I’m Dying Up Here (Showtime 2017, Melissa Leo, Ari Gaynor)

I’m Dying Up Here explores L.A.’s famed ’70s stand-up comedy scene where the careers of legends such as David Letterman, Jay Leno and Richard Pryor were launched. The series delves into the inspired, damaged and complicated psyches of those who stand alone in front of an audience ‘dying’ for fame, fortune and, with any luck, a shot on Johnny Carson.

I’m Dying Up Here stars Academy Award winner Melissa Leo (Wayward Pines, Treme), Ari Graynor (Bad Teacher), Michael Angarano (The Knick), Clark Duke (Hot Tub Time Machine), Andrew Santino (Mixology), Erik Griffin (Workaholics), RJ Cyler (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl), Al Madrigal (The Daily Show), and Jake Lacy (Obvious Child) as part of a large ensemble cast. This fictional group of competitive but close-knit comedians is mentored by “Goldie” (Leo), a brassy comedy club owner who rules over her business with an iron fist, but nurtures her comedians with tough love. For Goldie and her crew, there’s truly no such thing as an easy laugh.

Recurring guest stars include Stephen Guarino (Happy Endings), Brianne Howey (Horrible Bosses 2), Jon Daly (Kroll Show), and Ginger Gonzaga (Togetherness). Guest stars include Emmy nominee Dylan Baker (The Good Wife), Oscar nominee Robert Forster (Jackie Brown), Oscar nominee Cathy Moriarty (Raging Bull), with Sebastian Stan (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Martian) and Emmy Award nominee Alfred Molina (Chocolat).

The series is based on the non-fiction book of the same name by William Knoedelseder. The pilot is written by Flebotte and directed by Jonathan Levine.

cast
Melissa Leo as Goldie
Ari Graynor as Cassie
Clark Duke as Larry
Al Madrigal as Edgar Martinez
Erik Griffin as Ralph
Alfred Molina as Carl
Andrew Santino as Bill
Brianne Howey as Kay
Cathy Moriarty as Angie
David Paymer as Ernie Falk
Dylan Baker as Johnny Carson
Jake Lacy as Nick Beverly
Jeffrey Nordling as Eli Goldman
Jere Burns as Sid Robbins
Jocko Sims as Melvin
Jon Daly as Arnie
Obba Babatundé as Barton Royce
R.J. Cyler as Adam
Richard Kind as Marty Dansak
Robert Forster as Guy Appuzo
Sarah Hay as Tawny
Scott Cohen as Roy Brenner
Sebastian Stan as Clay
Stephen Guarino as Sully
W. Earl Brown as Teddy

key behind the scenes crew
Christina Wayne as Executive Producer
Dave Flebotte as Creator/Executive Producer
Jim Carrey as Executive Producer
Jonathan Levine as Director of Pilot
Michael Aguilar as Executive Producer
William Knoedelseder as Original Author

show type
period comedy drama

broadcast from
Sunday 4 June 2017

network and production companies
Showtime – Assembly Entertainment – Endemol Shine Studios