TCB Infomercial: Lewis Black
Digest
This episode of the podcast features a conversation with renowned comedian and commentator Lewis Black. The host begins by introducing Black and highlighting his impact on stand-up comedy. The conversation then delves into Black's early career as a playwright and his experience running a theater in New York City. Black explains how he transitioned from playwriting to stand-up comedy, initially using it as a way to get his writing out there. The conversation then focuses on Black's time on the Daily Show, highlighting how his unique style and sharp commentary helped him gain recognition. The host and guest discuss the impact of television on Black's career, particularly his time on the Daily Show and his subsequent rise to fame. They reflect on the changing landscape of comedy and the emergence of social media as a platform for comedians. Black announces his retirement from touring, explaining his desire to focus on writing and other creative projects. He discusses the challenges of touring and his preference for smaller, more intimate performances. The episode concludes with the host expressing his admiration for Black's comedic talent and his impact on the world of comedy.
Outlines
Lewis Black: A Comedy Legend
The host praises Lewis Black as a comedy legend, highlighting his impact on stand-up comedy and his commentary on life, politics, and current events. The host shares his personal experience of being influenced by Black's work, particularly during the rise of Comedy Central.
Lewis Black's Early Career and Playwriting
The conversation delves into Lewis Black's early career as a playwright and his experience running a theater in New York City. The host and guest discuss the unique environment of the theater, which attracted a diverse group of aspiring artists, including James Gandolfini and Aaron Sorkin.
Transitioning to Stand-up Comedy
Lewis Black explains how he transitioned from playwriting to stand-up comedy, initially using it as a way to get his writing out there. He discusses the challenges of breaking into the comedy scene and his preference for working in smaller, less conventional venues.
Lewis Black's Rise to Fame on the Daily Show
The conversation focuses on Lewis Black's time on the Daily Show, highlighting how his unique style and sharp commentary helped him gain recognition. He describes the process of developing his material for the show and the importance of finding a comfortable stage presence.
The Impact of Television on Lewis Black's Career
The host and guest discuss the impact of television on Lewis Black's career, particularly his time on the Daily Show and his subsequent rise to fame. They reflect on the changing landscape of comedy and the emergence of social media as a platform for comedians.
Lewis Black's Retirement from Touring
Lewis Black announces his retirement from touring, explaining his desire to focus on writing and other creative projects. He discusses the challenges of touring and his preference for smaller, more intimate performances.
Conclusion and Appreciation for Lewis Black
The episode concludes with the host expressing his admiration for Lewis Black's comedic talent and his impact on the world of comedy. The host encourages listeners to check out Black's upcoming tour and his specials on YouTube.
Keywords
Stand-up Comedy
A form of comedic performance where a single comedian performs in front of a live audience, typically using jokes, stories, and observations about life and current events.
Commentary
A form of writing or speaking that provides analysis, interpretation, or opinion on a particular topic or event.
Playwright
A person who writes plays for the theater. Playwrights create scripts that include dialogue, stage directions, and character descriptions.
Daily Show
A satirical news program that features comedic commentary on current events. The Daily Show has been a platform for many successful comedians, including Lewis Black.
Comedy Central
A cable television channel dedicated to comedy programming. Comedy Central has been a major force in the development of stand-up comedy and has launched the careers of many successful comedians.
Lewis Black
A renowned American stand-up comedian, actor, and writer known for his angry, politically charged humor and his signature use of profanity.
Q&A
How did Lewis Black transition from playwriting to stand-up comedy?
Lewis Black initially used stand-up comedy as a way to get his writing out there, as he found it faster and more direct than waiting for theaters to produce his plays.
What was Lewis Black's experience like on the Daily Show?
Lewis Black found the Daily Show to be a challenging but rewarding experience, where he honed his comedic style and developed his material for a wider audience.
What are Lewis Black's plans for the future after retiring from touring?
Lewis Black plans to focus on writing, including playwriting, book writing, and potentially more stand-up specials. He also plans to continue doing occasional special events.
What is Lewis Black's perspective on the changing landscape of comedy?
Lewis Black acknowledges the rise of social media as a platform for comedians and recognizes the challenges of transitioning from online comedy to live performance.
What is Lewis Black's legacy in the world of comedy?
Lewis Black is considered a comedy legend, known for his sharp wit, insightful commentary, and unique style. He has influenced a generation of comedians and continues to be a respected voice in the world of comedy.
Show Notes
Episode #585: Comedy legend Lewis Black joins Bryan & Krissy to get ANGRY about all kinds of malarkey!
- Bryan fanboys over Lewis Black
- The Orioles/Braves/Cubs
- Performing in the suburbs
- The politicians did not leave us alone this summer
- Jacob’s Ladder
- New York in the 80s
- Writing plays
- Getting rejected
- Political drama making Lewis angry!
- Bryan should not be allowed to vote?
- Teleprompters
- Getting on The Daily Show
- More fanboying <3
- He’s done with touring!
- Lewis & Kathleen Madigan
Special Guest: Lewis Black
Watch “Tragically, I Need You”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtE_g3cHTZE
Watch “Thanks For Risking Your Life”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzisHAg7OMc
Watch “RantCast”:
https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialLewisBlack
Follow Lewis on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thelewisblack/?hl=en
Lewis On Tour:
https://www.lewisblack.com/collections/tickets
Text us or leave us a voicemail: +1 (212) 433-3TCB
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Executive Producer: Bryan Green
Hosts: Bryan Green & Krissy Hoadley
Producer: Astrid B. Green
Producer & Audio Editor: Christina Archer
Christina’s Podcast: Apple Podcasts & Spotify
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