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“Last Comic Standing” Returns
Variety reports that NBC has ordered a new season of the Emmy-nominated stand-up comedy elimination show, to air as soon as this summer. Peter Engel (who you may know as “the same jackass that gave us Screech” and/or “producer of Saved by the Bell: The College Years“) will return as executive producer.
The first two seasons of “Last Comic” were healthy cash cows for NBC in 2003 and 2004, with the show’s second season ranking as their highest-rated series of the summer. You might remember the third season as a sloppy run-off show slapped together at the last minute to squeeze more advertising revenue without putting any time or effort into the actual production. You might also remember that NBC never aired the final show of that season, disappointing literally dozens of comedians and virtually nobody else. Chances are, however, that you’ve forgotten the whole thing and have already stopped reading this, instead logging into MySpace for the 6th time this hour to check your messages.
“Standup is an area we owned with this show for two summers in a row, and we think we can do that again,” NBC reality chief Craig Plestis said, adding the new “Comic” would feature “some new twists and turns.”
Casting is reportedly already under way, with “open” calls expected to be held at comedy clubs throughout the country. Applications also will be accepted via NBC.com, but let’s face it.. the reality is this: if you’re an insane homeless douche with no jokes and a wacky gimmick, it’s time to go stand in line and steal the spotlight from all the real bottom of the barrel struggling comics that will be ignored and dismissed. Also, if you’re already a headliner who would like a higher pay rate and some tv time, contact your agent now!
NBC isn’t saying who will host this new season of the show. Jay Mohr fronted the first three, but was vocal in his displeasure about their handling of the third season.. and we all know how NBC executives love it when outspoken stand-up comedians call them out for being weasels.
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