The Rotating Talk Show is a succession of "mini talk shows" which expands the traditional roles of host, guest and performing artist. Each entertainer in turn performs solo, is interviewed as a guest, and then becomes the host of the next mini show. Featuring an ever-changing cast of some of the best stand-ups and sketch actors in LA.
"Best comedy show in Los Angeles" -- LA Magazine.
Seen previously at the Chicago Comedy Festival and the HBO Workspace.
Read a review of the Rotating Talk Show
Joke Machine is the gladiatorial-style stand-up comedy game show in which three top comedians face off against one-another in a battle for the episodically ephemeral title of "Best Comic Ever." The show takes stand-up and amps it up with the extemporaneous spirit of "Match Game", the fun, faux hostility of a "Friars Club Roast," and the competitive energy of "Iron Chef."
The game consists of three defined rounds, each covering a different comedic discipline... from single topic monologues to more conceptual performance pieces to improvisational abilities. And, if that weren't enough, these comedic combatants must be able to "slam". Yes, what will really set "Joke Machine" apart is that our contestants will actually earn bonus points throughout the game for nailing their opponents with well-crafted comic hand-grenades - aka verbal insults or "slams". It's all part of the game and the winner will be the comedian with the best all around performance.
Joke Machine Host, Chris Hardwick, has also hosted MTV's Singled Out, Shipmates, has appeared in the movies Terminator 3 and House of a 1000 Corpses, and is part of the singing duo Hard N Phirm.
Show Development by: Tom Sharpe - Creator of the Rotating Talk Show, has written for VH-1's Late World with Zach and for Ellen DeGeneres.
Greg Lobb - Creator of Joke Machine and head writer of Los Angeles' sketch group Doctor Whizzo's EZ show.
Paul Hopkins - Angry stand-up comic who has also acted in the movies Smut and Freeze-out.