with Trevor Noah; a screening of the final three episodes of Broad City’s final season, followed by a Q&A with series creators and stars, Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer; two special nights of stand-up featuring The Daily Show’s team of correspondents on one night and a curated evening of laughs from the creators of the upcoming The New Negroes with Baron Vaughn and Open Mike Eagle on another; the return of Comedy Central’s annual Backyard Bash; and the SXSW debut of The Daily Show with Trevor Noah Presents: The Donald J. Trump Presidential Twitter Library.
The schedule of events and more information follows.
The Daily Show News Team Live Stand-up Show at Esther’s Follies
Friday, March 8 at 8:00 p.m. Ct.
The schedule of events and more information follows.
The Daily Show News Team Live Stand-up Show at Esther’s Follies
Friday, March 8 at 8:00 p.m. Ct.
- 2/24/2019
- by Andrew Wendowski
- Age of the Nerd
Matt Walsh has been tapped for a lead role in the upcoming ABC single-camera comedy pilot “Happy Accident.”
In the series, two Pittsburgh families – a father (Walsh) with three adult daughters, and a hotel lounge singer with her med student son – are forced together after a decades-old secret is revealed.
Walsh currently stars in the acclaimed HBO comedy “Veep,” which will launch its final season this year. His other notable roles include appearances in comedies like “The Hangover,” “Ted,” “Role Models,” and the “Ghostbusters” reboot. He is also known for being a founding member of the Upright Citizens Brigade along with Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, and Ian Roberts.
He is repped by UTA.
Abraham Higginbotham and Jon Pollack, both of whom are writers on “Modern Family,” are the writers and executive producers on “Happy Accident.” 20th Century Fox Television will produce along with ABC Studios. Both Higginbotham and Pollack are...
In the series, two Pittsburgh families – a father (Walsh) with three adult daughters, and a hotel lounge singer with her med student son – are forced together after a decades-old secret is revealed.
Walsh currently stars in the acclaimed HBO comedy “Veep,” which will launch its final season this year. His other notable roles include appearances in comedies like “The Hangover,” “Ted,” “Role Models,” and the “Ghostbusters” reboot. He is also known for being a founding member of the Upright Citizens Brigade along with Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, and Ian Roberts.
He is repped by UTA.
Abraham Higginbotham and Jon Pollack, both of whom are writers on “Modern Family,” are the writers and executive producers on “Happy Accident.” 20th Century Fox Television will produce along with ABC Studios. Both Higginbotham and Pollack are...
- 1/15/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
For the most part, successful teen comedies follow a tried and true formula. Memorable high school movies typically feature characters who feel like outsiders floundering hilariously en route to the revelation that simply by being themselves, they’ll find what’s eluded them for so long. John Hughes knew it well, as did his imitators, realizing that even small deviations can be enough to refresh the genre for a new generation. Full of charm, humor, and heart, director Laura Terruso’s “Good Girls Get High” mixes it up, delivering a “high” concept comedy in which the two kids least likely to go astray do exactly that.
High school senior Sam Jensen (Abby Quinn) and her best friend Danielle Compton (Stefanie Scott) have always lived by the rules. While the rest of their classmates were out doing the crazy, stupid things normal teens do, the two overachieving co-valedictorians were either crushing their extracurriculars,...
High school senior Sam Jensen (Abby Quinn) and her best friend Danielle Compton (Stefanie Scott) have always lived by the rules. While the rest of their classmates were out doing the crazy, stupid things normal teens do, the two overachieving co-valedictorians were either crushing their extracurriculars,...
- 9/24/2018
- by courtneyhoward76
- Variety Film + TV
Roseanne Barr sank her hit ABC revival with a racist tweet, and social media users shared many thoughts Tuesday about the cancellation of her namesake series.
“Hellboy” and “Sons of Anarchy” actor Ron Perlman questioned Barr’s apology to President Obama’s former White House adviser, Valerie Jarrett, whose appearance Barr criticized in a statement ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey called, “abhorrent, repugnant and inconsistent with our values.”
They just cancelled your ass. No wonder you’re sorry! https://t.co/ARfhbIZ1kO
— Ron Perlman (@perlmutations) May 29, 2018
whoops … https://t.co/xZL0q7cKLL
— Don Cheadle (@DonCheadle) May 29, 2018
Author and Esquire editor-at-large Dave Holmes deadpanned about Barr’s departure from both Twitter and primetime, while Oscar winner Julianne Moore praised the power of online activism:
Both Billy Eichner — who had been sharing the #FireRoseanne hashtag since she published her offending May 29 remarks toward Jarrett — and Barr’s fellow TV creator,...
“Hellboy” and “Sons of Anarchy” actor Ron Perlman questioned Barr’s apology to President Obama’s former White House adviser, Valerie Jarrett, whose appearance Barr criticized in a statement ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey called, “abhorrent, repugnant and inconsistent with our values.”
