Rob Riggle Developing New HBO Series

When I was studying and struggling through second level Improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York a few years ago, I stumbled upon an article about Rob Riggle and his time studying at the same theater. It turns out that this hilarious, talented man, a career Marine who served in Afghanistan and Africa, and who probably saw things that would make a strong man poop his shorts, had trouble in Improv level 201 like I did. In fact, he had to take it over again. Not only did that encourage me, it calmed me down. I passed, and I quietly thanked Mr. Riggle for the courage (in my own head, of course). No, it wasn't like flying a plane over Iraq, but it was a personal battle - a battle involving a lack of confidence and an abundance of shyness - in which I overcame to pass on to level 301.

When Rob emerged into our vision as a cast member on SNL and The Daily Show, he was already on his way to tremendous Hollywood projects. He has been in a truck load of comedies, Talladega Nights, The Other Guys,  Childrens Hospital NTSF: SD:SUV, and Human Giant. He had a development deal at CBS that sort of faded away;  yet, he guest starred in Gary Unmarried and practically stole the show.

A recent development with Riggle and  HBO has bubbled into something exciting, and I believe we are all going to be lucky for it. Rob, in conjunction with comedy partners, Will Farrell, Mark Wahlberg and Adam McKay are signed on to develop a new single camera comedy, yet to be titled, starring Riggle. The series will revolve around the world of 1980's Wall Street, where Riggle's character will be a hard living trader who lives a selfish and dark life.  This is going to be a fascinating vehicle for Rob, and I cannot wait to see it on screen.

He's a universal shout of to Rob Riggle. Congratulations on what looks to be a potential success. And thanks for the courage.

More information on Deadline.

A 'Daily Show' Surprise

August is upon us, and it's week number two on Jon Stewart's dastardly handsome goatee. New episodes of Childrens Hospital is on the horizon, a new season of Mad Men is currently airing and summer movies are being released into the sea of sweaty humanity. The latest Adam McKay flick, The Other Guys, starring Will Farrell, Mark Wahlberg (and what? Rob Riggle?) is opening this Friday. This movie was filming all over the New York area last year, so I'm pretty stoked to see it.

Farrell has been doing the PR rounds and landed on The Daily Show last night, bringing with him a surprise guest. Spoiler: It's former Daily Show correspondent Rob Riggle!

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NTSF:SD:SUV

(Via Paul Scheer)

Hold on to your sofa and throw away your remote. You won't want to miss one action packed second of this action packed show filled with action packed action. From the brain of Paul Scheer, watch the trailer for National Terrorism Strike Force: San Diego: Sports Utility Vehicle. On Adult Swim.

Funny or Die Presents...

Coming this month on HBO. Here's an excerpt from Designated Driver: Office Pranks

Designated Driver: Office Prank

The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard Video - Trailer

Bryan Callen is a comedian/actor. He is featured in the video below. I always get a kick when I see him on screen, and sometimes in commercials (He was Hammer in the "Hammer and Coop" ad campaign for Mini Cooper donning wig and fake moustache). He was in the movie Old School. He was in Showtime's Fat Actress and probably could have spun off his own show with Rachael Harris since they were so good together. He was in the original cast of Mad TV, famous for his character Pool Boy. He was also in The Hangover with Helms.

Callen is a New Yorker who grew up around the world because his Dad worked in finance. He is NOT the half brother of Joe Rogen as the internet will have you believe. (They both love to keep that rumor alive.) He was not born in Manila. His Father did not leave his mother. He is not half Native American, and he did not perform plays as a kid to earn money for the family. If he did - it wasn't because they were poor.

Bryan is dad to two year old Stella. Amanda's his wife. He always has the moves, and keeps his butt hard by dragging bags of sand uphill.

Now he's in this video. It's a musical trailer for the upcoming film The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard starring Jeremy Piven, Rob Riggle, Ed Helms, Ken Jeong, David Koeckner and a whole lot of funny people. (In Theaters August 14th.)

Big Ups - Doin It Exclusive Music Video from Joey Kern

Funny or Die and HBO Spawn New Content

In June of 2008, Funny or Die and HBO entered into a multi-million dollar deal commissioning the website to produce ten original half hour programs for the cable network. HBO also claimed a small stake in ownership of the comedy site. Production has been underway for some notable comedians involved in the project. (Notable for me, because I am obsessed with Human Giant and the comedians therein).

Paul Scheer (Human Giant) began production last March on Designated Driver. It also stars Rob Riggle (The Daily Show). It promises to be hilarious because Scheer is amazing and Riggle defines awesome.

Brett Gelman, otherwise known as the little bit of luck dude in those Lottery ads (which I'm sure he's tired of being defined by...sorry), taped his UCB show 1,000 Cats for HBO last March as well. Yeah, I know it's summer. All those episodes of 30 Rock and The Office back then made me a little late on this.

Rob Huebel 's Holdup was filmed several weeks ago, and stars himself, Reno 911's Thomas Lennon, The Office's Creed Bratton and Ed Helms (who is now super famous for The Hangover), Malin Akerman (27 Dresses), Rachael Harris (also The Hangover), and Weird Al Yankovic (every geek song parody known to mankind).