Showtime renews drama about 1970s comedy scene

I'm Dying Up Here, which tells the story of the 1970s Los Angeles comedy scene, has been renewed for a second series.

The move has been considered a surprise as it has attracted low audience figures for the US network Showtime. The first series, which ended last month, averaged just 143,000 viewers, excluding on demand viewers.

However a second series of ten episodes has been commissioned, to air next year.

Showtime’s president of programming Gary Levine said: 'It is gratifying that so many comedians tell us this series really nailed the comedy club experience.

'The talented ensemble of I’m Dying Up Here, led by the brilliant Melissa Leo, and an equally skilled creative team behind the scenes, tell stories that scale the heights of comedy and the depths of drama, often at the same time.

' Having heard their plans for season two, I’m excited about the journeys these characters will take and the new ground the show will break.'

Jim Carrey is executive producer on the show, which is based on the factual book of the same name by William Knoedelseder. It airs on Sky Atlantic in the UK.

Published: 9 Sep 2017