America's most compelling comedy competition, "Last Comic Standing," is back for its ninth season to resume its search for the funniest comic in the country.
Reality Rewind reports that NBC will be switching things up for the new installment as there will be several changes on the show's format. First, the season will be holding auditions by invitation to only a hundred comics all over the country. From 100, the comic will be reduced to only 40 contestants, who will then compete in a semifinal round. The best 10 comics will proceed to a new head-to-head round where they will be paired for an all-or-nothing single elimination of stand-up standoffs.
Only five comedians will move on to the final round, where they will all try their best to win a $250,000 worth of prize package, including a developmental deal to star in their own television show and the title of "Last Comic Standing" for season 9.
Aside from the format innovations on the show, viewers will also see new faces gracing the Emmy Award-nominated series. Anthony Jeselnik (The Jeselnik Offensive) will take his post as the new host, while Norm MacDonald (Saturday Nigh Live) will join Roseanne Barr and Keenan Ivory Wayans in the judging panel. The two comedians are expected to bring their unique brand of wit and humor in the eight-episode season.
The new trailer of "Last Comic Standing" released by NBC provides a glimpse of what viewers can expect in the new season. The Laugh Button identifies some of the talents who will showcase their comedic styles, including Junior Stopka, Ian Bagg, and Ms. Patt, among others. Will any of these comics standout and win the judges' laughter?
Tune in on the special two-hour season premiere of "Last Comic Standing," July 22 at 9 p.m. EST to find out. Regular airings will start the following week every Wednesday at 10 p.m. EST on NBC.