They just cancelled your ass. No wonder you’re sorry! https://t.co/ARfhbIZ1kO
— Ron Perlman (@perlmutations) May 29, 2018
whoops … https://t.co/xZL0q7cKLL
— Don Cheadle (@DonCheadle) May 29, 2018
Author and Esquire editor-at-large Dave Holmes deadpanned about Barr’s departure from both Twitter and primetime, while Oscar winner Julianne Moore praised the power of online activism:
Both Billy Eichner — who had been sharing the #FireRoseanne hashtag since she published her offending May 29 remarks toward Jarrett — and Barr’s fellow TV creator,...
- 5/29/2018
- by Jenna Marotta
- Indiewire
Starz has acquired a slew of comedy series, specials and films that launched on Seeso, the NBCUniversal-owned Svod service that shuttered last year.
Among the series in the deal are Take My Wife, Night Train with Wyatt Cenac and The Ucb Show. It also includes stand-up specials from the Sklar Brothers, Brian Posehn and Lachlan Patterson, along with The Pistol Shrimps, the documentary about a group of showbiz folks including Aubrey Plaza who play in a women’s recreational basketball league in L.A.
“We are excited to address the uncertain fate of several Seeso series, including the beloved Take My Wife series, by providing a new home for these programs and their fans at Starz,” said C. Brett Marottoli, Head of Program Acquisitions for Starz. “These comedies align strategically with many Starz Original series and will appeal to our audiences as we continue featuring more diverse casts and storylines across the Starz platforms.
Among the series in the deal are Take My Wife, Night Train with Wyatt Cenac and The Ucb Show. It also includes stand-up specials from the Sklar Brothers, Brian Posehn and Lachlan Patterson, along with The Pistol Shrimps, the documentary about a group of showbiz folks including Aubrey Plaza who play in a women’s recreational basketball league in L.A.
“We are excited to address the uncertain fate of several Seeso series, including the beloved Take My Wife series, by providing a new home for these programs and their fans at Starz,” said C. Brett Marottoli, Head of Program Acquisitions for Starz. “These comedies align strategically with many Starz Original series and will appeal to our audiences as we continue featuring more diverse casts and storylines across the Starz platforms.
- 4/16/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
When it came to making “Another Period’s” third season, creators Natasha Leggero and Riki Lindhome acknowledged that they ended up needing a little extra time to finish writing the season because the 2016 election derailed things a bit.
“Two-thirds the way through the writers’ room, Trump was elected,” Leggero said.
“We have so many intelligent writers on our staff,” Lindhome said, “and we were talking, you know, before Trump was elected, we’re like, well, you know, we really need to think where are people going to be at in six months,” she said. “And one of our writers was like, well, you know, we’re going to have a woman President, and I think there’s going to be a lot of backlash. And so we were like, yeah, you’re right. So we really were writing for this future where men are pissed because a woman is President,...
“Two-thirds the way through the writers’ room, Trump was elected,” Leggero said.
“We have so many intelligent writers on our staff,” Lindhome said, “and we were talking, you know, before Trump was elected, we’re like, well, you know, we really need to think where are people going to be at in six months,” she said. “And one of our writers was like, well, you know, we’re going to have a woman President, and I think there’s going to be a lot of backlash. And so we were like, yeah, you’re right. So we really were writing for this future where men are pissed because a woman is President,...
- 1/23/2018
- by Liz Shannon Miller
- Indiewire
Maybe the haters were right after all: Netflix has cancelled the comedy Haters Back Off! after two seasons, our sister site Deadline is reporting.
RelatedCable/Streaming Scorecard: What’s Renewed? What’s Cancelled?
Based on Colleen Ballinger’s YouTube videos, Haters Back Off! starred Ballinger as the hopelessly deluded Miranda Sings, a young performer with no discernible talent who nonetheless dreams of superstardom. The Office alum Angela Kinsey co-starred as Miranda’s mother Bethany, with Eastbound & Down‘s Steve Little playing Miranda’s uncle Jim. Comedian Matt Besser (Fresh Off the Boat, Parks and Recreation) joined the cast in Season 2 as Miranda’s estranged dad.
RelatedCable/Streaming Scorecard: What’s Renewed? What’s Cancelled?
Based on Colleen Ballinger’s YouTube videos, Haters Back Off! starred Ballinger as the hopelessly deluded Miranda Sings, a young performer with no discernible talent who nonetheless dreams of superstardom. The Office alum Angela Kinsey co-starred as Miranda’s mother Bethany, with Eastbound & Down‘s Steve Little playing Miranda’s uncle Jim. Comedian Matt Besser (Fresh Off the Boat, Parks and Recreation) joined the cast in Season 2 as Miranda’s estranged dad.
