Comics Unleashed

The only episodes worth watching are the so-called "Hot Chocolate" panels featuring black comedians who have obviously worked together a lot. In these, Byron Allen just gets out of the way and the comics take off, and (since this ain't cable) it's a treat to hear what these hilarious and creative folks can do when they don't have the crutch of gratuitous N and F words to fall back on... which seems to comprise most of their stand-up acts. Unfortunately, so far I've only seen 2 such episodes. All the rest feature a disparate panel who have nothing in common, and Byron just lobs each a question designed to let them launch into their Schtick without any interaction with each other. It's DREADFUL. One minute Rich Little is doing Richard Nixon, and the next minute some comic whose name I can't remember is bemoaning the state of airline food, followed by somebody complaining about his or her spouse. It's like they're phoning it in from isolation booths.

I have been introduced to one or two new comics, but mostly, I zap.

This is basically a show where they want you to believe that these comedians are doing improv and just "winging" it. What it really is, is Byron Allen asking a comedian a question like "So, where are you from?" and the comedian going into his or her bit that they have used a million times in the comedy clubs about where they are from, except they act like it was a random question. This show is set up like "Politically Incorrect" and "Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn", but unlike those shows it is obvious that these comedians have come here with a planned bit. These are talented comedians, but don't try to pass this off as an improv show- it is just so obvious that it isn't.

Unlike some other people who have commented about this show, I had no preconceived bias toward the show or its host when I started watching. I have found the show to be a good chance to see some of the comic talent performing today in a setting other than in front of a brick wall. Admittedly, most of their material comes straight from their acts but it's a way to give these performers some air time they wouldn't otherwise get. Through this show, I have discover new comics whose work was unknown to me such as Greg Hahn, Rod Man and John Roy. Even though every show may not be a hit, I have seen many more good shows than bad and every show has had some laughs. I hope the show continues to provide a place for the up and coming comics to get a chance to be seen other than in some night club and for the established comics to plug their latest ventures. By the way, I don't believe I am related to Byron Allen unless his family is Scottish.

Imagine the most hacky way of showcasing talented comedians, then multiply it by 100.

I find it unbelievable that Byron Allen was at one point a stand-up comedian. He definitely is someone who couldn't be naturally funny, so his idea was the way you showcase stand up comedians is by trying to set up their jokes. It is possible that when he did stand up on Carson he was asked what should be brought up and he told him what topics he had jokes for. I can't be sure whether or not that was actually what Carson was asking him for, but it was how he interpreted it then and then continued to operate as if that was what the job of a show interviewing comedians should be like.

He is a very successful man, though. Gotta give him props for making the worst tv shows and getting paid for them.

I got hooked on this show during my late night channel surfing. Now it's become a daily DVR staple along with The Daily Show. It is charmingly low budget, but not low in production values. The set is attractive and comfortable without trying too hard (I especially like the large aquarium in back of Byron Allen which appears to house only baby sharks). It's a terrific introduction to the latest in fresh new comic talent, although the occasional comic star drops in, too (Margaret Cho, Jimmie Walker, Jon Lovitz, Judy Tenuta, Larry Miller, etc.). Byron Allen is the laid back host who shares a brotherhood with his fellow comics and does a wonderful job of giving them the spotlight. The show is obviously cut and pasted to air the very best of the panels' bits, which is what makes the show so watchable -- you don't have to wade through the tepid or unfunny stuff to get to the gems. I absolutely disagree with the comment that the show does a poor job of trying to appear improvisational. The format is very much upfront: the host asks obviously leading questions meant to set up the comics' bits, and there's no pretense about it. It's kind of like being in on a job interview or a casting call, and as such it's actually a refreshing new format.