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.

I rarely take time to write a review about anything, but recently I'm stuck with no cable and only what's available via the air to watch. No wonder no one deals with free TV! It's nothing but ads! Comics unleashed is the worst. I think i recorded about 11 minutes of content for a 30 minute show. So not worth it! OK so I need more lines just to get my gripe out there.. fine. Again, I don't see the point in this show, it's literally an excuse to run ads. Why not just put on an infomercial during this time slot, it practically is anyway. So if you're thinking of watching this show don't waste you're time, unless of course you're looking for the latest fad or gadget for 19.95!

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.

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.

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.