Comedy on the edge
August is here and the end of summer is in sight. What better way to cure the summertime blues than by tickling the ol’ funny bone. And what better way to do that than to watch a series called Funny as Hell.
Season 2 of comedian Jon Dore’s standup series repeats for a laugha-thon tonight on HBO. Hosted by Ottawa-born Dore, you’ll be treated to uncensored, politically incorrect comedy from some of the most risque talents in the standup game. (George Carlin and Lenny Bruce will no doubt be watching tonight from their TV in heaven.) You can watch eight straight 30-minute episodes tonight before the clock even strikes midnight.
The laugh-a-thon kicks off with Episode 1, featuring former SNL and 30 Rock writer Hannibal Buress. His tirades about porn and other less-than-delicate matters are followed up by Pete Holmes (Ugly Americans) and Jeffrey Ross (Comedy Central Roast and Dancing with the Stars). Ross even takes a shot at the series’ parent network with the line: “HBO Canada … it doesn’t get any smaller than this.”
And here’s a more familyfriendly quip from Buress’s routine: “I used to live with my girl. She would walk around our place mad and I wouldn’t know why she was mad. I don’t play those games, so I would just trip her … ‘I don’t know what you were mad about before, but I definitely know you’re mad that I just tripped you. Maybe you’ll open up about it while you’re putting ice on that knee.’ ”
Episode 2 features the pottymouthed bundle of insanity that is Kristen Schaal (Flight of the Conchords, 30 Rock), and New York’s Amy Schumer (Last Comic Standing) delivers the key yuks in Episode 4. The musical antics of Nick Thune are the standout of the fifth episode, while Eugene Mirman and Arj Barker — also of Conchords fame — hit the stage in Episode 7.
If you’re still awake for No. 8, you’ll be treated to the ever-droll Rhys Darby — famous for playing befuddled band manager Murray Hewitt on Flight of the Conchords — and Bridget Everett, who pairs up with DJ Ad Rock (Adam Horivitz) of the Beastie Boys.
Not for the easily offended, but a great escape for those who like their humour on the edge. (HBO Canada — 8 p.m.)
Dive into the pool. Tune into the Olympics swimming semifinals and finals. (CTV — 11 a.m.)