Interview with Page Hurwitz and Roseanne Barr from "Last Comic Standing" on NBC - Primetime TV Show Articles From The TV MegaSite
 

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By Suzanne

Page Hurwitz, Executive Producer, Wanda Sykes, Executive Producer, Russell Peters, Roseanne Barr, JB Smoove, Keenen Ivory Wayans

Interview with Page Hurwitzh and Roseanne Barr of "Last Comic Standing" on NBC 5/13/14

I don't usually watch many non-fiction shows, but I enjoy this one because it's really funny. It was great to speak with Roseanne because I've always loved her humor, and her show "Roseanne" was fantastic. I watched every last episode, even when it got really bad towards the last season. This exchange here between she and myself sounds really awkward, but it wasn't that way on the call. Sometimes the written word doesn't translate the spoken word very well.

NBC UNIVERSAL
Moderator: Jill Carmen
May 13, 2014
1:00 pm CT

Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Last Comic Standing Press and Media Conference Call.

During the presentation, all participants will be in a listen only mode. Afterwards we will conduct a question and answer session.

At that time, if you have a question, please press the 1 followed by the 4 on your telephone. If at any time during the conference you need to reach an operator, please Star 0.

As a reminder, this conference is being recorded, Tuesday, May 13, 2014. I would now like to turn the conference over to Jill Carmen. Please go ahead, ma’am.

Jill Carmen: Thank you everybody for joining us today to talk about Last Comic Standing - which is premiering May 22 from 9:00 to 11:00 pm Eastern on NBC.

And a big thank you to Roseanne and Page for taking the time to do the call today - I’d like to ask that we please limit questions to two per outlet - until everyone has had a chance to ask their questions - and that questions please be kept to the topic of Last Comic Standing.

Thank you and Roseanne and Page are ready to take your questions now.

Operator: Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. If you would like to register a question, please press the 1 followed by the 4 on your telephone.

You will hear a three tone prompt to acknowledge your request. If your question has been answered and you’d like to withdraw your registration, please press the 1 followed by the 3.

If you are using a speaker phone, please lift your handset, before entering your request.

Our first question comes from the line of Jamie Ruby with SciFi Vision. Please proceed with your question.

Jamie Ruby: Hi, guys. Thanks so much for doing the call.

Woman: Yes.

Jamie Ruby: Well, my first question is for Roseanne. Can you just talk about why you decided to do the show this season?

Roseanne Barr: I just thought it would be really fun. And when I heard that Keenen Ivory Wayans was one of the judges, you know, I really love him.

And, you know, I like Wanda a lot too. And, you know, so I thought it would be fun to work with some really, you know, great comics and get right in the middle of stuff that has to do with standup comedy.

Jamie Ruby: Okay, great, thanks. And then, for both of you, can you kind of talk about how the formats going to be this year. Because I know it seems like it’s going to be a lot different.

Page Hurwitz: Sure, I can answer that.

Roseanne Barr: That’s you, Page.

Page Hurwitz: Yes, Roseanne’s an expert on the format.

Roseanne Barr: Yes, I know all about...

Page Hurwitz: Roseanne is often quoted as saying, “I have no idea how this show works.”

Roseanne Barr: I kind of don’t. But it’s good, though.

Page Hurwitz: It is. The biggest, I mean, the biggest change the viewers will notice - right out of the gate - is we didn’t do open call auditions year.

In previous seasons they went around and did open calls in various cities. And people off the street would come in and audition.

This season, Wanda Sykes and I did the casting in advance of the show. We picked 100 top comics from around the country. And then we had them come to L.A.

And they performed in a big theater venue - for what we call our invitational round. And they performed for the judges. And then it was up to Roseanne, Keenen and Russell Peters to decide who would advance in the competition.

So that is the biggest change. So we have a new invitational round to the competition. Then the second thing is that we brought back doing challenges which had been done in previous seasons.

However, we did the challenges this season in a way that they were really focused on comedy and in stretching the comedians, in terms of their skillsets - having them try their hand at sketch comedy - - do a little improv.

They did a roast. They did things that they would probably do in their careers as they progress. So instead of putting comedians into whacky situations, we really wanted to put them into situations that they might face as comics going forward.

And we think that they’re really terrific. So that, also, is a change this season. And beyond that, the other big changes that the judges are making all of the decisions this year, in terms of who keeps moving forward in the competition.

