June 4, 2017 (2017-06-04) – July 8, 2018 (2018-07-08)
I'm Dying Up Here is an American comedy-drama television series created by Dave Flebotte. The pilot was written by Flebotte and directed by Jonathan Levine. It premiered on Showtime on June 4, 2017.[1] The series is executive produced by Flebotte, Jim Carrey, Michael Aguilar, and Christina Wayne.[2] 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.[3] On September 8, 2017, Showtime renewed the series for a 10-episode second season.[4] The second season premiered on May 6, 2018.[5] On September 28, 2018, Showtime announced that it had canceled the series.[6]
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 as Golda "Goldie" Herschlag: a brassy comedy club owner (loosely based on Mitzi Shore).
Ari Graynor as Cassie Feder: an ambitious comedian from Wink, Texas, and Clay's ex-girlfriend.
Clark Duke as Ron Shack: a Boston comic who travels with Eddie to LA.
Michael Angarano as Eddie Zeidel: a Boston comic and Clay's friend who travels with Ron to LA.
Brad Garrett 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.[7]
Nicole Ari Parker as Gloria Whitfield (season two): a producer for Soul Train who enters into a relationship with one of the comics[8]
Stefania LaVie Owen as Amanda "Mandy" Robbins (season 2): Goldie's estranged daughter who reenters her life after running away at 17.[8]
Xosha Roquemore 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[9]
Sebastian Stan as Calogero "Clay" Apuzzo: Cassie's ex-boyfriend, who hits stardom with his first Tonight Show appearance and subsequently commits suicide