The Comic Strip is a pilot for a documentary series set in the backdrop of Rick Bronson's seminal group of comedy clubs in Phoenix, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Edmonton.
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on the comedy industry – sensitive to the serious nature of Corona virus, club-owners, promoters, and comics canceled all live shows in an effort to flatten the curve and ensure public safety. As the economy gradually re-opens, club owner Bronson is now battling various government legislation and restrictions in an effort to keep his club afloat. The already challenging efforts to book quality headliners and fill the club with enthusiastic audiences has become even more taxing. But as far as Rick Bronson is concerned, "comedy is an essential service" and "laughter reminds us that we are all in this together."
The clubs have featured many well-known comedians such as Norm Macdonald, Bert Kreisher, Ali Wong, Russel Peters, Iliza Shlesinger, Anthony Jeselnik, Brent Morin, Hannibal Buress, Theo Von, Michael Che, Jo Koy, Ari Shaffir, Marlon Wayans, Moshe Kasher, Justin Wilman, Gilbert Gottfried, Marc Maron, Tom Green, Caroline Rhea, Nikki Glasser, Kevin Nealon, Kevin Pollack, Damon Wayans and many more.
The series will provide an unfiltered glimpse behind-the-scenes of the clubs, and the idiosyncratic comics who filter through the clubs' doors with their varied baggage and sordid tales. It will also feature the cantankerous club owner's unrelenting quest to become a 'comic icon' by growing his network of clubs and grooming the next break-out comic star.
“We comedians are generally an insufferable, self-absorbed lot, filled with a mix of self-loathing, neurosis, insecurities, ego, narcissism, jealously, moodiness, irritability, anxiety, laziness, bitterness, and insecurity … Who can’t get with that? Getting to see what makes us tick, following our diverse journeys, and examining why we are compelled to make people laugh will be a combination of hilarity and horror.”
- Rick Bronson - Owner, The Comic Strip