Thanks everyone who called in and helped us out with the Human Crane. It felt good to get that one back and I would term it “mildly successful”. That’s successful enough that we can all move on! We did it! Huge thanks to the Dolchnakov Brigade for once again gracing us with their presence – they are amongst the most creative people I’ve ever had the pleasure to know.
This week, we bring back one of my favorite shows we’ve ever done – THE NIGHT OF ZERO LAUGHS. It’s a simple concept – we will have a mega-panel full of all sorts of types of people. There is one rule – the panelists are not allowed to laugh. Viewers call in and do what they want in order to make us laugh. Anyone who laughs is kicked off of the panel.
We have an eclectic gang of hilarious weirdos joining us this week. Myself, Shannon, The Human Fish, Random Ellen, Bethany, and Murf will be on hand as usual. So far, I can verify that we will be joined by the following guests -
Matt Besser is a founder of the Upright Citizens Brigade, their associated theaters, their eponymous TV show, has created many other TV shows, has appeared in many movies, and is the host of the insanely hilarious improv4humans podcast over on the Earwolf podcasting network. I wouldn’t do comedy if Matt hadn’t built his theater to serve as a home base for weirdos like me, and I wouldn’t be doing TCGS style comedy without all the bizarre shit the UCB did inspiring me from my earliest days in comedy. Matt hasn’t joined us since the kickboxer episode and I’m super psyched to have him back.
Kurt Braunholer last joined us for the Camera Cannon episode of TCGS. He is one of the funniest, most innovative dudes working in comedy today. He’s also the host of Bunk on IFC, a super funny game show that simultaneously is a game show and makes fun of all game shows. This marks the first time Kurt will join us without any danger of being shot in the face by a big foam rocket.
Lennon Parham is one of my favorite people on the planet and also one of the most talented comedic actresses working today. When people ask me about the most hurt I’ve ever gotten doing improv, I always point to an Assscat performance at UCB NY where Lennon inexplicably ran up to me, lowered her body, and punched me in the nuts as hard as she could. More importantly, Lennon is the creator and star of BFF, a show so good it makes me feel talentless and worthless when I watch it. I am so happy she is making her debut with us this week.
Cipha Sounds is a hilarious stand up, improviser, all around good dude, and also the morning host at Hot 97, the best hip hop radio station in history. He has graced the TCGS airwaves many times and is a true kindred spirit of the show. Rumors abound that if you watch him during the last Night of Zero Laughs you can clearly see him covering his face while laughing.
Tami Sagher is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met and also one o the funniest. There is no one more fun to be on stage fucking around with than Tami. We have a relationship where she sort of looks out for me and also makes me feel good about being weird, as she gets a real kick out of it. Oh, also Tami Sagher has written for every TV show you’ve ever enjoyed watching.
Dino Stamatopoulos is a legendary figure in the comedy world and I am so happy that the way I am meeting him is as part of this bat shit crazy show. Dino has written and performed for tons of shows that you love – like so many. TV Funhouse, Moral Orel, Mr. Show, Conan, Letterman, the list goes on and on, man. Plus, there are so many stories about him being a dude who goes big and has tons of integrity and I’ve always respected him. He did monologues at Asssscat on Sunday but I was out of town. I’m so so happy he’s on board for this show!
Dan St. Germain is one of the best stand up comedians working out of New York City today. Every time I get to do a bill with Dan, I am psyched – both because I get to watch him in action and because I invariably walk away knowing that I need to work harder and be funnier if I am to match the bar set by comedians of his caliber. He and I have long talked about doing more stuff together, and I am so glad he is coming by the show for the very first time.
Patrick Cassels is a true friend of TCGS, having appeared a number of times on our very bizarre program. He is a truly solid human being, a nerd’s nerd of the highest caliber, someone who has literally seen every movie, and also is a hilarious writer and performer who can be seen all over town and notably, as one of the core driving forces behind all the funny shit College Humor does. I have a feeling Pat will not break easy, but when he does it will be pronounced.
Grizz Chapman is a friend of TCGS and also was put through hell at the last Night of Zero Laughs. The night quickly devolved into both callers and panelists desperately trying to get him to laugh as he teetered on the brink for almost the entire hour. His resolve was incredible. Also, he is one of the stars of a little show called 30 Rock, but you comedy nerds knew that already.