- 12/2/2017
- TVLine.com
One of the biggest weekends in comedy got started in 1998 with a simple premise: Honor the complicated guru that championed a new art form and taught the improvisers who would become some of comedy’s biggest names in years to come.
Now, 19 years later, the Del Close Marathon (a three-day event with a weekend full of straight improv) has become one of the best places to catch stars like Amy Poehler and Veep‘s Matt Walsh back in the place they started — sweaty improv theaters.
“Del Close was the improv guru in Chicago that trained all of us that started the Ucb,...
Now, 19 years later, the Del Close Marathon (a three-day event with a weekend full of straight improv) has become one of the best places to catch stars like Amy Poehler and Veep‘s Matt Walsh back in the place they started — sweaty improv theaters.
“Del Close was the improv guru in Chicago that trained all of us that started the Ucb,...
- 6/30/2017
- by Ale Russian
- PEOPLE.com
Seeso has renewed its popular original series The Ucb Show from Upright Citizens Brigade founders Amy Poehler, Matt Walsh, Ian Roberts and Matt Besser. Season 2 begins shooting today at the 18th Annual Del Close Improv Comedy Marathon in NYC. The Ucb Show is a weekly variety showcase for the best sketch, characters and stand-up homegrown at the Ucb Theatres in L.A. and NYC. Besser, Poehler, Roberts, and Walsh executive produce with Bart Coleman and Lou Wallach. In…...
- 6/24/2016
- Deadline TV
The comedy troupe made famous by Amy Poehler is getting a studio deal. Upright Citizens Brigade, the sketch and improv group owned by Poehler along with Matt Besser, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh, has signed a first-look agreement with Universal Cable Productions, the studio behind “Mr. Robot” on USA and “12 Monkeys” on Syfy. The deal is the studio’s first with a live theater group. Also Read: 'Veep' Star Matt Walsh Launches Indiegogo Campaign for Post-Production on 'A Better You' (Video) Projects under development include “We Can Fix You,” a parody of pop-psychology gurus, as well...
- 6/21/2016
- by Scott Collins
- The Wrap
Universal Cable Productions is making a push into comedy, signing a first-look deal with improv and sketch comedy troupe Upright Citizens Brigade. Under the deal, the group, led by co-founders Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh, will develop scripted programming for NBCUniversal's portfolio of cable networks as well as external networks and streaming services. Under the pact, the two companies already are working on five series projects, We Can Fix You…...
- 6/21/2016
- Deadline TV
Digital comedy collective Jash is taking its unique stylings offscreen for the inaugural JashFesht -- a two-day gathering taking place in Palm Springs, Calif., during the first weekend of April.
The event will comprise live comedy sets, musical performances, screenings and talent panels featuring Jash’s founders: Michael Cera, Sarah Silverman, Reggie Watts and Tim & Eric.
In the digital world, Jash recently announced a pact to create original content for the Verizon streaming app Go90. Jash's upcoming real life festival will serve to premiere some of those new shows, including episodes of Pound House, starring Doug Lussenhop and Brent Weinbach, and Arkippiana from Ucb Founder Matt Besser.
The network, which was founded in 2013 to help comedians hone their digital strategies and also serves as a distribution platform for comedy content, describes Jashfesht as “a unique and historic gathering of the comedy community, creating a grassroots and experiential vibe,” according to a press release.
The event will comprise live comedy sets, musical performances, screenings and talent panels featuring Jash’s founders: Michael Cera, Sarah Silverman, Reggie Watts and Tim & Eric.
In the digital world, Jash recently announced a pact to create original content for the Verizon streaming app Go90. Jash's upcoming real life festival will serve to premiere some of those new shows, including episodes of Pound House, starring Doug Lussenhop and Brent Weinbach, and Arkippiana from Ucb Founder Matt Besser.
The network, which was founded in 2013 to help comedians hone their digital strategies and also serves as a distribution platform for comedy content, describes Jashfesht as “a unique and historic gathering of the comedy community, creating a grassroots and experiential vibe,” according to a press release.
- 2/17/2016
- by Geoff Weiss
- Tubefilter.com
Chicago – In founding and being an artistic director of a theater company for over 30 years, Richard Cotovsky of Mary-Arrchie Co. has a few stories to tell. In Part Two of an interview with the “Godfather of Chicago Storefront Theater” Cotovsky talks about the annual Abbie Hoffman Died for our Sins Festival, and the various acts of producing memorable stage productions.
Rich Cotovsky is a lifelong Chicagoan, growing up and currently living in the Rogers Park neighborhood. He was a founding member of Mary-Arrchie Co. – an amalgamation of parent’s names from one of his early acting students – and has served as its Artistic Director since it began in 1986. His award-winning theatre company has served up gritty and memorable productions for 30 years, but their current show, “American Buffalo” – which features Cotovsky in a lead role – will be their final show. The building that houses the space the company has had since the late 1980s,...
