''I'm Dying Up Here'' is an American comedy-drama television series created by David Flebotte. The pilot was written by Flebotte and directed by

Jonathan Levine Jonathan LeVine is an American art dealer, instrumental in the proliferation of lowbrow and street art on the East Coast of the United States. About LeVine grew up in Trenton, New Jersey. As a teenager, he encountered punk rock music and the p ...

. It premiered on Showtime on June 4, 2017. The series is executive produced by Flebotte,

Jim Carrey James Eugene Carrey (; born January 17, 1962) is a Canadian-American actor, comedian and artist. Known for his energetic slapstick performances, Carrey first gained recognition in 1990, after landing a role in the American sketch comedy te ...

, 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.

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 Melissa Chessington Leo (born September 14, 1960) is an American actress. She is the recipient of several accolades, including an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award and two Critics' Choice Aw ...

as Golda 'Goldie' Herschlag: a brassy comedy club owner (loosely based on Mitzi Shore). *

Ari Graynor Ariel Geltman Graynor (born April 27, 1983) is an American actress, known for her roles in TV series such as ''I'm Dying Up Here'', ''The Sopranos'' and ''Fringe'', in stage productions such as '' Brooklyn Boy'' and ''The Little Dog Laughed'', an ...

as Cassie Feder: an ambitious comedian from Wink, Texas, and Clay's ex-girlfriend. *

Clark Duke Clark Duke (born May 5, 1985) is an American actor, comedian, and director known for his roles in the films '' Kick-Ass'', ''Sex Drive'', and ''Hot Tub Time Machine'', as well as playing Clark Green in the TV series '' The Office'', Dale Kettlew ...

as Ron Shack: a Boston comic who travels with Eddie to LA. *

Michael Angarano Michael Anthony Angarano (born December 3, 1987) is an American actor. He became known for his roles in the film '' Music of the Heart'' (1999) and the television series '' Cover Me'' (2000–2001), as well as for playing a recurring role as Ell ...

as Eddie Zeidel: a Boston comic and Clay's friend who travels with Ron to LA. *

Andrew Santino Andrew W. Santino (born October 16, 1983) is an American stand-up comedian, actor and podcaster known for television series and films such as '' Sin City Saints'', '' The Disaster Artist'', ''Mixology'', ''I'm Dying Up Here'' and ''Dave''. Educa ...

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 Erik Griffin is an American stand-up comedian, writer, and actor. He played Montez Walker on Comedy Central's ''Workaholics''. He has had acting roles in ''Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates'', ''I'm Dying Up Here'', and '' Blunt Talk.'' Early ...

as Ralph Carnegie: a Vietnam vet, comic, and writer for

Sonny & Cher Sonny & Cher were an American pop and entertainment duo in the 1960s and 1970s, made up of husband and wife Sonny Bono and Cher. The couple started their career in the mid-1960s as R&B backing singers for record producer Phil Spector. The pair f ...

. *

RJ Cyler Ronald "RJ" Cyler II (born March 21, 1995) is an American actor. He is best known for his roles in the films ''Me and Earl and the Dying Girl'' (2015), ''Power Rangers'' (2017), '' The Harder They Fall'' (2021), and ''Emergency'' (2022) as well ...

as Adam Proteau: a struggling stand-up comedian. *

Al Madrigal Alessandro Liborio Madrigal (born July 4, 1971)"'W ...

as Edgar 'Manny' Martinez: a loose-cannon comedian *

Jake Lacy Jake Lacy (born February 14, 1985) is an American actor. He is known for his portrayal of Pete Miller on the ninth and final season of ''The Office'', as Fran Parker in the fourth and fifth seasons of HBO's ''Girls'', and his role as Shane Patt ...

as Nick Beverly: a stand-up comedian who returns to Los Angeles after being on the road.

Recurring

Ginger Gonzaga Ginger Gonzaga (born May 17, 1983) is an American comedian and actress. She plays Nikki Ramos, best friend of Jennifer Walters/She-Hulk in the Disney+ series '' She-Hulk: Attorney at Law''. Early life Gonzaga grew up in Modesto, California, ...

as Maggie: Arnie's / Ron's girlfriend, a waitress at the club *

Jon Daly Jon Daly, sometimes credited as Jonathan C. Daly, Jon C. Daly or Jonathan Barney Daly, is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer best known for his sketch comedy work on the Comedy Central series ''Kroll Show''. In 2013 he starred as H ...

as Arnie: a struggling comic *

Obba Babatundé Obba Babatundé (born Donald Cohen; December 1, 1951) is an American actor. A native of Queens, New York City, he has appeared in more than seventeen stage productions, thirty theatrical films, sixty made-for-television films, and two prime-time ...