Antonio Campos and Josh Mond are two of the directors that comprise the very badass Borderline Films. They have directed and produced films like Afterschool and Martha Marcy May Marlene and also all the music videos that make you dance and also all the commercials that don’t make you shake your head in dismay. Also, they are just a bunch of regular down to earth dudes who happen to rock out at places like Cannes and Sundance. They are also people who I find very easy to make laugh, and if I were a betting man I’d place money that ANTONIO CAMPOS WILL BE THE FIRST ONE ELIMINATED.
Brady Corbet has been seen all over your movie screens and inside your television sets. He is one of those actors who every time I see him I lock onto his performance and wait to see what shit is about to go down. You’ve seen him in things like 24, Melancholia, Thirteen, and frankly I’m not going to list all his credits because it will take too long. But I hope you have seen him not just in Martha Marcy May Marlene, but also its companion short Mary Last Seen, where he played a manipulative psycho so well that I imagine I will not be completely comfortable arund him in person. My kind of guy.
Dave Hill is a comedian, rock star, world class ladies’ man, and the author of the recently released book Tasteful Nudes. For a number of years he has existed as the NYC comedy scene’s answer to Jay Gatsby. Based just on his outfits alone. Dave always makes me laugh and I imagine his behavior during this night is going to eliminate a large number of competitors.
Jeff Rubin is the host of the Jeff Rubin Jeff Rubin Show, a fantastic podcast if ever there was one, and a mainstay at College Humor. He is a true gentleman of New Jersey, a kind and nerdy man, and one of the people in New York where every time we do something together, I wish we did more stuff together. I am happy that this occasion marks that opportunity! Jeff has appeared on TCGS a number of times before, and it is our pleasure to welcome him back to the public access airwaves.
Gabe Delahaye will make his TCGS debut on this episode! Gabe is a hilarious stand up, a dedicated jiu jitsu practicioner, a fellow actor in a recent video by the band Real Estate, and the editor of the esteemed Videogum! Gabe and I wind up hanging out a few times a year, and every time, I feel like we have surprisingly deep and personal conversations that I always appreciate. A good, upstanding dude who knows how to have a real conversation. I am so psyched he’s coming out for this nonsensical mess of a show!
Carrie Anne Murphy is the lead singer of former standout musical guest Bad Credit No Credit as well as one of the most fierce cardboard robot fighters in human history. She is also a badass and also we are now friends. It’s fun, we have like hung out and stuff outside of the context of the show. I’m not good at making new friends, so it’s really cool.
Mal Blum recently played her sweet, heartbreaking songs on TCGS and brought the house down. I’m so happy she’s agreed to return in this context, as I am completely obsessed with her album and look forward to making her feel awkward by being shy around her. Lately I can’t go a day without having a Mal Blum song stuck in my head. Right now it’s “New Year’s Eve”.
Nore Davis is a hilarious comedian who I first met when he was in college. Since then I have seen him perform many times and I never fail to laugh, ever. I was texting with Grizz about the show and he let me know he was hanging with Nore today and I was like, well then it sounds like you should BRING NORE. Because Nore is funny and as Bananaman likes to say, “Let’s do this!”
Anthony Atamaniuk is one of the best improvisers in the country and a friend of our show dating back to our very first episode. Rumor has it that in the future his bloodline will produce a mysterious figure known only as the Keeper of the Battle Dome.
Connor Ratliff is running for president. He is also 36 years old.
Mr. and Mrs. Ratliff are the parents of Presidential Candidate Connor Ratliff.
Rob Malone is the world’s greatest dancer. There is no debating that. He just is the world’s greatest dancer.
Bananaman is a fun loving, manic weirdo in a Banana suit.
40 Year Old Goosey is a man in his 20s who dresses like a parrot.
I want to be clear that this is our panel THUS FAR. I have some feelers out to other friends and associates and my prediction is that Wednesday night is going to be a big fucking party. I will update this document if and when any other names come in.
On top of all of that star studded madness, we are excited to welcome MINIBOONE to the TCGS stage. These guys are fun, poppy rock that doesn’t slow down and demands that you have fun. I have enjoyed everything I have heard by them and predict that you will as well.
We need your calls for this show to work! We’re at 212-757-1393. If you want tickets to come see this show live in NYC, email [email protected]
Thanks!
Geth