Rich Cotovsky is a lifelong Chicagoan, growing up and currently living in the Rogers Park neighborhood. He was a founding member of Mary-Arrchie Co. – an amalgamation of parent’s names from one of his early acting students – and has served as its Artistic Director since it began in 1986. His award-winning theatre company has served up gritty and memorable productions for 30 years, but their current show, “American Buffalo” – which features Cotovsky in a lead role – will be their final show. The building that houses the space the company has had since the late 1980s,...
- 2/17/2016
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
NBCUniversal is ready to bring some more comedy to your digital screens. The broadcast network has set January 7, 2016 as the official release date of its ad-free, comedy streaming subscription service SeeSo.
SeeSo will be available at seeso.com and on iOS and Android devices, with NBC planning to add more platforms in the coming months. Several original series and specials will be available at the time of SeeSo’s launch, including the animated comedy The Cyanide & Happiness Show (brought to you by the Streamy Award-winning team behind the Cyanide & Happiness YouTube channel and its more than five million subscribers) , the Matt Besser special Besser Breaks the Record, and the Amy Poehler-hosted variety sketch show The Ucb Show. NBC will release new episodes for each of SeeSo’s five original series every week after the service’s official launch.
NBC originally announced its plans to launch a comedy video subscription...
SeeSo will be available at seeso.com and on iOS and Android devices, with NBC planning to add more platforms in the coming months. Several original series and specials will be available at the time of SeeSo’s launch, including the animated comedy The Cyanide & Happiness Show (brought to you by the Streamy Award-winning team behind the Cyanide & Happiness YouTube channel and its more than five million subscribers) , the Matt Besser special Besser Breaks the Record, and the Amy Poehler-hosted variety sketch show The Ucb Show. NBC will release new episodes for each of SeeSo’s five original series every week after the service’s official launch.
NBC originally announced its plans to launch a comedy video subscription...
- 12/9/2015
- by Bree Brouwer
- Tubefilter.com
Seeso is slated to have you laughing into the New Year. The new ad-free streaming comedy service will launch Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016, NBCUniversal Digital Enterprises announced this morning. “We think the world needs more laughter, so we put together what we think is the best collection of comedy in one place,” NBCUniversal Digital Enterprises executive vice president Evan Shapiro said in a statement. “Come, seeso for yourself.” In addition to fan favorites (“30 Rock”), cult classics (“Nathan Barley”), curated films ("Monty Python"), and late-night talkies (“The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon”), the streaming service is rolling out 2,000 hours of original content. For $3.99 per month, subscribers will get daily Seeso-exclusive content with five original series like “The Cyanide & Happiness Show” and “The Ucb Show” (from hosts, creators, and Upright Citizens Brigade founders Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts, and Matt Walsh), two standup specials, and—in a push for live content via streaming...
- 12/9/2015
- backstage.com
We now have an official launch date of January 7 for NBC’s new ad-free subscription streaming channel Seeso. The channel from NBCUniversal Digital Enterprises, will be available on http://www.seeso.com, iOS and Android platforms beginning on that date for $3.99 per month, with additional platforms added later. Original series available at launch include The Ucb Show, from hosts, creators and Upright Citizens Brigade founders Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts and Matt…...
- 12/9/2015
- Deadline TV
If you’re a comedy fan, then you’ve probably heard of the Upright Citizens Brigade. The improv troupe formed by Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts, Matt Walsh, Adam McKay, Rick Roman, Horatio Sanz and Drew Franklin emerged out of Chicago in the early ’90s and went on to get its own TV show on Comedy Central […]
The post ‘The Ucb Show’ Trailer: The Upright Citizens Brigade Gang Has a New Comedy Home appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘The Ucb Show’ Trailer: The Upright Citizens Brigade Gang Has a New Comedy Home appeared first on /Film.
- 12/3/2015
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
In this first episode of "The Seeso Secret Society," a web series leading up tot he launch of new comedy streaming platform Seeso, comedians Dave Ahdoot and Ethan Fixell are on a quest to join a secret society of comedians by fulfilling a series of mysterious tasks. Read More: Fake Werner Herzog Unveils a Fake Secret Society in Teaser For Real Streaming Service 'SeeSo' Following an anonymous note, the duo finds that their first job happens to be cleaning the Upright Citizens Brigade theater in Los Angeles. Amy Poehler, Matt Besser, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh, the founders of Ucb, make an appearance as the mysterious taskmasters, eventually sending the young comedians off to their next job once they've adequately tidied up the theater. Ahdoot and Fixell will star in their own original series on Seeso, "Dave & Ethan: Lovemakers." Poehler, Roberts, Besser and Walsh are also involved with Seeso through another original series,...