as Barton Royce * W. Earl Brown as Teddy *

Jeffrey Nordling Jeffrey Richard Nordling (born March 11, 1962) is an American actor. He is known for his roles as Jake Manning in ''Once and Again'', Larry Moss in '' 24'', Nick Bolen in ''Desperate Housewives'', and Gordon Klein in '' Big Little Lies'', as wel ...

as Eli Goldman *

Rick Overton Richard Overton (born August 10, 1954) is an American screenwriter, actor and comedian. His writing credits include '' Dennis Miller Live'', and his acting credits include ''Beverly Hills Cop'', ''Groundhog Day'' and ''Mrs. Doubtfire''. Life an ...

as Mitch Bombadier: an executive for ''

The Tonight Show ''The Tonight Show'' is an American late-night talk show that has aired on NBC since 1954. The show has been hosted by six comedians: Steve Allen (1954–1957), Jack Paar (1957–1962), Johnny Carson (1962–1992), Jay Leno (1992–2009 and 201 ...

'' *

Dylan Baker Dylan Baker (born October 7, 1959) is an American actor. He gained recognition for his roles in the films such as '' Planes, Trains and Automobiles'' (1987), ''Happiness'' (1998), '' Thirteen Days'' (2000), '' Road to Perdition'' (2002), '' Spide ...

Johnny Carson John William Carson (October 23, 1925 – January 23, 2005) was an American television host, comedian, writer and producer. He is best known as the host of '' The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson'' (1962–1992). Carson received six P ...

: the host of ''The Tonight Show''. *

Brianne Howey Brianne Nicole Howey (born May 24, 1989) is an American actress. She had main roles in the Fox series ''The Exorcist'' (2016) and '' The Passage'' (2019). She had a recurring role in the first season of The CW's superhero drama ''Batwoman'' (20 ...

as Kay: a waitress at the club * Ryan Alosio as Miles Farber: an ambitious talent agent * Tommy Snider as

Wolfman Jack Robert Weston Smith (January 21, 1938July 1, 1995), known as Wolfman Jack, was an American disc jockey active from 1960 till his death in 1995. Famous for his gravelly voice, he credited it for his success, saying, "It's kept meat and potatoes ...

: a famous

disc jockey A disc jockey, more commonly abbreviated as DJ, is a person who plays recorded music for an audience. Types of DJs include radio DJs (who host programs on music radio stations), club DJs (who work at a nightclub or music festival), mobil ...

in Los Angeles *

Brad Garrett Bradley Henry Gerstenfeld (born April 14, 1960), known professionally as Brad Garrett, is an American actor and stand-up comedian. Possessing a distinctive deep voice, he has appeared in numerous television and film roles in both live-action and ...

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 Nicole Ari Parker Kodjoe (born October 7, 1970) is an American actress and model. She made her screen debut with a leading role in the critically acclaimed independent film '' The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love'' (1995) and went o ...

as Gloria Whitfield (season two): a producer for ''

Soul Train ''Soul Train'' is an American musical variety television show. It aired in syndication from October 2, 1971, to March 25, 2006. Across its 35-year history the show primarily featured performances by R&B, soul, and hip hop artists. The series ...

'' who enters into a relationship with one of the comics *

Stefania LaVie Owen Stefania LaVie Owen is a New Zealand-American actress. She is known for her roles as Puddle Kadubic in the television series ''Running Wilde'' and as Dorrit Bradshaw in the teen drama television series ''The Carrie Diaries''. She starred as Mela ...

as Amanda Robbins (season 2): Goldie's estranged daughter who reenters her life after running away at 17. *

Xosha Roquemore Xosha Kai Roquemore ( ; born December 11, 1984) is an American actress. She is best known for her roles as Jo Ann in '' Precious'' and Tamra in ''The Mindy Project''. Early life and education Roquemore was born in 1984 in Los Angeles, and is name ...

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 Dana Gould (born August 24, 1964) is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer and voice artist who has been featured on HBO, Showtime, and Comedy Central. He voiced Hi Larious in the TV series ''Father of the Pride'' (2004–2005) and the ...

as Bruce (season two): Adam's agent *

Beau Mirchoff William Beau Mirchoff (; born January 13, 1989) is a Canadian-American actor best known for his role in the MTV series ''Awkward'', his role as Jamie Hunter in '' Good Trouble'', and his role in ''Now Apocalypse'' on Starz. Early life Mirchoff ...

as Saul Hudson (season two): a TV producer for whom Ralph works

Guest

* Joey "Coco" Diaz as 'Taffy' *

Sebastian Stan Sebastian Stan (born August 13, 1982) is a Romanian-American actor. He gained recognition for his role as Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe media franchise beginning with the film '' Captain America: The First Ave ...

as Calogero 'Clay' Apuzzo: Cassie's ex-boyfriend, who hits stardom with his first ''

Tonight Show ''The Tonight Show'' is an American late-night talk show that has aired on NBC since 1954. The show has been hosted by six comedians: Steve Allen (1954–1957), Jack Paar (1957–1962), Johnny Carson (1962–1992), Jay Leno (1992–2009 and 2010� ...

