Watch I'm Dying Up Here

I'm Dying Up Here is a television drama series that has aired for two seasons from 2017 to 2018 on the SHOWTIME cable network. The show revolves around the stand-up comedy scene in Los Angeles during the 1970s. It portrays the personal and professional struggles of a group of up-and-coming comedians who aspire to make it big in the industry.

The series features Melissa Leo, who plays Goldie Herschlag, the owner of a popular comedy club. She is a tough yet nurturing figure who has seen many comedians come and go, and knows what it takes to succeed in the business. Goldie is the one who decides who gets stage time and who doesn't, and this makes her the gatekeeper to success for the aspiring comedians.

The lead character in the series is Cassie Feder (Ari Graynor), a struggling stand-up comedian who is chasing her dream of making it big in Hollywood. Cassie is smart, funny, and talented, but she has to work hard to make her way to the top. She is one of the few female comedians in the group, and she often finds herself having to navigate a male-dominated industry.

The other comedians in the series include Bill Hobbs (Andrew Santino), Edgar Martinez (Al Madrigal), Adam Proteau (Clark Duke), Nick Beverly (Jake Lacy), Ralph Carnegie (Erik Griffin), and Ron Shack (Michael Angarano). They are all struggling to find their voice and make it in the competitive world of stand-up comedy.

The show explores the personal lives of these comedians and how their experiences shape their material and performances on stage. It shows the highs and lows of their careers, from getting their big break to dealing with rejection and failure. The show tackles serious topics such as drug addiction, mental health, and sexism in the industry.

One of the standout aspects of the show is its attention to detail in portraying the 1970s. The costumes, hairstyles, and music all reflect the era, and this adds to the authenticity of the series. The comedy club scenes are also well done, with the club atmosphere feeling genuine and the audience reactions seeming real.

The series is based on the book of the same name by William Knoedelseder, which is a non-fiction account of the stand-up comedy scene in Los Angeles during the 1970s. The book was adapted for television by David Flebotte, who has written for other shows such as Desperate Housewives and Boardwalk Empire.

I'm Dying Up Here received critical acclaim for its performances, writing, and direction. The show was praised for its authenticity, its portrayal of the comedy scene, and its exploration of the personal struggles of the characters. The performances of Melissa Leo and Ari Graynor were particularly lauded, with Leo winning a Primetime Emmy Award for her role as Goldie Herschlag.

Unfortunately, the show was canceled after two seasons due to low ratings. The cancellation was met with disappointment by fans and critics alike, who had hoped to see more of the characters and the world of stand-up comedy depicted in the series.

In conclusion, I'm Dying Up Here is a well-crafted television drama series that explores the world of stand-up comedy in Los Angeles during the 1970s. It features strong performances by Melissa Leo and Ari Graynor, and is praised for its authenticity and attention to detail. Although the show was canceled after two seasons, it remains a compelling and engaging drama that is worth watching for anyone interested in the world of stand-up comedy.

I'm Dying Up Here is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (20 episodes). The series first aired on June 4, 2017.

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