Ep 5. Comedy Showrunners

Close Up with the Hollywood Reporter is a roundtable interview series featuring prominent actors, directors, showrunners, and other industry professionals discussing their craft and the entertainment industry as a whole. In season 5, episode 5, titled "Comedy Showrunners," some of the biggest names in television comedy gather to talk about what it takes to make a successful comedy series.

Hosted by The Hollywood Reporter's Lacey Rose, the episode brings together a group of showrunners responsible for some of the most beloved and successful comedies on television. The guests include Liz Meriwether, creator of New Girl; Rob McElhenney, creator and star of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia; Mike Schur, co-creator of Parks and Recreation and The Good Place; Michaela Coel, creator and star of Chewing Gum; and Kenya Barris, creator of black-ish and grown-ish.

Throughout the episode, the group discusses a range of topics, from the creative process behind their shows to the challenges of balancing comedy with social commentary. They also touch on the importance of representation on screen and behind the scenes, as well as how they navigate the ever-evolving landscape of streaming and binge-watching.

One of the key themes that emerges from the conversation is the importance of collaboration in comedy. The showrunners talk about how they work with their writing staff and their actors to bring their vision to life, often relying on improvisation and experimentation to find what works. They also discuss the role that actors play in shaping their characters and adding depth to the stories being told.

Another theme that comes up is the importance of taking risks in comedy. The guests talk about the inherent riskiness of the genre, and how they push themselves to try new things and explore unconventional ideas. They also discuss how they balance that risk-taking with the need to appeal to a broad audience and keep their shows accessible.

Overall, "Comedy Showrunners" is a lively and engaging discussion that provides insight into the creative process behind some of the most innovative and successful comedies on television. From the challenges of writing funny and meaningful stories to the importance of representation and collaboration, the guests offer a fascinating look at what it takes to make great TV.