- 10/26/2015
- by Ryan Anielski
- Indiewire
On October 15th, NBCUniversal announced SeeSo, a subscription service with a focus on comedy programming. Four days later, a trailer for the service has arrived, and it shows us some of the people who subscribers will see.
As with other digital comedy platforms (like Broadway Video’s Above Average), SeeSo will mine a lot of its talent from New York’s Upright Citizen’s Brigade. Specifically, Ucb’s four co-founders--Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh--all show up together in the new service’s trailer. So too do cult favorite comedy writer Dan Harmon and well-traveled actor Thomas Lennon. Also, they’re all apparently in the Illuminati, or something like that. Watch the trailer and you’ll see what I mean:
Of course, Poehler and Harmon share more in common than just their affinity for comedy. They’re both well-known as NBC collaborators: Poehler for Parks and Recreation...
As with other digital comedy platforms (like Broadway Video’s Above Average), SeeSo will mine a lot of its talent from New York’s Upright Citizen’s Brigade. Specifically, Ucb’s four co-founders--Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh--all show up together in the new service’s trailer. So too do cult favorite comedy writer Dan Harmon and well-traveled actor Thomas Lennon. Also, they’re all apparently in the Illuminati, or something like that. Watch the trailer and you’ll see what I mean:
Of course, Poehler and Harmon share more in common than just their affinity for comedy. They’re both well-known as NBC collaborators: Poehler for Parks and Recreation...
- 10/19/2015
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
Last week NBCUniversal unveiled SeeSo, confirming talk that the network may put out its own streaming service for comedy. The service is targeted at "comedy super fans" and promises new original content every week. In addition, there will be a curated selection of movies and TV, as well as live streams of stand-up comedy on a monthly basis. Read More: The 11 Indies to Watch on VOD This October: 'Beasts of No Nation,' 'Nasty Baby' and More The teaser sets up a fake documentary with a voiceover in the style of Werner Herzog that unveils a secret comedy society. It then unveils some of the players who will appear on the SeeSo service, including Ucb co-founders Matt Walsh, Matt Besser, Amy Poehler and Ian Roberts, as well as Tom Lennon and "Community" creator Dan Harmon. Watch the teaser above. The service also released descriptions for three new...
- 10/19/2015
- by Wil Barlow
- Indiewire
Last week NBCUniversal unveiled SeeSo, confirming talk that the network may put out its own streaming service for comedy. The service is targeted at "comedy super fans" and promises new original content every week. In addition, there will be a curated selection of movies and TV, as well as live streams of stand-up comedy on a monthly basis. Read More: The 11 Indies to Watch on VOD This October: 'Beasts of No Nation,' 'Nasty Baby' and More The teaser sets up a fake documentary with a voiceover in the style of Warner Herzog that unveils a secret comedy society. It then unveils some of the players who will appear on the SeeSo service, including Ucb co-founders Matt Walsh, Matt Besser, Amy Poehler and Ian Roberts, as well as Tom Lennon and "Community" creator Dan Harmon. Watch the teaser above. The service also released descriptions for three new...
- 10/19/2015
- by Wil Barlow
- Indiewire
“I survived on garbage in the middle of the ocean! I scratched my way out of a grave! You think you can kill me? Nothing can kill me!”
“Jesus (bleep)ing Christ, holy (bleep)ing Jesus, Jesus (bleep)ing Christ. It’s a conspiracy,” Forrest hisses to himself in his empty office, staring at crumpled photographs of his many(11) near-death experiences. ‘Conspiracy Theory’ posits a single idea, one as comforting as it is chilling: Grant wants Forrest dead. Asked to report on what believing in conspiracy theories is like, Forrest at first offers a compassionate dismissal. The people nodding in agreement with Matt Besser’s conspiracy nut author as he lectures on the Fourth Reich of the Illuminati and the perils of interdimensional Bigfoot are desperate for a monomyth to codify the world’s random cruelties into something they can analyze and fight, even if that something is paranoid drivel.
“Jesus (bleep)ing Christ, holy (bleep)ing Jesus, Jesus (bleep)ing Christ. It’s a conspiracy,” Forrest hisses to himself in his empty office, staring at crumpled photographs of his many(11) near-death experiences. ‘Conspiracy Theory’ posits a single idea, one as comforting as it is chilling: Grant wants Forrest dead. Asked to report on what believing in conspiracy theories is like, Forrest at first offers a compassionate dismissal. The people nodding in agreement with Matt Besser’s conspiracy nut author as he lectures on the Fourth Reich of the Illuminati and the perils of interdimensional Bigfoot are desperate for a monomyth to codify the world’s random cruelties into something they can analyze and fight, even if that something is paranoid drivel.
- 10/2/2015
- by Gretchen Felker-Martin
- Nerdly
After two years together, Amy Poehler and Nick Kroll have gone their separate ways, a source confirms to People.
