I'm Dying Up Here

I'm Dying Up Here is an American drama television series from the renowned channel SHOWTIME that aired from 2017 to 2018. Produced by Hollywood heavyweight Jim Carrey, the show offers a stark, gritty and fairly compelling look into the world of stand-up comedy in Los Angeles during the 1970s.

Set in an era considered the golden age of stand-up comedy, the series opens the curtains to the competitive world of comedians attempting to make their mark on the famous nightlife scene in LA. Central to this competitive world is a popular comedy club, in which these comedians tirelessly perform night after frustrating night, in the hopes of scaling the ladder to an elusive spot on a nationally televised late-night show. Achieving this would mean a guaranteed ticket to stardom.

I'm Dying Up Here, set within the confines of this iconic comedy club, integrates drama and comedy to explore the psychological plight of these hopeful stand-ups, their struggles to achieve fame, fortune, and respect while bearing the pressure of the laugh-or-die environment they have chosen to operate in. The series takes audiences beyond the spotlight and into the lives of these comedians, facing both personal and professional highs and lows.

The main characters, a group of up-and-coming comedians, each come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, presenting a rich and colourful spectrum of personalities. This impressive ensemble cast echoes the melting pot of creativity that was the Los Angeles comedy scene during the 70s. They face issues of racial and gender bias, addictive temptions, and the hidden demons that often haunt those seeking a life in the limelight.

Guiding them in their journey towards stardom is a comedy club owner, portrayed convincingly by Oscar-winner Melissa Leo, who plays a stand-up veteran turned club owner. She simultaneously acts as a motherly figure and ruthless manager to these budding comedians, often demonstrating the tough love necessary in the brutally competitive landscape.

I'm Dying Up Here is a poignant and often brutal portrayal of the world of comedy, a place where humor is born from pain and personal struggle. Throughout the series, it underscores the notion that comedy is not just about telling jokes. It is a release, a survival mechanism, and a weapon used to combat adversity. Ironically, to be successful in comedy, sometimes you have to face and embrace tragedy.

Further, the series is notably sharp in its period detail. From the authentic 70s wardrobe, intoxicating atmosphere of smoke-filled comedy clubs, to the street scenes and classic cars, the production design is first rate. The series seamlessly recreates the time period, not just in aesthetics, but by successfully capturing the socio-cultural dynamics and the burgeoning spirit of change prevalent during the 70s.

Moreover, viewers will be transported by the carefully curated soundtrack of the series, brimming with popular songs from the era, which perfectly underscore the tension, triumph, and heartbreak experienced by the characters.

The series also finds its strength in its writing. Adapted from the non-fiction book of the same name by William Knoedelseder, the show delves deep into the psyches of its complex characters, imbuing a sense of realism to their lives. The script is filled with black humor, conflict, competitions, camaraderie, and a persistent echo of dreams thriving amidst struggles that keep viewers riveted.

In conclusion, I'm Dying Up Here is a dramatic exploration of the human condition, using the world of stand-up comedy as its lens. It's a must-watch series for those interested in the intersection of comedy and drama, the profound truths hidden behind the humor, and a vision of Los Angeles stand-up scene in the 70s that is as colorful as it is unforgiving. Ferns for those wishing to understand the sacrifices that lie behind the pursuit of laughter.