Comedy news and views from Jeff Kreisler, with an IFC twist.
Drop him a line at sketchy (at) ifc dot com.
Industry News
Goings and Comings
By Jeff Kreisler on 11/17/2009
Filed under: Industry News, Up For DebateSad news x 2 for the comedy community: 1. Beloved Boston comic Kevin Knox passed away after a long battle with cancer. 2. Ken Ober - known to many as host of MTV's Remote Control - also moved on. A friend of many in the community, this news showed the annoying/creepy side of social networking, as rumors of both of his passing and the falsity of those rumors and the falsity of those rumors and accusations and blame and noise momentarily overshadowed the loss. Sorry to start it off on a bummer, but I don't think death is such a... MORE »
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News For The Road
By Jeff Kreisler on 11/11/2009
Filed under: Industry News, On The Tube
Ah, the life of a comedian. Last week Milwaukee, tonight the middle of Pennsylvania, a.k.a. "Alabama." Here's some good Sketchy comedy news from the last week or so. You read it, while I figure out how to take the big words out of my act... Twitter user 'Shit My Dad Says' gets CBS deal Only one day after my piece on "TV Writing for the Internet Age?" Interesting... Comedy Central is developing a channel... in Abu Dhabi This should be good. The region is developing culturally, but what are the content barriers going to be? Will the folks from the... MORE »
News! Antennae On The Move!
By Jeff Kreisler on 10/26/2009
Filed under: Industry News
Arrested Development is back on the air. Where it belongs... while we wait for the movie. On the other hand, The Jeff Dunham Show broke Comedy Central's record for a series debut. I realize everyone has different tastes, and not everyone knew how great Chappelle was before his show hit, and Jeff Dunham is undeniably talented and funny and hard-working... but... really? The stereotype enhancing show is that popular? Guess it's Mencia with a puppet. The New York Comedy Festival hits town next week. While mostly stand-up - and great stand-up at that - there are some solid events for... MORE »
Yes! Arrested Development (& TV news)
By Jeff Kreisler on 10/20/2009
Filed under: Industry News, On The Tube
IFC keeps reaching into my brain to find good ideas. IFC picked up all three seasons of Arrested Development, and will begin showing them this Sunday, October 25, at 10 pm. Part of the Automat. Monty Python and Arrested Development - it's like the best parts of my youth and of my recent past are coming together in one powerful form. What's next? R2D2 and Elle Macpherson delivering the 2004 Red Sox championship? Fox is putting together a comedy series based upon the Dog Whisperer with Wilmer Valderrama. Lassie with a laugh track? That 70s Dog? Do dogs have comic... MORE »
While you wait for your wafer thin mint...
By Jeff Kreisler on 10/15/2009
Filed under: Industry News, On The TubeNBC has ordered up a pilot from Reno 911's Thomas Lennon and Robert Ben Garant! Will be great to see them back in action, but will a "network" spoil the fun? Fox gave an order for the rest of the second season of The Cleveland Show. I'm not yet a huge fan. Is the brand spreading thin? Suppose it's that or more whatever-non-animated-stuff-Fox-offers. House 2? 25? Monty Python was on Jimmy Fallon last night. Have I mentioned they'll be streaming right here, on IFC.com, 9pm tonight, and then all next week all over IFC? Have I mentioned that? The New... MORE »
Past, Present, & Future
By Jeff Kreisler on 10/07/2009
Filed under: Industry News, Up For Debate
Past There's more to Monty Python than previously reported We're gonna air EVERY G-DDAMN'D FLYING CIRCUS EPISODE. Yeah, it's earned my first ever ALL CAPS on this blog. You better watch it, mister. Seriously, this is gonna be sweet. If you thought that whole MIghty Boosh thing was a revelation, welcome to this. The details, thanks to Cynopsis: ""Python-a-thon" begins October 18-23 consisting of the original six-part docu-series Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut) each night at 9p followed by a Python feature film at 10p and capped off by an episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus at... MORE »
Just Some Comedy News...
