A new spinoff to Vice TV's Dark Side franchise has just been announced. Originally, the franchise kicked off with the pro wrestling-focused docuseries Dark Side of the Ring, an acclaimed series that delves into some of pro wrestling history's darkest and most tragic moments. That show was later given two spinoffs with Dark Side of the 90s as well as Dark Side of Football having also since arrived. Next, the network will introduce Dark Side of Comedy, and you can watch a teaser trailer below.
As it sounds, the series will focus specifically on comedy history's darkest moments, detailing the stories of controversial comedians and the tragic deaths of various funnymen. Per Variety, the show has been described as a "fresh look at an art form that has long shined a light on significant cultural issues, and the artists who have managed to create light in times of darkness.” The cabler adds that the series "examines the internal battles, unexpected fame and societal pressures that are ever-present in the comedy world; as well as the lasting legacy of the women and men who allow us to see the world through their eyes.”
We can expect different names involved with comedy to be providing interviews and insight into the various stories presented in Dark Side of Comedy. Dave Foley will serve as the host for all ten episodes of the show's freshman season. Various comedians will be brought in to share their stories and opinions about the various topics, and this includes late comic Gilbert Gottfried, as well as Patton Oswalt, Godfrey, Maria Bamford, and more. You can read the official logline below.
“Comedy has entered a new golden age. Podcasts, social media, and streaming services have all created new life and new laughs for comics living and dead — comics who were once relegated to smoky nightclubs and finite network TV time slots. Similarly, a new generation of comics and comedy fans are reassessing the legacy of legends, some who are even more culturally relevant today than in their prime. Through first-person storytelling, incredible archival, and evocative recreations, Dark Side of Comedy explores the intensely personal journeys of the world’s most beloved comics, and the struggles that they encounter behind the mask."
Ten Stories Will Be Covered in Dark Side of Comedy Season 1
There will certainly be no shortage of tragic tales from comedy history to cover for this series, and if the series does as well as Dark Side of the Ring, we may end up seeing a lot more than what's included in season 1. As revealed in the trailer, these comedians will be the focus of the show's first season: Andrew Dice Clay, Chris Farley, Freddie Prinze, Artie Lange, Roseanne Barr, Dustin Diamond, Greg Giraldo, Brett Butler, Richard Pryor, and Maria Bamford.
Dark Side of Comedy is set to premiere on Vice on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022, at 9 p.m.