In the past, America would vote - - through a phone vote or a text vote. This season the judges have made all the decisions. And we think they’ve done a great job.

Roseanne Barr: Well thanks.

Page Hurwitz: You’re welcome.

Roseanne Barr: I think we’ve done a great job too.

Page Hurwitz: You really have.

Roseanne Barr: It’s just been really hard because there’s just so many good comics.

Page Hurwitz: That’s true. And we’re very pleased with everyone that’s in...

Roseanne Barr: Yes.

Page Hurwitz: ...the competition. So I think viewers will really find that there’s something for everyone.

Operator: And our next question comes from the line of Amy Harrington with Pop Culture Passionistas. Please proceed with your question.

Amy Harrington: Hi, thank both so much for your time today. So Roseanne, we were wondering, you know, on reality shows, they’re kind of become a variety of types of judges.

There’s kind of a supportive judge and a tough love judge. And we were just wondering, what’s your judging style on the show.

Roseanne Barr: Intelligent.

Page Hurwitz: That’s true.

((Crosstalk))

Amy Harrington: Excellent.

Roseanne Barr: You know, I’m just me - I didn’t like, try to copy somebody else. I’m just me. And I’m a big fan of comics and comedy, as you may know and writing.

And, you know, it’s a - I just give my honest opinion, as I have done for, you know, all these many years - when it comes to writing and comedy.

So, you know, I’m not - I don’t think I fit into your paradigm there.

Amy Harrington: Thanks, fair enough. And we were wondering how you think you would have fared on a show like this - when you were starting out - in standup.

Roseanne Barr: I would’ve won. I did, in fact, win the Denver...

Page Hurwitz: She would’ve.

Roseanne Barr: ...laugh off. And that is what, kind of, propelled my career.

And I, you know, did a number of other untelevised comedy contests. But I think I would’ve really worked really hard. And - or else I wouldn’t have - you know, that’s what I like about these comics because they’re prepared.

And had I - you know, if I - I wouldn’t, you know become part of any contest unless I was really prepared and thought I could win.

And that’s what I think we have here. We have, you know - well, we’re seeing who’s prepared and who isn’t prepared.

And that’s like the most exciting part to me. But, of course, I have to say I would’ve won. Because, I mean, you have to have that kind of self-confidence being a standup comic.

Page Hurwitz: True.

Roseanne Barr: You have to really believe in what you do and that you’re the best at doing what you do. And so we’ve seen a lot of people on this show, you know, come in like that but - and falter.

And, you know, but the ones who want it the most, are the ones who make it.

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Bill Harris with Sun Media, please proceed.

Bill Harris: Hey, Roseanne, I know that - like sometimes when we’ll watch, you know, comics from old TV shows - say, in the ‘50’s or the early ‘60’s. You know, sometimes the humor translates - sometimes it, kind of, doesn’t.

I just - because times change. I just wonder - over the time that you have been involved in standup - totally, do you think things have changed?

Does a standup now, have to do something different totally - then they did in past year or how has it changed over the - say, the past 20 years, or so.

Roseanne Barr: What are you talking about - - standup on TV?

Bill Harris: Or just standup in general, you know, as we know it - as it translates to standup on TV - through this show. But standup, in generally, has the tone of it changed? Do you think?

Roseanne Barr: Well, you know, there’s so many different kinds of standup and so many different kinds of clubs - and people like that.

I was thinking that it was pretty static and kind of boring, actually, over these last few years. But becoming a judge - - on this show - - and seeing people who are actually saying - you know, they’re actually writing jokes that I’ve never heard before.

It’s kind of exciting. I’ve never heard these premises in so many of my favorite comics - who are competing.

I’ve never heard this, particular, kind of writing. And it’s very brave. And it’s cool. So that brought me back into comedy.

And I went to - I went to the comedy store. And, also - and I saw these incredible comedians. I have never seen anything like it. I feel really old. It’s a whole different world.

It’s like that when I need my computer fixed; I call my 13 year-old grandson. It’s a whole other world. And, you know, it’s exciting just to watch it. I’ve been seeing. You know, and Keenen and I were talking about it.

It’s like; this is like comedy coming back. It’s like a re-birth of comedy. Not just on this show - but certainly including this show - but all over the place. Yes, there’s a whole different everything.

It’s exciting. It’s kind of like punk-rock.

Bill Harris: Okay, thanks very much.

