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As countless stand up sets have discussed, stand up comedy is hard. However, while there are many comedies about comedy, there aren’t many dramas that dive into how soul-crushingly terrible the world of stand up can be. That’s where Showtime’s new series comes into play. Executive produced by Jim Carrey, I’m Dying Up Here dives into the aspiration, psyche, and devastation of a group of comedians in one fictional LA club. Decider has exclusive access to a new promo for the series before its premiere this Sunday.
Created by David Flebotte and directed by Jonathan Levine (50/50), I’m Dying Up Here explores the serious side of comedy set against the backdrop of one of the influential periods of the art form in American history — 1970s Los Angeles. It’s also a show that’s packed with an impressive amount of talent. The Showtime series is executive produced by the aforementioned Jim Carrey, Flebotte, Michael Aguilar, and Christina Wayne. I’m Dying Up Here features an ensemble cast starring Melissa Leo (Frozen River), the brassy comedy club owner, RJ Cyler (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, Power Rangers) as a struggling stand up comedian, and Clark Duke (Greek, The Office) as one of the show’s two vulgar, young, and Boston-bred comics, just to name a few of the show’s regulars. The series also stars Ari Graynor (Bad Teacher), Michael Angarano, Stephen Guarino, and Erik Griffin.
However, the actor everyone will likely be tuning in for is everyone’s favorite MCU pseudo-villain, Sebastian Stan. In the series, Stan plays Clay Appuzzo, a funny, on-the-rise comedian. Plus, the promo features a scene of Stan lounging in bed, which is never a bad thing.
If you’re in the mood for a pseudo-serious comedy this summer, this one may be worth checking out. The new one-hour drama series I’m Dying Up Here premieres Sunday, June 4th at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Showtime.