'' appearance and subsequently commits suicide *

Alfred Molina Alfred Molina (born Alfredo Molina; 24 May 1953) is a British-American actor known for his work on the stage and screen. He first rose to prominence in the West End, earning a nomination for the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Newcomer in a Pla ...

as Carl: a mediocre talent manager *

Robert Forster Robert Wallace Forster Jr. (July 13, 1941 – October 11, 2019) was an American actor, known for his roles as John Cassellis in '' Medium Cool'' (1969), Captain Dan Holland in ''The Black Hole'' (1979), Abdul Rafai in '' The Delta Force'' (1986 ...

as Guy Apuzzo: Clay's father * Cathy Moriarty as Angie Apuzzo: Clay's mother * Scott Cohen as Roy Brenner * Tyrone Evans Clark as the Clubgoer (Guest Star) *

David Paymer David Emmanuel Paymer (born August 30, 1954) is an American actor, comedian, and television director. He has been in films such as '' Mr. Saturday Night'', ''Quiz Show'', ''Searching for Bobby Fischer'', '' City Slickers'', ''Crazy People'', '' ...

as Ernie Falk *

Richard Kind Richard Bruce Kind (born November 22, 1956) is an American actor and comedian, known for his roles as Dr. Mark Devanow in ''Mad About You'' (1992–1999, 2019), Paul Lassiter in ''Spin City'' (1996–2002), Andy in ''Curb Your Enthusiasm'' (2002 ...

as Marty Dansak *

Dom Irrera Domenick Jack Irrera (born November 18, 1948) is an American actor and stand-up comedian. Much of his material is in the form of stories about his life, especially his childhood years and growing up in an Italian-American family. Irrera went to ...

as James Seamus 'Fitzy' Fitzpatrick (9 episodes) *

Sarah Hay Sarah Hay (born September 16, 1987) is an American actress and ballerina. She is best known for her role as Claire Robbins in the Starz mini-series '' Flesh and Bone'', she was nominated for a Golden Globe, a Satellite Award and a Critics' Choi ...

as Tawny *

Sarah Stiles Sarah Grace Stiles (born June 20, 1979) is an American singer and actress known for her work in Off-Broadway and Broadway theatre. She performed the role of Kate Monster/Lucy the Slut in ''Avenue Q'', and performed in the musical '' Vanities'', ...

as Toni 'The Tiger' Luddy: a comedy club groupie *

Jere Burns Jere Eugene Burns II (; born October 15, 1954) is an American actor who has appeared in theatre productions and on television. He played the roles of ladies' man Kirk Morris on the television series '' Dear John'', DIA psychiatrist Anson Fullert ...

as Sid Robbins *

Jocko Sims Jocko Sims (born February 20, 1981) is an American actor, known for playing Anthony Adams in ''Crash'' and later playing Carlton Burk in the series '' The Last Ship''. On the NBC TV show ''New Amsterdam'', he portrays Dr. Floyd Reynolds. Care ...

as Melvin *

John Caponera John Caponera (born 1959) is an American comedian and actor. He starred in the 1994 TV series '' The Good Life'' with Drew Carey as Caponera's co-star. (Carey recalls Caponera as "one of the nicest, funniest, and hardest-working guys I've ever kn ...

as Howard Leetch * Armen Weitzman as Rob Cheevers *

Dennis Haskins Dennis Haskins (born November 18, 1950) is an American actor known for his role as School principal, Principal Richard Belding in the teen situation comedy, sitcom ''Saved by the Bell'', which ran from 1989 to 1993 on NBC. He then went on to star ...

as Father Jacobs *

Ken Lerner Kenneth Lerner (born May 27, 1948) is an American television, stage and film actor. He played Principal Flutie in the first episodes of the television series ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer''. Personal life Lerner was born in Brooklyn, New York, of ...

as Sam Doak * Brandon Ford Green as

Richard Pryor Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor Sr. (December 1, 1940 – December 10, 2005) was an American stand-up comedian and actor. He reached a broad audience with his trenchant observations and storytelling style, and is widely regarded as on ...

* Chris Regan as

Monty Hall Monty Hall (born Monte Halparin; August 25, 1921 – September 30, 2017) was a Canadian radio and television show host who moved to the United States in 1955 to pursue a career in broadcasting. After working as a radio newsreader and sport ...

Episodes

Season 1 (2017)

Season 2 (2018)

References

External links

* * {{Showtime Network programming 2017 American television series debuts 2018 American television series endings 2010s American comedy-drama television series English-language television shows Showtime (TV network) original programming Television shows based on non-fiction books Television series set in the 1970s Television shows set in Los Angeles