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Sean Daly with the TVPage. Please proceed.

Roseanne Barr: Has every - is everyone able to hear the other people? I’m sorry. I had a question.

Sean Daly: Yes, we can all hear all the questions.

Roseanne Barr: Oh okay.

Sean Daly: Good day - nice to talk to you, again, Roseanne.

Roseanne Barr: And hi.

Sean Daly: Two things; first of all, about six months or so ago, you sort of - very publicly - said that you were through with television. And you weren’t going to do it anymore.

I’m wondering, is this show an exception to that rule or have you reconsidered...

((Crosstalk))

Roseanne Barr: Well, this isn’t a sitcom. You know, I meant like, you know - I meant developed scripted stuff, you know.

Sean Daly: Okay, but there’s something different that appeals to you about doing this judging thing.

Roseanne Barr: Yes, it’s like I’m, you know, watching, you know, some really incredibly talented people. And, you know, so that’s easy. And I get - you know, I’m not having my brains racked over the coals.

And, you know, I’m laughing. And I’m getting awesome craft service and nice outfits. And the company’s fantastic.

Sean Daly: Great, that’s right. Well, often times when we see people become first time judges on shows like this and I’m thinking about Howard Stern, for example. We get a whole different side of them.

And we learn something new about their personality. And, maybe, understand them in a way that we never had before.

What are we going to learn or understand from seeing you in this role?

Roseanne Barr: That I’m a mouthy bitch. People may not have known that.

Page Hurwitz: I would just like to say, having watched a lot of the footage that we shot, I think one thing that is so great - and there are so many things that are great.

But one of things that’s really great is seeing how passionate Roseanne is about standup.

And I don’t know if people - or certainly now a days - if people know how passionate she is. And that comes through in her criticism and her advice. And that’s been really great for us to see.

So I think that might be something new. I mean everyone knows Roseanne’s one of the best comedians of all time. But I think...

Roseanne Barr: Well, thanks, gees.

Page Hurwitz: Well that is true. And it’s seeing, though, how passionate you are about it - as a craft - is really something great to see. We love that.

Roseanne Barr: Well, I’m passionate about writers and talents. And especially, when you combine those two things and you get a standup comic with a real voice of, you know social criticism.

I mean we haven’t seen that for 100 years. It’s awesome.

Page Hurwitz: Yes, it’s true.

Operator: And ladies and gentlemen, as a reminder; to register for a question, please press the 1 followed by the 4 on your telephone.

Our next question comes from the line of Jamie Steinberg with Starry Constellation Magazine. Please proceed.

Jamie Steinberg: Hi, it’s such an honor to speak with you.

Roseanne Barr: Oh thanks.

Jamie Steinberg: What do think is...

Roseanne Barr: I don’t know what to say when people say stuff like that.

Page Hurwitz: I think that was directed to me.

Roseanne Barr: Oh yes, I’m sorry. It probably was.

Jamie Steinberg: How presumptuous of you.

Roseanne Barr: Really.

Jamie Steinberg: Are you looking forward, Roseanne - now that you’re on social media - to getting the instant feedback after this show airs - of the comics - that they get to see on TV.

Roseanne Barr: I don’t understand what you’re asking me. I’m sorry.

Jamie Steinberg: If people on Twitter are going to respond to you, immediately - when they’re watching the show - and tell you if they liked the comic - or they didn’t like a comic that you liked.

Roseanne Barr: Oh, they might. Yes, you never know what’s going to happen on Twitter. You never know.

Jamie Steinberg: Are you looking forward to hearing what their opinions are - based on the comics they’ll see.

Roseanne Barr: Am I interested in what people on Twitter are going to think of the comics, I’m seeing. Is that what you’re asking?

Jamie Steinberg: Sure, or fans of comedy.

Roseanne Barr: Well I just - you know, I - you know, I don’t know. I don’t really know if, you know, they’re qualified to be judges of it. But I hope it makes them laugh.

And I hope they appreciate the art form, you know. But, you know, I don’t - I guess I - I don’t know - can’t answer it.

Page Hurwitz: Well I think - yes, I think us having the judges make the selections - this season - has been really terrific. And so, I love that what Roseanne just said about, “Hopefully, we’ll make people laugh.” But I think...

Roseanne Barr: Oh I think they’re going to have a lot of laughs. I think they’re going to see a really good show. And then I think they’re going to see some, you know, some good - sometimes brutal feedback.