By Jeff Kreisler on 10/01/2009
Filed under: Industry News, On The Tube(Starting some mini-profiles of sketch groups this month. If you've got a group that you want us to consider, shoot an email to sketchy@ifc.com with basic info/website and we'll get back to you. Goooo team!) Matt LeBlanc will star in "Episodes" Okay, I never was a Friends fan, but this has potential. Jointly produced by Showtime and BBC, it's about a BBC show being brought over to US television. Considering how many shows have gone that route - The Office, American Idol, etc. - with varying success... there's plenty of source material. LeBlanc has also perfected the "dumbed down" guy... MORE »
Fall Blues... and News
By Jeff Kreisler on 09/17/2009
Filed under: Industry News, Up For DebateDon't know about you, but I always find the Fall to be a difficult creative time. The freedom & time travel (i.e. pretending it's between Junior and Senior year again) of summer has faded, everything's dying, and we have to "gather our nuts"/"reassess our lives" for the coming winter. It's hard to find positive vibes in all that... especially when there are already some f'ing Christmas decorations in my 'hood (seriously). So, creative folks, how do you combat the Fall Blues? Do you drink, stay under the covers an extra hour, and avoid talking to people? That's not working for... MORE »
Fall Comedy Preview
By Jeff Kreisler on 09/15/2009
Filed under: Industry News, On The Tube, Up For Debate
Fall funny season kicked into high gear this week, starting Sunday with MTV's Kanye West Awards. Here's a quick Details Are Sketchy look at some of the "highlights": The Jay Leno Show (NBC) I'm not a huge fan of Leno, I'm not a huge fan of knocking 5 hours of potential programming off the table, and I'm not a huge fan of over-hyped anything. That said, I like that Leno will try some new formatting, I like that Leno will bring in a bunch of lesser-known comedians and let them express their unique voices (where do I send my reel?),... MORE »
Sketchy News Catch-Up
By Jeff Kreisler on 09/08/2009
Filed under: Industry News, On The TubeIn case you missed some of the bigger sketch industry news the past few weeks, here ya go... Comedy Central canceled the "mockumentary" Reno 911. Sort of a sketch/improv hybrid, the show had a loyal and dedicated, if not huge, fan following. Saturday Night Live swaps cast members. The standard-bearer of sketch comedy show fires 2 of the 3 talented young ladies it hired last year (Michaela Watkins and Casey Wilson, [but kept Chris Elliot offspring Abby Elliot]), and adds two new talented young ladies (Jenny Slate and Nasim Pedrad). Not sure what they're looking for, nor why they fired... MORE »
Pre-Edinburgh Sketchy News
By Jeff Kreisler on 08/04/2009
Filed under: Festivals for the Restivals, Industry News
I'm off to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe tonight, for a month of performance and inspiration. It's is the largest arts festival in the world, and though many readers know it as just a comedy fest, truth is, there's something for everyone. The experience, no matter the form or intensity, will transform you. I've been twice before, and I love it. This time, not only will I perform - my own show daily for 23 days, plus about 25 spots other shows - but I'll write some features about the Fringe, reviews some sketch shows, and try to give you a... MORE »
Are we re-casting Futurama comedy festival pilot news yet?
By Jeff Kreisler on 07/23/2009
Filed under: Festivals for the Restivals, Industry News, On The TubeSome sketchy news while I wait for the NY Times to allow us to run my interview with "The Mighty Boosh." Damn you, Grey Lady! TBS ordered up a new comedy series, "Are We There Yet?" It stars Terry Crews with appearances by Ice Cube. I thought "Are We There Yet?" was the title of America's backseat whine to President Obama. FX approved a pilot for "The League" about a fantasy football league. It'll include some sketchy favorites, like Mark Duplass, Steve Rannazzisi, Nick Kroll, Paul Scheer, Katie Aselton, Jon Lajoie and Alina Foley. There's a lot of internet buzz... MORE »
Emmys: Might we finally be moving forward?
