Plot Synopsis

Based on William Knoedelseder's book of the same name, I'M DYING UP HERE is a one-hour fictional drama series that explores L.A.'s famed '70s stand-up comedy scene where the careers of legends such as David Letterman, Jay Leno and Richard Pryor were launched. The series delves into the inspired, damaged and complicated psyches of those who stand alone in front of an audience "dying" for fame, fortune and, with any luck, a shot on Johnny Carson. This fictional group of competitive but close-knit comedians is mentored by "Goldie" (Leo), a brassy comedy club owner who rules over her business with an iron fist, but nurtures her comedians with tough love. For Goldie and her crew, there's truly no such thing as an easy laugh. Recurring guest stars include Stephen Guarino, Brianne Howey, Jon Daly, and Ginger Gonzaga. Guest stars include Dylan Baker, Robert Forster, Cathy Moriarty, Alfred Molina, and Sebastian Stan. I'M DYING UP HERE had its world premiere at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 11:30am in the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas, immediately followed by a Q&A with the series' cast and producers. Three months later -- on Sunday, June 4 -- Showtime aired the linear television debut of I'M DYING UP HERE. On Sunday, May 6, 2018 at 10pm ET/PT, Showtime premiered the second season of I'M DYING UP HERE.Whereas the first season was all about the struggle, with a Johnny Carson appearance being the light at the end of the tunnel, this season explores what happens once you get what you thought you wanted. What happens after Carson, after you land a role on a sitcom, when you get agents, opportunities, a comedy album, commercials, road gigs, love? Which relationships -- which individuals -- can survive success? Goldie expands her comedy empire by partnering with legendary Vegas comedian Roy Martin, while grappling with the toughest business of them all: motherhood. Her wayward 18-year-old daughter Amanda tests Goldie's patience and limits as they try to repair old wounds. Cassie wrestles with a secret from her past that both haunts her and drives her personally and professionally. Nick also duels with demons from his past that make it harder for him to steer clear of his heroin addiction. Eddie continues to pay his comedy dues (albeit working for his comedy hero Roy Martin) while his friendship is tested as Ron discovers success can be harder to navigate than failure. Ralph is enjoying debauchery and excess on the road with Nick and Bill when a bad experience causes him to re-examine his job, act and friendships. Adam has a hit comedy album that opens the door to new opportunities and a hot romance. Edgar and Arnie start a risky business that threatens to end their business with Goldie. Set in 1974, Season 2 dives deep into timely topics: sexism, racism, homophobia, sexual abuse, religious contradictions, the hypocrisy inherent in deciding what is decent and what is obscene and the sacrifices so many women have to make in their personal lives in order to become successful professionally. In addition to Brad Garrett as Roy Martin, Stefania LaVie Owen as Amanda, and Jon Daly as Arnie, Xosha Roquemore is guest starring as a ballsy new comedian, Dawn, along with Nicole Ari Parker as Gloria, the producer of Soul Train who is recently divorced and reclaiming her sexual mojo.
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On Sunday, July 8, 2018 at 10pm ET/PT, Showtime premiered "Lines Crossed," the Season 2 finale of I'M DYING UP HERE. Ralph and Adam's bad news comes with a silver lining; Roy offers Eddie a big opportunity; Nick looks to make amends; Cassie struggles to decide where her loyalty lies, unlike Amanda whose path has never been clearer.

One month earlier -- on Tuesday May 29, 2018 -- CBS Home Entertainment released I'M DYING UP HERE Complete Season One, all 10 episodes on DVD. One of the best new series on TV, I'M DYING UP HERE delves into the inspired, damaged and complicated psyches of a fictional group of competitive but close-knit comedians mentored by Goldie (Melissa Leo), a brassy comedy club owner who rules over her business with an iron fist, but nurtures her comedians with tough love. The series takes viewers behind the curtain of the comedy scene that birthed the careers of legends such as Richard Pryor, Robin Williams and David Letterman, showing there's truly no such thing as an easy laugh. Run Time 581 minutes. Buy and binge! (Click the red "Buy DVDs" button on this page.)