COMEDY SERIES "CRASHING," CREATED BY AND STARRING PETE HOLMES, RETURNS FOR THIRD SEASON JAN. 20 ON HBO

Fresh off of his two-month college comedy tour, Pete returns to New York City with newfound confidence in his comedic abilities. While growing more assured, he continues to struggle over what he really wants out of comedy and how to find a happy balance between his old, faith-based self and the new, more ambitious comic he's becoming.

Created by and starring Pete Holmes, the critically acclaimed comedy series CRASHING returns for its eight-episode third season SUNDAY, JAN. 20 (10:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO. Executive produced by Pete Holmes, Judd Apatow (HBO's "Girls" and "The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling"), Judah Miller ("Playing House") and Igor Srubshchik ("Master of None"), the series draws on Holmes' own experiences as a comedian, providing a nuanced, hilarious look at the state of comedy today.

CRASHING's third season finds Pete reinvigorated - and no longer crashing on people's couches - as he reenters the NYC stand-up comedy world following his college tour. But even though he's improved, that doesn't mean he's at the head of the pack. While continuing to orbit around fellow comic and ex-girlfriend Ali (Jamie Lee), he connects with a new woman, Kat (Madeline Wise), who has a unique perspective on the comedy world and isn't trying to make it big by telling jokes. As Pete edges closer to success one stand-up set at a time, he continues to navigate his faith, dating and the ever-changing comedy scene.

Series veterans featured on season three of CRASHING include: Lauren Lapkus (HBO's "Animals") as Pete's ex-wife, Jessica; George Basil ("Wrecked") as Leif, Jessica's former lover; Jamie Lee ("Girl Code") as fellow comic and former love interest Ali Reissen; Zach Cherry ("You") as Pete's manager, "Chicken Wing"; Dov Davidoff ("Shades of Blue") as Jason; Jermaine Fowler ("Superior Donuts") as Russell; and Aparna Nancherla ("BoJack Horseman") as Anaya. Madeline Wise ("Peacekeepers") joins the series in the recurring role of Kat, an outgoing city girl who inspires Pete to get serious about his career.

Returning guest comics Dave Attell, Artie Lange and John Mulaney appear as versions of themselves. Other established talents making appearances this season are: Ray Romano, Amy Schumer, Estee Adoram, Wayne Federman, Greg Fitzsimmons, Chris Gethard, Kevin Brennan, Elon Gold, Joyelle Johnson, Jessica Kirson, Emo Philips, Colin Quinn, Vanessa Ramos, Modi Rosenfeld, Wil Sylvinces, Marissa Jaret Winokur and Jaboukie Young-White.

Episodes include:

Episode #17 (season 3, episode 1): "Jaboukie"

Debut date: SUNDAY, JAN. 20 (10:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT)

As his successful two-month college comedy tour comes to an end, Pete (Pete Holmes), donning a new look and confidence to match, takes a college-age aspiring comedian, Jaboukie (Jaboukie Young-White), under his wing. But Pete's return to New York finds him having an awkward reunion and a big audition at the Comedy Cellar that could change everything.

Written by Judd Apatow & Pete Holmes; directed by Ryan McFaul.

Episode #18 (season 3, episode 2): "The Temple Gig"

Debut date: SUNDAY, JAN. 27 (10:10-10:40 p.m.)

Feeling like his time away from New York has taken him out of the scene, Pete (Pete Holmes) accepts an offer to perform at a Jewish show, where Elon Gold and Modi (Modi Rosenfeld) question his impulsive behavior with a woman he met earlier that day.

Written by Judah Miller & Pete Holmes & Yoni Weinberg; directed by Ryan McFaul.

Episode #19 (season 3, episode 3): "The Secret"

Debut date: SUNDAY, FEB. 3 (10:00-10:30 p.m.)

Pete (Pete Holmes) falls headfirst into a relationship with a new girlfriend, Kat (Madeline Wise), who encourages him to be more aggressive in his career. On the night of their three-week anniversary, things amp up after a visit to a sex shop and a comedy show that morphs into a night all about Pete.

Written by Pete Holmes; directed by Gillian Robespierre.

Episode #20 (season 3, episode 4): "MC, Middle, Headliner"

Debut date: SUNDAY, FEB. 10 (10:00-10:30 p.m.)

Pete (Pete Holmes) travels to New Jersey with Jason (Dov Davidoff) to do a weekend of shows at a big corporate comedy club and is surprised to find Ali (Jamie Lee), his ex, staying with them at the comedy condo. Jason's misogynistic act and point of view cause Pete to question his path in comedy.

Written by Dave King & Mike Lawrence & Pete Holmes; directed by Oren Brimer.

Episode #21 (season 3, episode 5): "Mom and Kat"

Debut date: SUNDAY, FEB. 17 (10:00-10:30 p.m.)

During a tour stop, Pete (Pete Holmes) pays a visit to his parents (Fred Applegate, Audrie Neenan) and introduces them to Kat (Madeline Wise), who notices the uncomfortably close relationship he has with his overbearing mom. As he tries to keep the peace, Pete grows increasingly trapped between the two most important women in his life.

Written by Judd Apatow & Pete Holmes; directed by Gillian Robespierre.

Episode #22 (season 3, episode 6): "The Viewing Party"

Debut date: SUNDAY, FEB. 24 (10:00-10:30 p.m.)

Pete (Pete Holmes) and Kat (Madeline Wise) attend a viewing party for Ali's late-night spot on Seth Meyers' show. Tensions mount as Ali (Jamie Lee) is nervous about how her set went and Kat becomes jealous of Pete's friendship with his ex.

Written by Jamie Lee & Pete Holmes; directed by Judd Apatow.

Episode #23 (season 3, episode 7): "The Christian Tour"

Debut date: SUNDAY, MARCH 3 (10:00-10:30 p.m.)

While enjoying the perks of being on a Christian comedy tour, Pete (Pete Holmes) feels busted when he runs into NY Cellar comic Jessica Kirson in Charleston. After ghosting Kat (Madeline Wise) while on the road, Pete finally sits down to talk about their relationship.

Written by Greg Fitzsimmons & Pete Holmes; directed by Gillian Robespierre.

Episode #24 (season 3, episode 8): "Mulaney" (season finale)

Debut date: SUNDAY, MARCH 10 (10:00-10:30 p.m.)

Pete (Pete Holmes) jumps at the opportunity of a lifetime to open for John Mulaney at New York's Town Hall, but the gig leaves him in an awkward situation.

Written by Judd Apatow & Judah Miller; directed by Gillian Robespierre.

CRASHING is also available on HBO NOW, HBO GO, HBO On Demand and affiliate portals.

Pete Holmes starred in the stand-up comedy special "Pete Holmes: Faces and Sounds," which debuted on HBO in 2016; his second HBO stand-up special, "Pete Holmes: Dirty Clean," debuts Dec. 15. He also hosts the popular podcast "You Made It Weird," which has featured such guests as Larry Charles, Garry Shandling, Zach Galifianakis, Sarah Silverman, Norman Lear, Deepak Chopra and Tig Notaro, among many others, and previously hosted the cable program "The Pete Holmes Show." In addition, Holmes has appeared on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," "Conan" and "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," as well as starring in two other cable comedy specials, and has voiced characters for "American Dad," "Ugly Americans" and HBO's "Animals." He has also animated several cartoons for the New Yorker magazine.

CRASHING is executive produced by Pete Holmes, Judd Apatow, Judah Miller and Igor Srubshchik; co-executive producer, Oren Brimer; producers, Josh Church, Dave Rath, Greg Fitzsimmons and Jamie Lee.