The news caps off a gloomy summer of one relationship demise after another. But fans of Poehler and Kroll can be comforted in knowing they'll always have these hilarious, raunchy (and therefore Nsfw) scenes of them together to look back on.
Kroll appeared on Parks and Recreation as The Douche (née Howard Tuttleman), a potty-mouthed shock-jock who caused Leslie Knope (Poehler) a lot of headaches. The actress reciprocated by guest-starring on his sketch comedy series Kroll Show in 2014.
The Douche and...
The news caps off a gloomy summer of one relationship demise after another. But fans of Poehler and Kroll can be comforted in knowing they'll always have these hilarious, raunchy (and therefore Nsfw) scenes of them together to look back on.
Kroll appeared on Parks and Recreation as The Douche (née Howard Tuttleman), a potty-mouthed shock-jock who caused Leslie Knope (Poehler) a lot of headaches. The actress reciprocated by guest-starring on his sketch comedy series Kroll Show in 2014.
The Douche and...
- 9/23/2015
- by Lydia Price, @lydsprice
- People.com - TV Watch
Paul Scheer and Rob Huebel have plenty in common: endless improv chops, an appreciation for terrible cinema (Scheer hosts the podcast "How Did This Get Made?" about lame movies; Huebel hosts the La Upright Citizens Brigade revue "The Shit Show" where guests discuss their worst performances and gigs), and now, the experience of performing together on a giant glass bus. Their new special "Crash Test" sees the comics entertaining an audience on a large party bus as it travels through Los Angeles. On their journey, they meet fellow comics Aziz Ansari, Andy Daly, Rob Corddry, Aubrey Plaza, Natasha Leggero, Jack McBrayer, Thomas Lennon, Ian Karmel, and more. It's a wild ensemble held together by Scheer and Huebel's vaudevillian stamina. We caught up with Scheer and Huebel to discuss friendship in the comedy community, the greatness of bad movies, and what to think of the plagiarism scandal surrounding Twitter star Josh Ostrovsky,...
- 8/18/2015
- by Louis Virtel
- Hitfix
Through projects like Burning Love (Yahoo), Hotwives (Hulu), and Beef (iTunes), Paramount Digital has brought quality comedy to multiple online platforms. With its latest project, it is working with yet another distributor: Vimeo. The digital wing of the Hollywood studio will bring a comedy special called Crash Test to the Vimeo On Demand platform.
Crash Test comes from frequent Paramount Digital collaborators Rob Huebel and Paul Scheer, who based the special off their Upright Citizens Brigade show of the same name. As Deadline explains, Crash Test “takes place on a moving bus traveling throughout Los Angeles, with improvised stand-up at stops, a comedic “tour” of celebrity homes, and more.”
As with other Paramount Digital projects, Crash Test will be chock-full of guest stars. Among several other familiar faces, Aziz Ansari, Rob Corddry, and Aubrey Plaza are all slated to appear.
On Vimeo On Demand, Crash Test will an expanding library of comedy offerings.
Crash Test comes from frequent Paramount Digital collaborators Rob Huebel and Paul Scheer, who based the special off their Upright Citizens Brigade show of the same name. As Deadline explains, Crash Test “takes place on a moving bus traveling throughout Los Angeles, with improvised stand-up at stops, a comedic “tour” of celebrity homes, and more.”
As with other Paramount Digital projects, Crash Test will be chock-full of guest stars. Among several other familiar faces, Aziz Ansari, Rob Corddry, and Aubrey Plaza are all slated to appear.
On Vimeo On Demand, Crash Test will an expanding library of comedy offerings.
- 8/5/2015
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
Crossballs: The Debate Show
Showcase Inventory
Created by Matt Besser, Charlie Siskel
Produced by Charlie Siskel Productions
Aired on Comedy Central for 1 season (23 episodes, 1 unaired) from July 5, 2004 – August 27, 2004
Cast
Chris Tallman as Host/Moderator
Matt Besser as Various characters
Mary Birdsong as Various characters
Andrew Daly as Various characters
Jerry Minor as Various characters
Show Premise
“Out of the Crossfire, beyond Hardball, this is Crossballs!”
A parody of political debate shows, Crossballs has comedians pose as experts in their field to discuss the issue of the day and pits them against real life experts who are not aware of the farce debate they are participating in. The comedians argue both sides of an issue, be it ridiculous or not, and mine comedy from taking the issue to absurd lengths and goading reactions from the real experts.
Each episode is moderated by Chris Tallman (as a Chris Matthews type), who introduces...
