SHOWTIME(R) PICKS UP NEW COMEDY "I'M DYING UP HERE" TO SERIES

From Executive Producer Jim Carrey, The Series Stars Oscar(R) Winner Melissa Leo, Ari Graynor, Michael Angarano, Clark Duke, Andrew Santino And RJ Cyler As Part Of A Large Ensemble Cast

PASADENA, CA - January 12, 2016 - Today, SHOWTIME announced the pick-up of a new one-hour comedy series I'M DYING UP HERE. Set in L.A.'s celebrated, infamous stand-up comedy scene of the 1970s, during which the careers of many of the comedy superstars began, the series delves into the inspired and damaged psyches that are required to stand alone in front of an audience and make them laugh. From executive producer Jim Carrey, I'M DYING UP HERE stars Academy Award(R) winner Melissa Leo (The Fighter, Louie), Ari Graynor (For A Good Time Call), Clark Duke (Hot Tub Time Machine, The Office), Michael Angarano (The Knick), Andrew Santino (Mixology), RJ Cyler (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl), Erik Griffin (Workaholics) and Stephen Guarino (Happy Endings) as part of a large ensemble cast. The announcement was made today by David Nevins, President and CEO, Showtime Networks Inc., as part of the Television Critics Association's Winter Press Tour.

I'M DYING UP HERE follows up and coming comedians in LA in the 1970s, who are mentored by "Goldie" (Leo), a brassy comedy club owner who rules over her business with an iron fist and nurtures her comedians with tough love. Graynor, Santino, Cyler, Griffin and Guarino star as the main stand-ups at the club. Angarano and Duke play ballsy young comedians from Boston who move to L.A. with the hopes of making it big. Emmy(R) Award nominee Alfred Molina (Chocolat), Sebastian Stan (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Martian), Oscar nominee Robert Forster (Jackie Brown), Jon Daly (Kroll Show), Al Madrigal (About A Boy, The Daily Show), Emmy nominee Dylan Baker (The Good Wife), Brianne Howey (Horrible Bosses 2), Ginger Gonzaga (Togetherness) and Oscar nominee Cathy Moriarty (Raging Bull) guest star.

Produced by SHOWTIME, I'M DYING UP HERE is written and executive produced by Dave Flebotte (Masters of Sex, Will & Grace, Desperate Housewives), and executive produced by Golden Globe(R) winner Jim Carrey and Michael Aguilar (The Departed, Semi-Pro), and Christina Wayne (Copper) for Endemol Shine Studios and Assembly Entertainment. The pilot was directed by Jonathan Levine (50/50, The Night Before). I'M DYING UP HERE will shoot in LA this fall. The pilot is based on the non-fiction book of the same name by William Knoedelseder.