I'm Dying Up Here is an American comedy-drama television series created by Dave Flebotte. The pilot was written by Flebotte and directed by Jonathan Levine. It premiered on Showtime on June 4, 2017. The series is executive produced by Flebotte, Jim Carrey, Michael Aguilar, and Christina Wayne. It was announced on January 12, 2016, that Showtime had ordered the pilot to series based on the bestselling nonfiction book by William Knoedelseder of the same title. On September 8, 2017, Showtime renewed the series for a 10-episode second season. The second season premiered on May 6, 2018. On September 28, 2018, Showtime announced that it had canceled the series.
Contents
Premise
I'm Dying Up Here explores the Los Angeles stand-up scene circa 1973 as a group of young comedians attempt to become successful at Goldie's comedy club and potentially gain a star-making turn on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show. Club owner Goldie mentors the young comics with a combination of toughness and encouragement to further their chances at success. The show focuses on the daily struggles and successes of the comics, Goldie, and the cutthroat competitors in the industry.
Cast and characters
Main
Melissa Leo as Golda "Goldie" Herschlag: a brassy comedy club owner (loosely based on Mitzi Shore).
Ari Graynor as Cassie Feder: an ambitious comedian from Wink, Texas, and Clay's ex-girlfriend.
Clark Duke as Ron Shack: a Boston comic who travels with Eddie to LA.
Michael Angarano as Eddie Zeidel: a Boston comic and Clay's friend who travels with Ron to LA.
Andrew Santino as Billy Hobbs: a comedy club favorite.
Stephen Guarino as "Sully" Patterson: a zany stand-up comedian (season one; guest for season two).
Erik Griffin as Ralph Carnegie: a Vietnam vet, comic, and writer for Sonny & Cher.
RJ Cyler as Adam Proteau: a struggling stand-up comedian.
Al Madrigal as Edgar "Manny" Martinez: a loose-cannon comedian
Jake Lacy as Nick Beverly: a stand-up comedian who returns to Los Angeles after being on the road.
Recurring
Ginger Gonzaga as Maggie: Arnie's / Ron's girlfriend, a waitress at the club
Jon Daly as Arnie: a struggling comic
Obba Babatundé as Barton Royce
W. Earl Brown as Teddy
Jeffrey Nordling as Eli Goldman
Rick Overton as Mitch Bombadier: an executive for The Tonight Show
Dylan Baker as Johnny Carson: the host of The Tonight Show.
Brianne Howey as Kay: a waitress at the club
Ryan Alosio as Miles Farber: an ambitious talent agent
Tommy Snider as Wolfman Jack: a famous disc jockey in Los Angeles
Brad Garrett as Reinaldo Stanziani / Roy Martin (season two): a legendary comedian who comes to the club and offers the up-and-coming comedians advice. Goldie attempts to join into a partnership with him as she expands her business pursuits.
Nicole Ari Parker as Gloria Whitfield (season two): a producer for Soul Train who enters into a relationship with one of the comics
Stefania LaVie Owen as Amanda "Mandy" Robbins (season 2): Goldie's estranged daughter who reenters her life after running away at 17.
Xosha Roquemore as Dawn Lima (season two): a female comic who is new to Los Angeles and struggling with her sexual identity as she enters into a sexual relationship with Nick
Dana Gould as Bruce (season two): Adam's agent