And, you know, I’ve never seen anything like it on TV. So I hope they’ll enjoy it. You know, but they’re not part of the judging process - if that’s what you meant.

Jamie Steinberg: Oh no, I just meant like, do you like hearing fan feedback from people? Are you looking...

Roseanne Barr: Oh yes, I like when they enjoy what I do, yes.

Jamie Steinberg: And we know that you’re a fan of politics. Do we get to see a number of comedians on the show - this - season that have political humor?

Roseanne Barr: Yes, it’s pretty amazing.

Page Hurwitz: Yes, when Roseanne mentioned, already, you know, we do have a lot of comics who are making social commentary - so have something to say and that just...

((Crosstalk))

Roseanne Barr: I mean these are like - some of them are legitimate, social critics. That you’d think, “Oh my god, this person needs to go on, you know, for CNN - or something.

I mean they’re funny and measured. But like I say, I am very impressed with the writing - so impressed. Aren’t you, Page?

Page Hurwitz: I am. And we’ve seen some of them who’ve performed several times - and already in the competition. And every time, they deliver.

And it’s something unexpected. And they’re brave. They’re not afraid to walk the edge - to sometimes cross over that edge. It’s pretty good stuff.

I think that also is different - I think - this season. As said, we have...

((Crosstalk))

Roseanne Barr: Well Page, you want Wanda have totally redefined this show. And you’re really helping to, you know, support the great art and craft of standup comedy.

And that’s really, you know - I’m really happy to be - I’m happy that you asked me to be on here.

Page Hurwitz: Well we are thrilled that you said, yes because when - I mean, not to have a public love fest, but it really is true. You know, Wanda and I wanted to do this and do it differently because we are passionate about it.

And we thought that the timing was right. And we couldn’t imagine doing the show without you, Roseanne.

Roseanne Barr: Well you’re sweet. But I have to say, I’m blown away, every week. I’m sitting next to a bodhisattva. I’m sitting next to Keenen Ivory Wayans.

That guy, he’s like a...

Page Hurwitz: He’s amazing. He’s brilliant.

Roseanne Barr: His commentary and the way he sees - I mean, of course, discovered a lot of great performers and comic on his shows and movies.

Page Hurwitz: In Living Color, yes.

Roseanne Barr: And I discovered a lot of talent too. But, man, his feedback is like - I’m always like, let Keenen go first. And then I go, I agree with Keenen. He’s just a brilliant - his systematic - the way he - you know, it’s just amazing.

Page Hurwitz: It’s like professorial, you know.

Roseanne Bar: And also, it’s so funny. I mean Russell Peters - we need to mention him too because I never even heard of the guy, to be honest.

And they’re like; this guy is like the Beatles. And so I went on YouTube to - I mean he’s playing on like 70,000 seat arenas. And, you know, is right now, like, kind of in a Russell Brand thing.

He’s real new to the United States. And that guy is so funny. It’s like non-stop. He’s feedback is - he gives feedback like a standup comic - - joke, joke, joke.

And I mean there’s nothing on earth that he doesn’t have a joke for. It’s amazing. And it made me like - go, “Oh this is so cool to be back in this arena.”

Page Hurwitz: It’s a great panel for those reasons. It’s like everyone brings something different to the table. And it’s such a nice combination.

((Crosstalk))

Roseanne Barr: But you’re doing all this other stuff. Like, I mean, you’re doing like these packages on the comics, themselves. Kind of reminds me of American Idol, a little bit.

But then, you’re putting them in other arenas - besides the standup arena.

Page Hurwitz: Yes.

Rosanna Barr: It’s just like, you know, you’re putting them in other arenas - which is cool.

Page Hurwitz: Yes, because we wanted for them to be, you know, a step toward, you know, a big career. And so we want to try and challenge them by giving them, you know, opportunities to do some of these things.

Like, you know, do a roast. Be on a talk show. Do sketch comedy - stuff that they’re going to have to do, as they progress.

And it’s been awesome. The comics have loved it. You know, they’ve all said, this has been so much fun. We never would’ve had a chance to do this.

So that makes us proud. We’re really happy about that.

Woman: Yes.

Operator: Our question comes from the line of Jerry Nunn with the Chicago Pride. Please proceed.

