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Each episode of this docuseries presents a compelling portrait of a comedian on the verge of breaking out to become the next big name in comedy. The diverse lineup of breakout talent offers insights into the motivations behind baring one’s soul for a living.
2018
When you are one of thirteen children you’ve got to stand out – or stand up – to get attention. After her dreams of becoming a WNBA player were cut short by a tragic accident, Zainab found her way to the stage – and now she is about to break out from the pack again. Her smart and edgy storytelling is informed by her experiences growing up in Harlem in an African-American Muslim family.
Raul was born in Mexico, crossed the border with his family, and was raised in Texas. After serving three tours of duty on the front lines of Afghanistan and Iraq for the US Army, Raul sought the comfort of comedy to help with his PTSD. He truly sees the comedy in tragedy and his act highlights the lighter side of everyday life and war.
Daniel is a fifth-generation Texan. Growing up in the nineties in Hurst, Texas as a gay boy who didn’t fit in had its challenges. Daniel’s unique take on being an empowered gay man in the heart of Texas is as powerful as it is funny.
There is more than meets the eye with Alabama native Rocky Dale Davis. Raised by a single mom who worked tirelessly to keep food on the table, Rocky is often misjudged as your typical Southern white boy. However, Rocky’s progressive outlook in his material takes turns you wouldn’t expect. Rocky is sure not to alienate liberals or conservatives as no one in the audience is safe when he takes the stage.
Named Atlanta’s best stand up comedian in 2017, Mia Jackson has caught the eye of comedy legends like Dave Chappelle and Amy Schumer. She is the country girl next door you want to be best friends with as she delivers hilariously snarky jokes about highly relatable subjects.
Rob Christensen is a former PCP dealer turned Air Force vet turned comedian from Brooklyn. His tough guy exterior is turned inside out as he embraces his softer side on stage with hilariously absurd one-liners and his startling admission that he uses moisturizer.
Becky Braunstein is literally one in a million. As an Alaskan Jew, she has hilarious stories of just how bizarre it is to live in the Last Frontier while still trying to observe the Sabbath. A battle with cancer prompted her to try stand up comedy. Now a survivor, she lives in Portland where she is taking the mainland by storm.
Mohanad Elishieky is living the American dream. He recently fled his war torn homeland of Lybia and is pursuing a career in comedy. As an immigrant from a no-fly country, his keen observations about American life are razor sharp and unforgettably funny. While many comedians perform for the love of the spotlight, Mohanad is performing for survival, because he knows he can’t go back home.
A self-described “survivor,” Paris Sashay is thriving on the comedy scene. A DC area native, she started her career 6 years ago with the help of her loving and supportive family. She is fearless both on stage and off, garnering laughs with stories about her family, her recent coming out, and her struggles as kid.
Like any real Midwesterner, Shane Mauss is riddled with depression and was never supposed to talk about it…until now. Shane takes a deep, yet comedic look at traditionally taboo subjects like suicide, depression, and drug use. But much like his personal life, he balances out his act with other topics like crossfit and science.
Jessa Reed is anything but shy. This former meth-head approaches her audiences with pure candor as she recounts some truly unbelievable stories from her past.
As comedy continues to expand its boundaries to include a broader variety of voices, Scout Durwood is shining in the spotlight. Scout knows what it’s like to be the outsider and has created a place for herself onstage with an act unlike any other. She seamlessly blends original songs, absurd dance, and provocative stand up comedy into one hilarious performance.
2022
Chad Daniels of Minnesota shares wild stories of life in small town America with a shady, fast-talking dad and a saintly mom. Chad brings down the house as he explains how unexpected fatherhood changed his life and what his future may hold.
Ronnie Jordan shares extraordinary tales of growing up in Atlanta with a unique family ranging from a pimp to a cop to a pot-smoking chef, while serving onstage laughs chronicling his own adventures as a husband and father.
Lynne Koplitz radiates on and off stage with her sarcastic wit turning a plethora of topics including dieting, menopause, chivalry and life as the daughter of a New Jersey mobster into huge laughs.
Ali Siddiq hilariously tackles fatherhood and aging while confessing the tales of his own one-of-a-kind childhood that led him to finding his comedic voice.
Tom Thakkar from Indiana brings down the house with his insightful stories of the women in his life, the men not in his life, growing up in a wannabe liberal town, and the shock of his biracial heritage.
Smart, honest, and exhilarating describe Philadelphia native Chanel Ali as she shows her uncanny ability to bring humor and humility to her tumultuous childhood where she survived life in the foster system.
Critics call Emma Willmann a master of chaos under control. It takes a brilliant mind to come out to their mother at a silent retreat. It takes a comedic genius to make it funny in the process.
There’s no topic off the table for Louis Katz. He turns taboo subjects into cathartic laughter like no other. And he does it without even blushing!
2020
Hanna Dickinson does not hold back — she is raw, loud and always hilarious! Calvin Evans explodes with charisma! A self-described “observational philosopher", his style is equal parts poignant and silly.
The unrestrained Kira Soltanovich takes you through her family's wild journey form Communist Russia to modern-day California, while classic joke-teller Mike Vecchione lands punch after punch in a hilarious, rapid-fire set.
One of the funniest exports from Canada, Steph Tolev brings the laughs with a big energy and absurd personal stories. Meanwhile, Corey Rodrigues lights up the stage with a wide range of stories that are honest, sharp, and most of all, hilarious.
A rising star in the comedy world, Kabir Singh delivers a killer set about his Indian upbringing that's fast, fearless and funny. Meanwhile, Kellen Erskine's dry sense of humor and razor sharp wit makes just about anything hilarious.
Oddball Dave Waite's creates hilarious insights into race, depression, and what never to do on mushrooms. Plus, meet Rita Brent, crowned the 'Best Undiscovered Comedian in Mississippi' in 2018, and who hasn't stopped killing it since.
With a larger than life stage presence, Jared Logan delivers a hysterical set highlighting stories from his repressed childhood in West Virginia, while the honest and poignant Clayton English explores race relations, politics and more.
With a quick wit, Leonard Ouzts's polished material covers his views on marijuana and the proper etiquette of being part of a rapper's entourage, while Oregon native Arlo Weierhauser explodes with charm, delivering laughs on a range of topics.
Every bit as sharp as he is hilarious, Julian McCullough has a lot to say about the world today... and why you should never own an ostrich. Meanwhile, Amy Miller is raw, honest, and hilarious, delivering an unapologetic and raucous set.
Debra DiGiovanni is a force to be reckoned with — she's fast, furious, and funny, discussing everything from camping to prison, and even the sexuality of a VCR. Blaq Ron also kills it, delivering hilarious insights on race, killer bees, and Karens.
With a biting wit and brutal honesty, Kelsey Cook covers the gamut, from Brazilian waxing to career advice from her parents. Meanwhile, rising comedian Kiry Shabazz theorizes about how a doctor's note is much more valuable than the constitution.
A performer since birth, Marlena Rodriguez's unapologetic style means nothing is off limits, while Ali Sultan, one of the funniest guys from the other side of the world, reflects on his epic journey from the Middle East to Minnesota.
Seaton Smith performs a hilarious set loaded with relationship advice and 'white positive' jokes. Yedoye Smith, a comedian on the rise, also covers race relations, doling out laughs while making the argument that the devil is actually white.
