Fresh off renewing Shameless for a seventh season, Showtime used its platform at the Television Critics Association’s winter press tour to announce the series pickup of another hourlong comedy: I’m Dying Up Here.
The project is set in the world of stand-up comedy and stars Melissa Leo and Ari Graynor and counts Jim Carrey among its executive producers.
I’m Dying Up Here centers on Los Angeles’ celebrated and infamous stand-up comedy scene of the 1970s. The dark comedy will delve into the inspired and damaged psyches that inhabit the hilarious but complex business of making an audience laugh. I’m Dying Up Here is written and exec produced by former stand-up comedian Dave Flebotte (Will & Grace). Carrey and Flebotte will executive produce alongside Michael Aguilar (The Departed) and Christina Wayne (Copper). The pilot is based on the nonfiction novel by William Knoedelseder and will be directed by Jonathan Levine (Warm Bodies). The project hails from Endemol Shine Studios and Assembly Entertainment.
Clark Duke, Michael Angarano, Andrew Santino, RJ Cyler, Erik Griffin and Stephen Guarino are among the ensemble cast. A premiere date or episode count have not yet been determined.
I’m Dying Up Here joins a roster of Showtime original programming that includes Shameless, Billions, Homeland, The Affair, Ray Donovan, Masters of Sex, House of Lies, Penny Dreadful, Episodes, Dice, Roadies and Twin Peaks.