Jerry Nunn: Hi, I just wanted to say to Page, you’ve got such a wide variety of diversity on the judges and working with Wanda - and everything. How is that? And it just seems like a great team.

Page Hurwitz: Well I think, you know, it’s funny. People always talk about, you know, diversity and striving toward, you know, diversity.

For, you know, Wanda and I don’t even think about it. You know, it’s just comes naturally to us.

You know, we like working with really talented people. We like working with really funny people. And those people come in all different forms. So, you know, for us...

Roseanne Barr: But I do think that because Wanda is an African American woman, she has a different definition of things than just the average television producer. And I think it’s very needed and very exciting.

Page Hurwitz: Yes, I mean, that’s true. Yes, I think that’s very true. I mean, you know, she brings a different life experience to the table. And I think as a producer that that’s really important.

But what I meant is really, it’s not like a chore for us. Like, oh, we’ve got to go find different voices. That’s how we produce everything we do.

And it makes for a better show. And we love it. Like, we love...

Roseanne Barr: Certainly.

Page Hurwitz: ...that - you know, it’s just - it’s a much more enriching process.

And the product that we feel is always better. So we’re thrilled because we have such a great cast of judges and a diverse group of judges and our host, of course, J.B. Smoove - who’s hilariously funny.

And also his style of comedy is...

((Crosstalk))

Roseanne Barr: I never heard of him either. That’s how isolated I’ve been. But when I saw that guy doing his MC stuff, I was amazed. I’ve never seen anybody doing that much physical...

Page Hurwitz: I know.

Roseanne Barr: ...comedy. It’s just amazing. He’s - it’s like a (woo). I never saw anything like it. It’s great.

Page Hurwitz: It is. He’s got such great energy. And he also, you know - there’s also diversity in style. Like he’s, you know, he’s very good at improv and off the cuff.

Like, he’s really terrific. And so I think. And all three judges too - have very different comedy styles. So it’s really nice. It’s just, sort of, an embarrassment of riches.

Jerry Nunn: Great, well, I look forward to seeing it. It looks really great.

Page Hurwitz: Well thank you.

Roseanne Barr: Thanks.

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of (Elemi Aminokus) with TV Guide Canada. Please proceed.

Roseanne Barr: Canada?

Woman: Yes.

Roseanne Barr: Oh, hi.

Elemi Aminokus: Hi, is that okay?

Page Hurwitz: Yes.

Roseanne Barr: Yes, I just didn’t know if I’d heard correctly.

Elemi Aminokus: Yes, I guess I was just wondering - because you mentioned that you had moved over to an invite only format with the comics.

And I was wondering why you decided to do that for this season.

Page Hurwitz: Honestly, to cut to the chase. You know, we can go around the country. And we can have people come in off the street and do that for hours and hours.

But really, we have three terrific judges who - you know, the best of the best. It’s like why are we going to waste their time with people that are walking in that have never done standup before - done it for a minute.

We wanted this competition to be the best. So we, you know, we spent a lot of time looking at thousands of comedians - literally, just me and Wanda - and wanted to get the best people in and in front of these judges.

And we think that it’s elevated the level of performance and competition and makes for a better show - unless, of course you...

((Crosstalk))

Roseanne Barr: I think that next - I think that your next year is going to be fantastic. I think you’ve lit a - you’ve plugged something in. And it’s just going to keep rolling. I really think that.

Page Hurwitz: I hope so. We hope so. I mean sure. I’m sure there are people that, you know, are going to say, “Oh we miss seeing, you know, the guy in the chicken suite or, you know - that kind of - the train wreck stuff.

But we just didn’t want to make that show. We wanted to, you know, this to be the best examples of standup.

Elemi Aminokus: Thanks...

Roseanne Barr: Well, a guy in a chicken suite - that can be really funny. But, you know, I think that it, you know, it just depends. It depends.

Page Hurwitz: It can. It can, you’re right.

Roseanne Barr: Yes.

Page Hurwitz: But it, you know, we feel like - for us - for this season, we just wanted to shoot for the highest we could. But - and that’s not to say, if there was a guy in a chicken suite who was hilarious, maybe we would of picked the guy in a chicken suite.

But you know what I mean. It, like, just sort that like, you know, train wreck - spectacle stuff.

Roseanne Barr: I like that some of the comics that, you know - of course, we’ve filmed a few shows. Can I say that?

Page Hurwitz: Yes.

