Vents MagaZine Music and Entertainment Magazine
Related Articles
I remember the first time I heard anything from Comedy Bang! Bang!, which was at the time known as Comedy Death Ray. It was recorded from a radio station in Los Angeles. It was actually on the radio in addition to being a podcast, I believe. Host Scott Aukerman would play comedy music from time to time. On occasion there would be guest hosts, because it had to be on the air at a certain time. Kumail Nanjiani was on and he was talking about meeting John Mayer. Aukerman seemed funny and the vibe seemed good. I didn’t start listening to it regularly at that time, though.
The second time I listened to Comedy Bang! Bang!, Ben Stiller, Jeff Garlin, and Paul F. Tompkins were listed as guests. That sounded good to me! Then, the show began with somebody pretending to be Ice-T and talking with Scott. I was annoyed. Where was Stiller!? Where was Garlin!? Where was Tompkins!? I had no idea that Tompkins was playing Ice-T. I had no idea the premise of Comedy Death Ray was that there would be one or two “real” guests, and then a fake guest or two. Characters, as it were. Improvisors and comedians showing up to goof around.
Once I knew this was the premise, I got hooked in. I went back and listened to old episodes. Comedy Bang! Bang! became one of my favorite podcasts. I am writing this just after the show has dropped its 12th anniversary episode. It’s an insane two-and-a-half hours of comedy and nonsense. Many fan favorites stopped by, primarily in character. The show has changed a lot over the years. It’s not on the radio. They don’t play music. They don’t play any games anymore, really. Not even “Would You Rather?.” What hasn’t happened, though, is the show dropping in quality or losing steam.
Comedy Bang! Bang! is one of my favorite podcasts. It has had so many hilarious episodes. People like Paul F. Tompkins, Lauren Lapkus, and Andy Daly have created characters that have made it hard to breathe from laughing so much. Eventually they made a TV version that aired for over 100 episodes on IFC that was also really good. These days, it’s just the podcast, but it’s still one of the best podcasts out there. Even during the pandemic, it’s gone strong, and I know firsthand how hard it is to do comedy over Zoom.
Going back into the history of Comedy Bang! Bang! would be exceedingly daunting right now. You’d also need Stitcher Premium. You don’t need to do that. Join in on the fun anytime. If you love comedy and like podcasts, Comedy Bang! Bang! needs to be in your regular rotation. It’s definitely mustard. Or maybe it’s pants. Who really knows?
