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While the major networks roll out their comedy slates with new (though mostly “eh”) offerings like Mulaney, Bad Judge and Manhattan Love Story, and older favs like Modern Family, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and New Girl, other cable networks are airing shows that may fly under the radar. We’re giving you a heads up on three comedies that are returning this week, two tonight, that are worth a [even a second] chance.
Comedy Bang! Bang!, IFC, Oct. 17
If you haven’t caught Scott Aukerman’s Comedy Bang! Bang! TV show yet on IFC, it returns tonight at a new night and time—Fridays at 11 pm—with 10 more new episodes for its third season. (Auckerman confirmed with LAist at an IFC launch party last week that they’re doing 40 episodes this season—on top of his podcast, live standup showcase and other projects.) On Comedy Bang! Bang! Aukerman serves as the host of the quirky, scripted late-night talk show with musical collaborator Reggie Watts joining in on the fun.
Auckerman’s having plenty of guest stars over to chit chat for the rest of the season, including Eric Andre, Rob Corddry, Bobby Moynihan, Horatio Sanz, Kevin Smith, The Lonely Island, The national, Weird Al Yankovic and many more. Check out Ellie Kemper’s appearance in which she and Auckerman improv a prison break movie:
The Birthday Boys, IFC, Oct. 17
The Birthday Boys follow Auckerman’s lead-in on Fridays at 11:30 pm, also on IFC. Now in its second season, the troupe seems to have found its groove after a shaky first season. The boys (Jefferson Dutton, Dave Ferguson, Mike Hanford, Tim Kalpakis, Matt Kowalick, Mike Mitchell and Chris VanArtsdalen) got their start at L.A.’s own Upright Citizens Brigade, and were huge Bob Odenkirk fans. They hounded Odenkirk and his wife (talent manager Naomi Odenkirk) for a chance, and voila, Bob Odenkirk services as the unnofficial eight member of The Birthday Boys—and the show’s executive producer.
For the second season, The Birthday Boys have recruited a who’s who in comedy for guest spots, including Aukerman, Jack Black, Kyle Gass, Tony Hale, Tim Heidecker, Thomas Lennon, Riki Lindhome, Kate Micucci, Casey Wilson, Fabio and so many more. Watch guest Dana Carvey drop in at the end of this sketch:
Newsreaders, Adult Swim, Oct. 23
The second season of the irreverent news show Newsreaders debuts on Adult Swim on Oct. 23 at midnight. Created and executive produced by Rob Corddry, Jonathan Stern, David Wain and show runner Jim Margolis, Newsreaders promises it’s going to be “newsier and readier than ever.”
Now hosted by Alan Tudyk, the 15-minute episodes feature returning cast members Alison Becker, Beth Dover, Dannah Phirman and Ray Wise and plenty of guest stars, including David Hasselhoff in the premiere episode. We saw the Hoff and Kumail Nanjiani in a segment exploring the phenomenon of “F-- Dancing.” And it was hysterical. Don’t believe us? Then check out the episode yourself:
