NBC in talks to bring back "Last Comic Standing"

[BillBrasky]

A network insider confirms that NBC is in talks to bring back "Last Comic Standing", the talent show that ran for six seasons on the peacock network. NBC’s reality guru Paul Telegdy is looking to re-launch the franchise with a new host (so long, Bill Bellamy!) and some format changes so it can air as part of the network’s summer lineup, which includes America’s Got Talent and (possibly) the new Losing it with Jillian, featuring The Biggest Loser’s Jillian Michaels.

LCS pits comedians against each other in a competition for a development contract with NBC. It last aired during the summer of 2008, when it averaged 5.2 million viewers and a 7 share among adults 18-49. Though it didn't necessarily blow the roof off Nielsen-wise, the show performs particularly well among adults 18-49 living in homes with $75K-plus and $100k-plus incomes.

[CarolineEAnd]

Let the collective "ugh" begin.

You know that movie Stick It, where all the gymnasts decide that they don't like the way it's run so they just choose a certain gymnast to compete and the rest purposely screw up? Can all the comics of the world just decide to put Patton or Paul F on there, so they can get some cash and we can watch them on our televisions, and then they'll realize that nobody likes terrible hack club comics?

Ugggh.

[Trikywu]

The day they didn't pick Eddie Pepitone was the day I quit this show.

[unvicious_vroom]

I thought the first season was hilarious. So hilarious that I want it to be released on DVD.

[Siggers]

I want it to be released on dvd too. So i can poop on it.

[drbristol]

...NBC’s reality guru Paul Telegdy...

Is that like a Reality Czar? How many of those does Obammer have, anyway?

Or do the job duties include being hosed down with the stench of the recent Mike Myers epic during each pilot pitch?

[suavepebble]

I know I will be shit on for this... but, as bad/unfair/obvious/sad Last Comic Standing can be, I still think it's good for comedy in general and I am happy it's coming back.

[Taul F. Pompkins]

the second dat phan won i was done with it. i mean seriously all he ever did was an impression of his mother screaming "Dat Phan!" and he fucking won!

[suavepebble]

Agreed. But then the next season they gave Jay London a chance to shine after being around since the early 40's... so it evens out, in my mind. Not to mention Todd Glass, Doug Benson, and Lavell Crawford. It's better than nothing.

[SlyBattery]

You know that movie Stick It, where all the gymnasts decide that they don't like the way it's run so they just choose a certain gymnast to compete and the rest purposely screw up?

No

[CarolineEAnd]

No

I guess somebody never spent a summer as a dog-sitter with nothing but weed and basic cable for a month.

[DJ Sam]

Given some of the recent improvements of stand up on TV (John Oliver & Friends, CC's Hot list, etc.), I think there is a possibility this new version of LCS could be pretty awesome.

Or it'll be just as shitty as before and we'll have a new show to shit on. Win win!

[SlyBattery]

I guess somebody never spent a summer as a dog-sitter with nothing but weed and basic cable for a month.

Only in my dreams.

[beccaBeccaBECCA]

Let the collective "ugh" begin.

You know that movie Stick It, where all the gymnasts decide that they don't like the way it's run so they just choose a certain gymnast to compete and the rest purposely screw up? Can all the comics of the world just decide to put Patton or Paul F on there, so they can get some cash and we can watch them on our televisions, and then they'll realize that nobody likes terrible hack club comics?

Ugggh.

I smell what you're cooking (timely topical references, y'all!). I'd like to see some comics pull out their bra straps and scratch for the good of the art.

[mercurialblonde]

I'll probably watch it. It's kind of a weird show, and there are enough familiar faces on occasion to keep me somewhat interested. I also enjoy the cruel realities shows like this visit upon me in terms of the tastes of the majority of americans who text in votes for things.

[MJEH]

A network insider confirms that NBC is in talks to bring back "Last Comic Standing", the talent show that ran for six seasons on the peacock network. The show performs particularly well among adults 18-49 living in homes with $75K-plus and $100k-plus incomes.

$75,000-$100,000+ incomes? Geez, I can't afford to watch this show!

[karirogers]

I liked the first season because I was thirteen and I didn't know any better, but I lost interest after Ralphie May defeated Rob Cantrell in those stupid showdowns. I mean, they take away the last shred of dignity from these often desperate comics by having them participate in these silly challenges and their reward is not having to do stand-up later that night in the showdown. Their goal is to never have to get good practice with their act in front of an audience until the end. Then one of them gets a "Comedy Central Presents" and the rest go back to playing the Ice House every week. Needless to say, it all makes me cringe.

[Tuohy]

and the rest go back to playing the Ice House every week

I'm not familiar with the Ice House, but I've heard past contestants say that being on LCS usually results in pretty significant boosts in attendance at the shows of the comics who participate. So at least that is beneficial even to the non-winners.

[CarolineEAnd]

I'm not familiar with the Ice House, but I've heard past contestants say that being on LCS usually results in pretty significant boosts in attendance at the shows of the comics who participate. So at least that is beneficial even to the non-winners.

Yeah...I hate LCS more than I hate my high school enemy (who I went to years of therapy after she wronged me), but I keep thinking about it....and if they do a casting call near me, I might go. I mean, stage time is stage time, right?

[soce]

It's always cool when someone from the local comedy community gets onto the show. Even if they don't win the prize, it's still neat to get them do their thing on the small screen, and if it helps their careers out, then more power to them.