Showcase Inventory
Created by Matt Besser, Charlie Siskel
Produced by Charlie Siskel Productions
Aired on Comedy Central for 1 season (23 episodes, 1 unaired) from July 5, 2004 – August 27, 2004
Cast
Chris Tallman as Host/Moderator
Matt Besser as Various characters
Mary Birdsong as Various characters
Andrew Daly as Various characters
Jerry Minor as Various characters
Show Premise
“Out of the Crossfire, beyond Hardball, this is Crossballs!”
A parody of political debate shows, Crossballs has comedians pose as experts in their field to discuss the issue of the day and pits them against real life experts who are not aware of the farce debate they are participating in. The comedians argue both sides of an issue, be it ridiculous or not, and mine comedy from taking the issue to absurd lengths and goading reactions from the real experts.
Each episode is moderated by Chris Tallman (as a Chris Matthews type), who introduces...
- 7/25/2015
- by Jean Pierre Diez
- SoundOnSight
The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre is having their 17th Del Close Marathon, to honor the legendary improv teacher/guru, from June 26 to 28 in New York City. There's a veritable smorgasbord of funny people who will take over nine different stages around New York City, starting with Ucb founders Amy Poehler, Matt Besser, Ian Roberts, and Matt Walsh. The roster includes Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer of Broad City, Ellie Kemper, Adam Pally, Horatio Sanz, Sasheer Zamata, Aidy Bryant, Scott Adsit, Nick Kroll, writers from Key and Peele, The Daily Show, Comedy Bang! Bang!, and basically anyone else who writes jokes and has been associated with Ucb at some point. (Everybody!) Weekend passes are $35, with tickets for certain premium shows running $10 to $20. For the full schedule, head on over to delclosemarathon.com.
- 5/15/2015
- by E. Alex Jung
- Vulture
Community delivers its weakest episode of the season yet. Perhaps it was unwise to venture out of Greendale?
This review contains spoilers.
6.10 Basic Rv Repair And Palmistry
“If ever there was a time to flash back to three weeks earlier, this would be it.”
The end tags have really been on form in this season of Community, but there's a fundamental problem with any episode where it feels like there's more story there than in the 20 minutes that precede it.
We'll get to the experimental tone of Basic Rv Repair & Palmistry, but it's worth praising the demented final reveal of a man called Blake, (Matt Besser) who arranges to buy a giant hand from Greendale Community College to go with the giant watch he's purchased online and with the variety of other giant accessories he has acquired in order to fill the giant hole left by his missing son who...
This review contains spoilers.
6.10 Basic Rv Repair And Palmistry
“If ever there was a time to flash back to three weeks earlier, this would be it.”
The end tags have really been on form in this season of Community, but there's a fundamental problem with any episode where it feels like there's more story there than in the 20 minutes that precede it.
We'll get to the experimental tone of Basic Rv Repair & Palmistry, but it's worth praising the demented final reveal of a man called Blake, (Matt Besser) who arranges to buy a giant hand from Greendale Community College to go with the giant watch he's purchased online and with the variety of other giant accessories he has acquired in order to fill the giant hole left by his missing son who...
- 5/12/2015
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
A quick review of this week's "Community" coming up just as soon as I wonder what's wrong with me if that's hot... Don't have much to say about "Basic Rv Repair and Palmistry" beyond noting how right Abed was when he admitted there wasn't much story here and he became too focused on the Christopher Nolan flashback gimmick of it as a result. That's the episode in a nutshell: a couple of funny moments (Jeff's reaction to Britta in the giant hand, Abed and the Dean doing the Kid 'N Play dance, Space Elder Britta being just as much of a spaz as present-day Britta) in an episode where there was no real there there, even with Abed delivering the Jeff Winger speech about the meaning of the hand, and even with the vague allusions to the "4 Days Out" episode of "Breaking Bad." That said... that final sequence with Matt Besser...
- 5/12/2015
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Hitfix
Thomas Middleditch and Matt Walsh are now on two of HBO’s most beloved comedies, Silicon Valley and Veep, but they both spent years struggling to make it in improv comedy. Middleditch in his Canadian homeland, Chicago, and a cruise ship; Walsh in Chicago, where he co-founded the Upright Citizen’s Brigade theater alongside Amy Poehler, Matt Besser, and Ian Roberts. Vulture thought they’d have a lot to talk about, so we asked them to interview each about coming up in their respective comedy scenes and what it’s like for a comedian on Silicon Valley and Veep.Thomas Middleditch: First, Matt, what an honor it is … Matt Walsh: Thomas, I’ve seen you onstage and I’ve always been impressed — your humility, your perseverance, your incredible success. Thank you for talking to me. Middleditch: [laughs] That’s weird. I read your Tumblr blog and you really sort of slammed me in it.
- 4/2/2015
- by Thomas Middleditch,Matt Walsh
- Vulture
Following a possible overdose, Harris Wittels was found dead in his Los Angeles home on Thursday night, reports Entertainment Weekly. He was 30.
