Author Kliph Nesteroff examines the state of stand-up

Viceland is to air a new series looking at the US comedy scene, and what it takes to become a stand-up today.

Funny How? is fronted by comedy expert Kliph Nesteroff, who last year wrote the acclaimed book The Comedians, about the history of stand-up in North America. He said: 'Now I want to know what it's actually like to be a comedian today.'

A trailer has been released today showing that Dave Attell, Mike Birbiglia, Rhea Butcher, Cameron Esposito, and Pete Holmes are among those interviewed, along with a number of rookie comedians.

Nesteroff, who was formerly a stand-up in Canada, also suggests: ‘I don’t believe comedy is a vehicle for change’ – although it’s clear not all the contributors agree with hi,’/

Funny How? premieres July 10 on Viceland in the States , where it will be stripped across five nightly episodes – and Chortle can reveal that it is scheduled to air on the UK channel from October 24.

Viceland is currently airing Brexit Stage Left,in which stand-ups Sean McLoughlin, Fern Brady, Jamali Maddix, Alfie Brown travel around to Europe performing comedy; and has ordered a second series of Maddix’s show Hate Thy Neighbour, in which the comic travels the world meeting racists and bigots.

Published: 21 Jun 2017