By Jeff Kreisler on 07/16/2009
Filed under: Industry News, On The TubeOkay, I'm trying not to get too far ahead of myself... Those who read this blog know that I'm a huge proponent of new, risk-taking comedy... leaving behind the safe and striking out in a different direction... challenging the writers, actors, and audience to embrace a uncomfortable perspective... I want to see the evolution of comedy. It was thus with great excitement that I saw today's Emmy nominees for best comedy series: "30 Rock" "Family Guy" "Weeds" "Flight of the Conchords" "The Office" "How I Met Your Mother" "Entourage" Forgive me for being mean, but I love that "Two and... MORE »
News of some media: Cable, big screen, and DVD
By Jeff Kreisler on 07/15/2009
Filed under: Industry News, On The Tube, Up For Debate
FX Network picks up a comedy. It's animated, it's funny, and it's from the wonderful Jon Benjamin, whose growing power, acclaim, and respect makes me a little... uncomfortable... SNL sketches that should have been movies? Buzzfeed lists five. Considering the very mixed success of previous SNL-sketch-to-big-screen ventures ("Blue's Brothers" and "Wayne's World," yes... but I dare you to name two more hits [if you submit "Superstar," I swear to all that is holy... I will cut you]) I say none of them (brevity is the soul of wit, though I suppose brevity doesn't get international distribution rights). If I had... MORE »
Monty Python & Hangovers Have Issues
By Jeff Kreisler on 07/13/2009
Filed under: Industry News, On Stage, On The Tube, The Big Screen
Most of the original Monty Python members will be doing a live musical adaptation of Life Of Brian Okaaaay, this is fairly awesome. Combined with my Patriots playing the annual NFL in Europe game two days later, I might just rob a bank and go to London that weekend. Tickets? Anyone got tickets? p.s. Know where that documentary they're talking about is going to air? Right here, on IFC. Boom! "Hangover 2" is in the works. Looks like some folks are becoming stars. (Please let it not be like Highlander 2, please let it not be like Highlander 2...) Preview... MORE »
Everybody Loves 30 Dynamites (i.e. a lil' news)
By Jeff Kreisler on 07/09/2009
Filed under: Industry News, On The Tube
'Napoleon Dynamite' Star Gets Comedy Central Series Brad Garrett Developing Animated Comedy It's gonna be "adult-oriented." Me likey... 30 Rock Gets Syndicated Yes! Good TV comedy can make money, too! MORE »
Why "The Hangover" Matters
By Jeff Kreisler on 07/08/2009
Filed under: Industry News, Review-ish, The Big Screen
By now, everyone who reads this blog has seen "The Hangover," right? If not: a. you should, and b. a couple little spoilers are below, so proceed with caution. "The Hangover" has done well and gotten good reviews. I agree. It wasn't a mind-blowing experience, but it was a well-done, unique, and special production. It was also important for comedy. More than anything, the success of "The Hangover" gives me hope for the industry - from movies to sketch - and it provides valuable inspiration for aspiring comedy writers and sketch groups. "The Hangover" succeeded even though it avoided proven... MORE »
The Fastest Leno Teaching Comedy
By Jeff Kreisler on 07/06/2009
Filed under: Industry News
ABC is producing "The Fast & The Funniest"... ... combining elements of "Last Comic Standing," "Fear Factor", and "Cannonball Run," the show will have stand-ups completing tasks, eating bugs, and marrying Hiltons across this great country. The first three to reach the final city go head-to-head to determine a winner who gets to headline obscure venues for 6 months then appear on VH1 panel shows for eternity. The losers must move to Los Angeles without a car. No, the above isn't accurate, but I did link to the China Daily... and what says "comedy" more than a Chinese news article... MORE »
The Nutty Payne of Pregnant Senators
By Jeff Kreisler on 07/01/2009