At the Unite4:Humanity event in Beverly Hills on Thursday, Parks and Recreation star Amy Poehler paid homage to Wittels during her acceptance of the unity award: "So, here's my daily life – today, I lost a friend. I lost a dear, young man in my life who was struggling with addiction and died. Just a few hours before we came," she said.
"Jane [Aronson] and I sat and talked about it. I'm sharing it with you because life and...
At the Unite4:Humanity event in Beverly Hills on Thursday, Parks and Recreation star Amy Poehler paid homage to Wittels during her acceptance of the unity award: "So, here's my daily life – today, I lost a friend. I lost a dear, young man in my life who was struggling with addiction and died. Just a few hours before we came," she said.
"Jane [Aronson] and I sat and talked about it. I'm sharing it with you because life and...
- 2/20/2015
- by Amanda Michelle Steiner, @amandamichl
- People.com - TV Watch
[Brightcove "4070812215001"] Following a possible overdose, Harris Wittels was found dead in his Los Angeles home on Thursday night, reports Entertainment Weekly. He was 30. At the Unite4:Humanity event in Beverly Hills on Thursday, Parks and Recreation star Amy Poehler paid homage to Wittels during her acceptance of the unity award: "So, here's my daily life - today, I lost a friend. I lost a dear, young man in my life who was struggling with addiction and died. Just a few hours before we came," she said. "Jane [Aronson] and I sat and talked about it. I'm sharing it with you because life...
- 2/20/2015
- by Amanda Michelle Steiner, @amandamichl
- PEOPLE.com
Following a possible overdose, Harris Wittels was found dead in his Los Angeles home on Thursday night, reports Entertainment Weekly. He was 30. At the Unite4:Humanity event in Beverly Hills on Thursday, Parks and Recreation star Amy Poehler paid homage to Wittels during her acceptance of the unity award: "So, here's my daily life - today, I lost a friend. I lost a dear, young man in my life who was struggling with addiction and died. Just a few hours before we came," she said. "Jane [Aronson] and I sat and talked about it. I'm sharing it with you because life...
- 2/20/2015
- by Amanda Michelle Steiner, @amandamichl
- PEOPLE.com
A few weeks ago, while working on my review of the “Parks and Recreation” episode “Save Jj’s,” I asked people on Twitter for the name of one of the show’s weirder recurring characters, the creepy, heavily-tattooed owner of Pawnee’s pawn shop. My followers identified him as Herman Lerpiss — and, better, pointed out that there have been a lot of characters named Lerpiss in Pawnee over the years, often with far more elaborate biographies than has ever been suggested on the show itself. This made me realize that, while I have interviewed “Parks” co-creator Mike Schur many times over the years about major developments for Leslie, Ron, April, Andy, and the rest of the show’s main characters (you can read some of those interviews here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here , here and here), I’d barely scratched the surface of all the crazy background characters...
- 2/18/2015
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Hitfix
Fans of comedy and those with comedic aspirations who wish to hone their stage skills have a new place to check out in Los Angeles. Founders Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts, Matt Walsh and the rest of Ucb Theatre La hosted the grand opening celebration of Ucb Sunset last night, with tons of Ucb alums and stars in attendance.On Saturday, November 1. Ucb Sunset hosted two Asssscat performances amidst a building-wide party that continued into the wee hours.The Upright Citizens Brigade was founded and is currently owned by Amy Poehler, Matt Besser, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh. With two […]...
- 11/2/2014
- by April Neale
- Monsters and Critics
Chicago – Matt Walsh has been more visible lately, and it has much to do with his approach to character roles, beginning as Mike McLintock on the HBO series “Veep” and currently in the new film “Into the Storm.” For a Chicago native who began doing comedy improvisation here, he is moving on up.
Matthew Paul Walsh was born in Chicago, and graduated from Hinsdale High School. After college at Northern Illinois University, he became enamored of the improv scene in Chicago in the early 1990s, and studied under the master instructor Del Close. While dividing time between the Annoyance Theater and the ImprovOlympics (iO) in the city, he helped to found the “Uptight Citizens Brigade” (Ucb), which also featured Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts and Matt Besser. The troupe got its own show on Comedy Central, and has opened Ucb theaters in New York and Los Angeles.
Matt Walsh as Pete...
Matthew Paul Walsh was born in Chicago, and graduated from Hinsdale High School. After college at Northern Illinois University, he became enamored of the improv scene in Chicago in the early 1990s, and studied under the master instructor Del Close. While dividing time between the Annoyance Theater and the ImprovOlympics (iO) in the city, he helped to found the “Uptight Citizens Brigade” (Ucb), which also featured Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts and Matt Besser. The troupe got its own show on Comedy Central, and has opened Ucb theaters in New York and Los Angeles.
Matt Walsh as Pete...
- 8/7/2014
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
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