This Is Not Happening

Outrageous stories from stand-up comedians, musicians and more show why real life experiences always make the best material.

Fist of Fun

Fist of Fun was a British comedy television and radio programme, written by and starring Lee and Herring. A lot of the show's comic material was adapted from Lee and Herring's radio programme Lionel Nimrod's Inexplicable World. Each episode of Fist of Fun featured several disparate sketches and situations. Fist of Fun began as a BBC Radio 1 series in 1993, before becoming commissioned as a television series on BBC Two in early 1995. It was broadcast at 9pm on Tuesday nights, and was successful, but not a major ratings-winner. The second series was aired on Friday nights, and although its ratings were relatively good, the show suffered from a lack of preparation and poor promotion. The show was not given a third series, and Lee and Herring went on to write This Morning with Richard Not Judy, for BBC Two. Many other comedians who appeared in the series went on to fame themselves, including Kevin Eldon, Peter Baynham, Ronni Ancona, Alistair McGowan, Al Murray, John Thomson, Rebecca Front, Mel Giedroyc, Sue Perkins, Ben Moor and Sally Phillips.

The Mary Whitehouse Experience

A topical comedy show, mixing stand-up with sketches and impressions, starring David Baddiel, Robert Newman, Hugh Dennis and Steve Punt.

Last Comic Standing

A nationwide talent search accepting the best professional and non-professional stand-up comedians. Once the selection process is narrowed to 10, the show covers the contestants as they live together and compete for an exclusive contract with NBC, and to be called the Last Comic Standing.

The Larry Sanders Show

Comic Garry Shandling draws upon his own talk show experiences to create the character of Larry Sanders, a paranoid, insecure host of a late night talk show. Larry, along with his obsequious TV sidekick Hank Kingsley and his fiercely protective producer Artie, allows Garry Shandling and his talented writers to look behind the scenes and to show us a convincing slice of behind the camera life.

Le Grand Rire de...

Russell Simmons Presents: The Ruckus

Russell Simmons' name is in the title -- he's an executive producer -- but it's JB Smoove who is front and center as host of this stand-up showcase, which features a roster of rising comics and veteran stars doing their thing. Smoove gets into the act as well with new material, and JB also gives viewers an added bonus by performing in pre-taped sketches woven into each episode.

Live at the Apollo

A British stand-up comedy programme performed from the Hammersmith Apollo Theatre in west London.

ZULU Open Mic

Dybvaaaaad!

Def Comedy Jam

Def Comedy Jam is a HBO television series produced by Russell Simmons. The series had its original run from July 1, 1992 to January 1, 1997. The show returned on HBO's fall lineup in 2006. Def Comedy Jam helped to launch the careers of several African-American stand-up comedians.

La Noche D

Kings of Comedy

Kings of Comedy was a reality television series broadcast made by Endemol for Channel 4. The show was presented by Russell Brand and narrated by Matthew Rudge. The premise was that eight comics lived in a Big Brother-style house to try to determine whether old-school comics or the newer generation are best. The winner got the chance to make his own pilot show.

Coming to the Stage

Amateur comedians strut their stand-up stuff before celebrity judges in this competition.

Comedy Up Late

The best and biggest performances from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival's late night club.

Russell Howard's Stand Up Central

In his first new show since 2009, Russell performs at the legendary Electric Ballroom alongside some of the best comics in the country. It's Russell's first ever TV stand up show and every week he's joined on the bill by two hand-picked comedians. He'll be performing brand new material while also answering questions from twitter and delving into the live audience.

Hacks

Explore a dark mentorship that forms between Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian, and an entitled, outcast 25-year-old.

Na stojáka

Trait d'humour

Trait d’humour gives carte blanche to up-and-coming comedians. In every episode, a comedy star welcomes four young comics who perform their stand-up acts.

D'un rire à l'autre

The series features a host of Canadian Francophone comics. The result? Eight side-splitting comedy specials that showcase the richness and diversity of French-language humour from sea to sea!