Roseanne Barr: Or not, Page.

Page Hurwitz: Saying, specific comics - you mean.

Roseanne Barr: Well, I think that I wanted to say that some of the comics that didn’t - have made the cut. Can I talk about those? I think that some of - no, okay?

Page Hurwitz: You can talk about them in general, yes.

Roseanne Barr: I Just want to say, some of them are going - some of them are, you know, so good that with a little more work they can come back next year and blow the roof off.

Page Hurwitz: I agree. And there are already a lot of the comics who didn’t - who haven’t progressed in the competition - have said, “You know what? I just got priceless advice. I’d be an idiot if I didn’t take it.”

And so we hope that they do and that they come back.

Roseanne Barr: Yes.

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Earl Dittman with Digital Journal. Please proceed.

Earl Dittman: Hi guys, thanks for doing this today. I have...

Roseanne Barr: Yes.

Earl Dittman: ...a question for both of you. I’ll start with Page first. Now I’ve always thought that with reality shows that the audience participation really, kind of, helps propel the show.

Of course, you have stuff like Project Runway - where the judges make all the decisions. But then you have, like, American Idol - as Roseanne mentioned. Where, you know, the audience gets to be part of it.

Was that a tough decision to make the judges - on this time - make all the decisions and just make sure there was no audience participation? Was that a tough decision?

Page Hurwitz: No, sorry. It really wasn’t. You know, and yes. You mentioned shows like Runway. There’s Top Chief. There are a lot of shows where it’s the judges making all the decisions.

For us, it’s like; look we’ve got Roseanne Barr, Keenen Ivory Wayans and Russell Peters. We think that they pretty much know what they’re talking about - when it comes to comedy.

So why not let the experts decide. And I think part what viewers will see this season is we’re pulling back that curtain. So that people can really see this as a craft and understand what goes into it. And why something is good.

Roseanne Barr: But you know what, can I interrupt for a minute Page.

Page Hurwitz: No go right ahead.

Roseanne Barr: Of course I can.

Page Hurwitz: Yes.

Roseanne Barr: But, you know, they win because they kill the audience. So the audience is part of it. It’s the laughs they’re getting from the audience, that’s, you know, that’s how we judge.

So they are part of it. It’s just that, you know...

Page Hurwitz: That was a good point.

Roseanne Barr: ...no expert opinions are needed - no non-expert opinions - are needed. You want, you know, people who’ve never acted to vote on the Academy Awards, you know.

Earl Dittman: Although some...

((Crosstalk))

Roseanne Barr: Its people who know the craft who should be voting on it, you know.

Earl Dittman: Yes.

Page Hurwitz: Exactly.

Earl Dittman: Well, speaking of experts, Roseanne.

Roseanne Barr: But it is about if they’re getting over and making that audience, you know, come out of their seats then. You know, they’re going to win.

Earl Dittman: Yes.

Roseanne Barr: Right?

Page Hurwitz: Yes, that’s a great point, Roseanne.

Roseanne Barr: Yes.

Earl Dittman: But these days Roseanne, it’s being tallied as a new - another golden age of television - especially, for drama scripted shows.

You know, you’ve got stuff like the Blacklist, you know, (Cable) America. You know, you have so many great shows.

Do you think the same can be said about...

Roseanne Barr: I wouldn’t know because I’m unable to turn my TV on unless I call my grandkids. But I don’t know about that. I don’t know what night anything’s on or how to get the guide.

Earl Dittman: Well, what I was going though, do you think that could be seen famous? Even though you’re not seeing a lot, do you think that could be said for scripted comedy and (unintelligible)?

Roseanne Barr: Right, yes.

Earl Dittman: That it’s another golden egg - like when you...

Roseanne Barr: Oh, I hope so. But, you know, I think it’s coming. It has to or, you know - I don’t know. That’s another question though that I’m not supposed to talk about.

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Sean McCarthy with the Comic’s - the Comic’s Comic. Please proceed.

Sean McCarthy: Yes, thanks. Roseanne, I know Page mentioned earlier in this call that the show is really trying to launch a comedian’s career.

And I know that they’re plenty of veteran headliner comedians who auditioned this year - as well, as people who America doesn’t know anything about.

How are - how did you and Keenen and Russell kind of compare the veterans and the newbies.

Roseanne Barr: We’re just comparing it like - you know, it’s who’s hungriest, who wants it most, who’s got the balls to get out there and deliver the mail.