Filed under: Industry NewsNews! They're making a Broadway show based upon "The Nutty Professor" No longer will the love of Jerry Lewis be held captive by the French. To the flavan-flavan! (Also, this should wash out the memory of Eddie Murphy's version, right?) There might be spin-off of "House Of Payne." Not sure this falls under "comedy" news. Then again, beauty - and funny - is in the eye of the beholder. I'm just not beholding Tyler Perry that well... Juxtapose This Cynopsis is a great source for daily industry news delivered to your email box. Today, I noticed two unrelated but cosmically... MORE »
A little news, a little BSP Bernie
By Jeff Kreisler on 06/30/2009
Filed under: Festivals, Industry News, Up For Debate
Not too much happening these days - bit of a lull between the early summer festivals and the late summer action (Montreal, NY Fringe, Edinburgh, etc). Some just some tidbits and a couple thoughts on Bernie Madoff... 1. Cracked provides a flow chart to determine if you're in a Sacha Baron Cohen movie. It's right here. Did you hear that "Bruno" is coming out? Did you? 2. The other movie you've been waiting for - you know, "The Smurfs" - is going to be live action and in 3D? It's out December 2010... let the line-forming and mushroom eating begin!... MORE »
On MTV, after the MJ marathon
By Jeff Kreisler on 06/26/2009
Filed under: Industry News, On The TubeGot no bad words about Michael here, he's on the creative world's Mount Rushmore. (Though... check back soon for not-too-soon jokes). MTV's got some sketchy news. (per Cynopsis and this release). New shows to come! * Untitled Sketch Comedy Show (wt) - Jamie Foxx executive produces the next generation of In Living Color. * Warren the Ape - A D-list celebrity puppet attempts to change his ways to be back in the Hollywood spotlight. * The Awesomes - From Seth Meyers and Mike Shoemaker and Lorne Michaels' production company, an animated 30m series about an unassuming superhero and his sidekicks... MORE »
Now we're talking... and news
By Jeff Kreisler on 06/23/2009
Filed under: Industry News, Review-ishWell, alright. Finally, one of these posts generates some good discussion. All I had to do was offer an honest opinion... apparently rare in the "hey, I might need a favor from you some day" world of American* showbiz. *(Try hitting the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where thousands of reviewers roam J.K. Rowling's streets with acid-tipped pens - a couple reviews of comedy shows last year included the words, "like a sledgehammer to the face" and "worse than the Holocaust." Really). Quick note for those who latched onto my phrase "all that's wrong with the entertainment industry:" As I tried -... MORE »
SketchFestNYC - The Final Reckoning
By Jeff Kreisler on 06/22/2009
Filed under: Festivals for the Restivals, Industry News, On Stage, Review-ish
Alright, the final installment of SketchFestNYC review-ish-es. This & this are what I did before. Check 'em and enjoy. Saturday. Missed a bunch of the daytime stuff. Waddayagonnado? The Striking Viking Story Pirates Present Found Magazine (NYC) I dug this group a lot. What I like most is that their sketches were quick and short. If a sketch is just a great concept or a great joke - but not a series of them - then do what these guys do: Hit it and quit it. Get the laugh, move on. SNL, take a note. More themes: Was Junior High... MORE »
More Sketchy News
By Jeff Kreisler on 06/10/2009
Filed under: Industry News, On Stage
Comedy Central resurrects 'Futurama' Why anyone ever cancels good comedy shows is beyond me. Will be nice to have it back. Speaking of which... VH1 cancels-ish "Best Week Ever" While I've never been a fan of obsessing over pointless pop culture, the show has been funny, creative, and well written; has provided exposure and opportunity for many comedians (Christian Finnegan and PFT himself come to mind first); and spawned an industry wide series of copycat talking head / panel shows. Hope it's not gone for good, maybe they're just re-imagining their recent re-invention. Kids In The Hall group member wins... MORE »
Sketch-i-ndustry News
By Jeff Kreisler on 06/04/2009
Filed under: Around The World, Festivals for the Restivals, Industry News, On The Tube
