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By
Suzanne

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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