‘Crashing’ eyes life beyond stand-up

“Crashing,” created by Pete Holmes (with executive producers including Judd Apatow), isn’t just another entry in the Comedian Plays Himself genre. It captures the grind before a comedian is famous, an ordeal that isn’t always funny — and the show has no qualms about saying so.

HBO recently picked up the series for a second season.

Holmes recently talked about his series.

What would you say to someone who says, “Why do we need another show like this?”

I completely understand that question. The thing that I think gives our show a different motor is that it’s really about going through a divorce from your wife and losing your faith, while also trying to make it as a stand-up. The show is equal parts about finding yourself ( and) becoming a grown-up.

There are many aspects of the show that are based on your life, including your divorce. Was writing this a form of therapy?

Absolutely. Because having someone consider a trauma from multiple perspectives, not just your own, was very healing for me.

How will the show grow in the second season?

The first season is about Pete in denial. He thinks he’s going to get back with his wife, and the whole time he’s trying to get her back. The second season will be Pete accepting, processing and even maybe rebelling and acting out because he’s hurt.