And, you know, it’s a lot of different things go into it. But some of the professionals - some of them - a few of them haven’t made it because they’re kind of arrogant.

And they’re not really wanting it. So, you know, we’ll take somebody who infects the audience with enthusiasm over, you know, somebody who’s kind of bored.

Sean McCarthy: Okay and I know one of your first big breaks came courtesy of Rodney Dangerfield. Did you - with this show, do you feel any kind of compulsion to pay it forward and give somebody their own big break.

And say, “I helped - I helped make this person.”

Roseanne Barr: Yes, I like to support standup comedy as a craft and an art form and to find stars among, you know, the people who do it - so, yes. I don’t know if that answers your question.

Sean McCarthy: How important was - well, just - how important was Rodney putting you on his special as his wife?

Roseanne Barr: In my life.

Sean McCarthy: No as - because you played his wife in one of his specials, how...

Roseanne Barr: Oh his wife.

Sean McCarthy: Yes.

Roseanne Barr: Meeting Rodney Dangerfield was just one of the biggest thrills in my life. And being his friend was another one. And, you know, the one special - I was on - had Sam Kinison.

Oh, I can’t remember anybody’s name. I’m too old anymore. But, I mean, he gave everybody their starts - - everybody from me, to Dice, to Sam.

I mean, he had a young comedian special. And he gave us all our start - as did Mitzi Shore and Budd Friedman, I mean. You know, so I kind of feel like, maybe, I’m playing forward, yes.

Operator: And our last question comes from the line of Suzanne Lanoue with The TV MegaSite. Please proceed.

Suzanne Lanoue: Hi, you mentioned before - you mentioned before about how it was great seeing all these young comedians with this unusual perspectives - that you weren’t used to.

And you were also talking about today’s humor. And I was wondering if - there are, definitely, a lot of great standups out there - that we can see on TV.

And I was wondering if you know - or if you have an opinion - as to why it’s not - it doesn’t seem to be translating as much as it use to - into really funny sitcoms - like, with Roseanne and Seinfeld and so many other great shows?

Roseanne Barr: I don’t know.

Suzanne Lanoue: Do you think that the network TV is just not allowing it to happen as much, I mean?

Roseanne Barr: I don’t know.

Suzanne Lanoue: Or maybe I’m just too old, like you - to like the...

((Crosstalk))

Roseanne Barr: I just - I don’t know about any that. But I do know there’s some really - some really good comics in this competition.

And I can’t wait until people see them. Because I think they’re really, you know, going to see something new and funny and edgy and different.

And, you know, like I said, I think our judging styles - they’re not like other judges you’ve ever seen. So, you know, it’s every - it’s like so board. They’re like, “Oh, she’s Simon. And he’s Paula.

I mean this is something else. And, you know, it kind of is like, hey watch this. I think it’s really good. Good TV is good TV. And TV that makes people laugh and want to come back is like, you know - hopefully, that’s you know...

Woman: It’s the best.

Roseanne Barr: Yes, that is the best.

Suzanne Lanoue: That’s great. Well, I’ll look forward to it - then thanks.

Roseanne Barr: Thanks.

Page Hurwitz: Thank you.

Roseanne Barr: Is that it?

Operator: And there are no further questions at this time. I’ll turn the call back over to Jill Carmen. Please go ahead.

Jill Carmen: Thanks everybody for dialing in today. And thanks, again, Roseanne and...

((Crosstalk))

Roseanne Barr: Thank you for your (unintelligible) too, thank you.

Jill Carmen: We appreciate it.

Page Hurwitz: You’re welcome. And thanks for setting it up.

Jill Carmen: Yes, thank you and hope everybody has a great day and that you’ll all tune in on May 22 for the premier of Last Comic Standing, bye, bye.

Roseanne Barr: And I have good outfits. Tell them Page.

Page Hurwitz: She does. She looks amazing. She’s actually the hottest judge that we have. She really is sexy - wait until you see it.

Roseanne Barr: Wow, thanks honey.

Page Hurwitz: You are. You look great.

Roseanne Barr: Thanks, Page. The check’s in the mail, okay - bye, everybody.

Page Hurwitz: All right, see you soon.

Jill Carmen: Bye everybody - bye, bye.

Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, it does conclude the conference call for today. We thank you for your participation. And ask that you please disconnect your line.

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