MovieChat Forums > Last Comic Standing (2003) Discussion > Way too positive??

Way too positive??

posted 9 years ago by BeanieBabyProfits
8 replies | jump to latest

I haven't watched this show in quite a few seasons but I don't remember it to be so positive aka unrealistic to the comedy forum.

Why is every single comment from the judges the most positive critique these people have ever heard? The irony is that of all talent competition reality shows, this industry can be the most brutally honest and unforgiving. Yet the judges are showering these folks with the highest form of compliments for every joke they tell.

"You are a star, you should be in movies, you deserve your own hbo special, you will have your own television show, you remind me of _____ (insert comedy legend name), that was the best joke Ive heard this year, that was the best bit I've ever heard, you are going to be one of the greats, that joke was an instant classic, you are a truly great writer......."

On and on and on. There has been literally ZERO harsh criticism whatsoever this season. The few and far between pieces of criticism this season have been so soft and watered down that the comic doesn't even truly understand they are being negatively critiqued. There have been post set interviews where the comic even points out that they are not sure.

Again, the odd thing is, this industry is the complete opposite of that. They need a Simon Cowell (honest) judge from the industry. Like Jeff Ross or the late (actually "great" and "classic") Greg Giraldo. Get Lampinelli or Amy Schumer up there and let's hear some honest reviews.

Is the motive to gain more viewers by preaching how "great" these people are? Trying to dup idiots into watching so they don't miss these "legends?"

What are your opinions?

[–] cutty2000 9 years ago

Whoever is producing/editing/show running this season is completely out of touch with modern comedy. They couldn't make this show more hacky if they tried.

[–] cutty2000 9 years ago

To expand my own comment...you will never see someone like Lampanelli (who I hate),or Schumer (who I love)(and who was ON this freaking show as a contestant) on this show. This is NBC on Wednesday night. There is a post on this board where people talk about how they don't like Jeselnik because "he's too mean"...that is the demo for this show...'wholesome' family comedy.

Jeselnik and Norm, and to a degree Roseanne, are completely miscast. The reason Norm sounds like a senile old man and Anthony doesn't sound like anything is because the editors cut 95% of their material...too "edgy" for prime time network rubes to handle.

The show you WANT to watch is a theoretical show where this format is ripped off and aired at 10pm on Comedy Central.

Sadly we get this fluff instead.

[–] BeanieBabyProfits 9 years ago

Wow.... I didn't even think about the time slight, station, day of the week....

YOU HAVE SHOWN ME THE LIGHT:

1) Why would they even put a show like this on this station and time. The medium of creative, successful stand up usually has some element of edge and/or raunch to it (usually - exceptions like Gaffigan exist). I know this because I listen to good comedy on Raw Dog every day XM 99. So why??

And then....ohhh yaaaaa... obviously:

2) I should have put this together knowing that part of the prize is potentially a week night comedy slot on NBC. That should have told me right there by the prize that this is all one tie in. Duh, they are positive because they are boosting the family opinion of whoever wins this (wimpy) competition. That would clearly make an easier sell for whatever (wimpy) show the winner is involved with down the road.

THANK YOU for mentioning the network/time slot thing. I am glad to have seen the light, a little ashamed I didn't realize it earlier but that's ok. At least I spotted something wrong and disliked it, you helped me bring it full circle for me.

Now I wonder how many fools are out there enjoying this but are ultimately getting duped into subconsciously buying into whatever crap they put put with the winner.

PS - AJ is hysterical and his stuff that could never be played on NBC is legitimately great/classic.

[–] cutty2000 9 years ago

1) NBC first aired LCS in 2003...a lifetime ago in the media world. The television landscape looked very different in 2003 than it does now...your post reflects how the format is aging (not well). In this post modern world 'traditional' comedy doesn't hit like it used to. The prime time networks are dying a slow death, as cable and online outlets continue to innovate while the 'big 3' continue to struggle. They'll either adapt and survive...or they won't.

2) While I totally agree than NBC has vested interest in selling you the image of these comics, and they are definitely pushing a family friendly tone for the show, I would point out that a 'development deal' doesn't necessarily mean that what is developed will land on NBC, or in prime time. Amy Schumer got a development deal and ended up with "Inside Amy Schumer"...which airs on Comedy Central (and is pretty filthy). So at the end of the day, I see why they try to maintain their edge by hiring AJ...they just can't commit all the way, and the show suffers for it.

I'm actually a new LCS viewer, and I'm pretty disappointed (as you sound) with how 'tame' the show is, and how bad the editing is. AJ is gold, and they are burying his lines. A shame!

[–] Dobbsysugarmuffin 9 years ago

Last season was much better in its setup, but this year the editing is just terrible. I'm pretty sure this is the last season we will see of this show. It's a shame because what it could be if they didn't cut 95% of the good stuff then would be so much better.

[–] log705 9 years ago

"Jeselnik and Norm[...]are completely miscast"

somewhat ironic, i guess, that those 2 are the initial reason i'd started watching this season in the first place

[–] poit57 9 years ago

True, the balance between criticism and praise has been skewed toward the positive end of the spectrum for some comics who I didn't feel are very funny. However, have you watched the two semi-final episodes? In both episodes there was a montage of judges giving criticism to about half the comics - ones who they didn't think performed well or up to expectations.

The criticism that they have given is how it should be done - in a manner that encourages the working comedians to be better in their careers while at the same time letting them know that they aren't good enough to win this show. There is no need to be mean about it like Simon Cowell usually comes off.

[–] fragglecock666 9 years ago

I was in the audience a few times this season, TRUST ME everything was funnier/edgier in person. The comics, the judges, the host, it was extremely entertaining and hilarious. There was alot of great insults by Norm and others that were so harsh but true. I am shocked they choose to show a more "nice" perspective from the judges. What the show actually broadcast is a more family friendly edited version than what actually happened.