LAUGHING at the STARS
CREATED BY:
KERRI LOUISE
TOM COTTER
pitch site
LOGLINE
The illegitimate child of Dancing with the Stars, Last Comic Standing, and The Voice.
CONCEPT
Laughing at the Stars offers an irreverent, edgy, and insightful journey into the world of comedy, pairing 12 celebrities with seasoned comic mentors. The show's real magic lies in its behind-the-scenes footage, giving viewers an unprecedented master class in standup comedy. Watch as mentors break down the science of timing, the art of self-deprecation, and the delicate balance of pushing boundaries without crossing lines. You'll see celebrities sweat through writer's block, fumble punchlines, and experience the thrill of their first genuine laughs. The stakes heighten each week as the celebrities perform their routines before a live audience and a legendary panel of comic judges, with one duo facing elimination each episode. This pressure cooker environment leads to hilarious meltdowns and unexpected triumphs, culminating in a grand finale where the premier comic talent emerges. Laughing at the Stars isn't just entertainment; it's an immersive journey into the art of making people laugh, proving that comedy truly is serious business.
PLAY VIDEO
just a few examples...
FORMAT
Hosted by a seasoned standup comedian (like Leslie Jones) or comedy duo (like married couple Kerri Louise and Tom Cotter), 12 celebrity/comic pairs will be given a designated genre of comedy each episode that the celebs will have to learn and master, which will become increasingly difficult as the show progresses:
- Monologue
- Self-depricating
- Observational
- Storytelling
- Physical Comedy
- Satirical
- Improv
- Crowd Work
What truly sets this show apart is its raw, unfiltered peek behind the comedy curtain. As cameras capture the intense mentor-celebrity collaborations, viewers are thrust into the thrilling chaos of creating stand-up gold. Watch the spark of a brilliant joke ignite, only to fizzle under the harsh light of a practice run. Witness the delicate dance between mentor and mentee as egos clash, insecurities surface, and unexpected bonds form.
From late-night writing sessions fueled by caffeine and desperation to nail-biting rehearsals where timing is everything, the show exposes the blood, sweat, and tears behind those crucial two minutes on stage. It's a masterclass in the art of comedy, revealing the painstaking process of mining personal experiences for laughs, crafting the perfect punchline, and finding the courage to bare one's soul for the sake of a chuckle.
FORMAT
This isn't just about celebrities trying their hand at stand-up; it's an intimate exploration of vulnerability, creativity, and the universal human desire to connect through laughter. Prepare to laugh, cringe, and gain a whole new appreciation for the craft as you witness the transformation of celebrities into bona fide comedians.
Examples of mentor/celebrity duos:
Each week, duos face a critical test: performing in a packed comedy club before a live audience and a panel of comedy legends. The pressure is palpable as careers and reputations hang in the balance. With every joke, they must win over both the crowd and the judges, with the lowest-scoring pair facing elimination. As the competition intensifies, only the truly gifted and resilient will survive. In the end, one mentor/celebrity team will prove their comedic prowess and be crowned the winners of *Laughing at the Stars*. With the spotlight on and the mic in hand, it's time to see who has what it takes to turn laughter into victory.
(cont’d)
- Wanda Sykes + Ben Affleck
- Margaret Cho + Michael Phelps
- Chris Rock + Sandra Oh
- Brad Garrett+ Jeremy Allen White
- Sarah Silverman + Michael B.Jordan
- Jeffrey Ross + Liam Neeson
- Aziz Ansari + Zendaya
- Jenny Slate + Jenna Ortega
CONTACT FOR
CO-PRODUCTION / DISTRIBUTION
Bud Tody
CEO/Executive Producer
310-699-1322
bud@thelionent.com
Kerri Tabasky
Executive Producer/Development
617-797-2986
kerri@thelionent.com