Dark comedy “I’m Dying Up Here” from exec producer Jim Carrey has been greenlit at Showtime. The series pickup was announced Tuesday by Showtime CEO David Nevins at the Television Critics Association press tour.
Set in the celebrated and infamous L.A. stand-up comedy scene of the ’70s, when the careers of most comedy superstars began, “I’m Dying Up Here” will delve into the inspired and damaged psyches that inhabit the hilarious, but complex business of making an audience laugh. The series is based on William Knoedelseder’s book of the same name.
Melissa Leo stars in the series, playing a comedy club owner, along with Clark Duke, Ari Graynor, Andrew Santino, RJ Cyler, Erik Griffin and Stephen Guarino. Sebastian Stan will appear in a recurring role. Guest stars are Dylan Baker, who will portray Johnny Carson; Robert Forster as Stan’s on-screen father; Cathy Moriarty as his mother; Alfred Molina; Al Madrigal; and Jon Daly.
Hailing from Endemol Shine Studios and Assembly Entertainment, Carrey will exec produce with Michael Aguilar, Christina Wayne and writer Dave Flebotte. Jonathan Levine directed the pilot, which shot this past fall.
