In a world where quirky television comedies run their course or get canceled by the man, we find hope for a beleaguered niche of comedy lovers. Comedy Death Ray has arrived at IFC, and not a moment too soon.
Host and creator Scott Aukerman brings his CDR name brand to IFC's thrice a week 90 minute comedy block, filled with shows of old that have influenced the tone of sitcoms within the past 15 years. Mr. Show, The Larry Sanders Show, Arrested Development, Undeclared, Freaks and Geeks, The Ben Stiller Show will air in various combinations on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10pm. These shows fall under the file "Brilliant But Canceled" (my favorite category); however, some just simply ran their course.
Here we see how the tone of today's comedy, whether it be single camera sitcoms, ironic twists, meta references and organic focus whether absurd or straight, found it's roots. Scott also interviews his funny friends who give their own insight on these groundbreaking programs.
The comedians of planet Earth have come together once again to bring some happiness and food on the tables of Los Angeles' less fortunate. For the past several years, comedian Scott Aukerman and various funny people of the alterative comedy scene have banded to together to record an album of hilarious song spoofs, culminating into a video that sends up yet celebrates the music videos of yore. Last year, they recreated Bob Geldolf's "Do They Know It's Christmas?" to amazing results. This year, they've given Quincy Jones and the plethora of 80's talent a nod by unearthing their version of "We Are The World". Of course, an album of funny Christmas tunes sung by Sarah Silverman, Kevin Nealon, Loraine Newman and a boat load of familiar and funny people is also available for purchase at www.aspecialthing.com on CD or download at www.earwolf.com.
Remember how I gushed about Jon Hamm's terrific hosting job on SNL last year? That it was only the first in many invites back to studio 8H because he was rocking funny? Well, as predicted, he's been asked back for another stint as guest of honor. He mentioned on Comedy Death Ray Radio's podcast yesterday he will indeed be hosting the show in 2010. The date wasn't mentioned, but I'm sure it will be officially announced soon.
Update: Jon Hamm will be hosting SNL on January 30th with musical guest Michael Buble.
Speaking of Comedy Death Ray (aka CDR) and Jon Hamm, comedians Scott Auckerman and BJ Porter brought together a crew of alternative comedy friends last Tuesday night for a night of music and hilarious bullshit at Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles, all in the name of charity. (Just some background: Comedy Death Ray is a weekly improv/sketch show at UCB-LA. It's also a weekly podcast that streams on Fridays at 103.1.com and on iTunes. Go to ucbcomedy.com to view some videos of the stage show.)
Tuesday's show was the special CDR Nativity Christmas Pageant, presenting a steroid induced line up of funny people I would have killed a few animals to have seen in person. (Alas, I was in New York City - where nothing seems to really happen anymore.) Guests included performances by Tenacious D, Maria Bamford, Patton Oswalt, Zach Galifianakis, Nick Kroll, Rob Huebel, Paul Scheer, Aziz Ansari, Doug Benson, Paul F. Tomkins, Mad Men guys Hamm/ Michael Gladis, plus James Adomian and many more. Proceeds from ticket sales and online auction (where you could bid on a chance to perform at an Asssscat, be a guest on Zach's Between Two Ferns, or win a ticket to the show) went toward the LA Food Bank. They raised $19,000 + for the cause.
Fun bonus video! The Comedy Death Ray crew came together to record their own version of the 1984 Bob Geldof ego trip and feel good charity anthem "Do They Know It's Christmas". It's funny, and very cool since the spoof is in the spirit of giving. If you know and love these guys, watch this.
In a world where quirky television comedies run their course or get canceled by the man, we find hope for a beleaguered niche of comedy lovers. Comedy Death Ray has arrived at IFC, and not a moment too soon.