Some stuff has happened. "Important Things With Demetri Martin" got renewed by Comedy Central. For at least one more year. Good. The show's had some fine moments, strong sketches, creative writing. While nothing really sticks out to make it pop like Chappelle's did or - yes - Carlos Mencia's shows did - it's good stuff. Martin is likeable, smart, funny, and - perhaps most Importantly - hard working (also helps that he's got a nice-sized following). By the middle of season two, they'll really be churning out consistently brilliant stuff. The BBC almost canceled "Monty Python" for being disgusting, cruel,... MORE »
A Nick Swardson Sketch Show... perhaps
By Jeff Kreisler on 05/28/2009
Filed under: Industry News, On The Tube, Video
Making waves on the interwebs is news that Nick Swardson's sketch show TV pilot got picked up for a six-episode run. Of course, the only current source for this information is Nick's own blog (which is short on details beyond the fact that "It's more in the vain of Mr. Show and Human Giant"), but since a thousand websites have picked up on it -- and used the blog, and the other websites using the blog, as sources -- I guess it's sorta a self-confirming fact. Mmmm, I'm gonna miss journalism. (Of course, I could do some research myself, but...... MORE »
Upfront Comedies - Part Deux
By Jeff Kreisler on 05/25/2009
Filed under: Industry News, On The TubeContinuation of last week's little peak into the network upfronts, here's some more news of upcoming comedies on the TV. (Thanks again for the info, Cynopsis). TBS new funnies: * George Lopez gets a late night talk show (join the crowd) with "a street-party atmosphere and an enthusiastic crowd." * "Neighbors from Hell" is an animated series about a suburban family from hell. Hell? Isn't that pretty much the same as suburbia. Zing! * Second City gets a sketch comedy show (we hope - it's "in development") called, "Wee Hours." It's supposed to be about Chicagoans (surprise!) during the wee... MORE »
Networks Upfront
By Jeff Kreisler on 05/19/2009
Filed under: Industry News, On The TubeThe 2009 upfront presentations are going on this week in New York. The "upfronts" - as they're known by people who want you to know that they know how they're known - are when the "major networks" (i.e. the dying dinosaurs who still have the money) present their upcoming lineups and shows to advertisers (i.e. Sir! Yes, sir!) Usually extravagant, overblown, razzle-dazzle affairs, they've been toned down during these tough times, but still pack a punch. What developments to date have a bearing on the world of sketch comedy? Good question. Let's start with FOX, the network of Bart &... MORE »
Sketchy Developments
By Jeff Kreisler on 05/12/2009
Filed under: Industry News, On The TubeSome interesting bits of sketch comedy news... Chickbots Part Two The producers of Robot Chicken are bringing a new stop-motion series to Adult Swim in September. "Titan Maximum" is about a team of fighter pilots on Saturn's moon, Titan. As both a fan and "comedy practitioner" (I love that term!), I'm excited and extremely curious about how it'll turn out. Titan Maximum will have regular characters and storylines, like a sitcom. The brilliance of Robot Chicken is the freedom of the anything-from-2-seconds-to-3-minute format. Sustainable characters and storylines are a different beast, and will be a challenge. Robot Chicken has carved... MORE »
Sketchy Event Horizon
By Jeff Kreisler on 05/05/2009
Filed under: Festivals for the Restivals, Industry News, On The Tube
So as we ramp up to speed, here are some fairly significant sketch comedy dates in the next few months. Tell me what I've missed, and answer some questions below... May 16: The Last Episode of MadTV ever. After 14 years on the air (seriously? 14?) MadTV promises a very special finale (it's May sweeps after all). The show had some brilliant moments, and it developed some talented players (though I dare you to name 3 without using the internet), but it never really "popped" like, say, In Living Color. Then again, it lasted 14 years and produced quality on... MORE »
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