Watch Live Nude Comedy

Live Nude Comedy was a half-hour, lively, sketch comedy and stand-up series that aired in 2009, produced by world-renowned filmmaker Kevin Smith. The show appeared on the Showtime network and aimed to merge two of the most enduring genres of entertainment - comedy and burlesque - into an eye-catching explosion of laughter and visual fun.

The name may suggest daring, explicit content, however, the show was tastefully made, using humor and wit in the suggestive style of classic burlesque but without becoming overly raunchy. The "nude" element was a humorous nod rather than literal, linking it to the comedic cheekiness and spirit of classic vaudeville performances.

Live Nude Comedy was set up in a manner which drew upon the layout of classic variety shows of yesteryear. Its structure was divided into varied segments, with each episode featuring established as well as up-and-coming stand-up comedians performing their sets in front of a live, enthusiastic audience. Smacked right in between these comedy performances were burlesque dance routines executed by professional dancers, taking the audience on a nostalgic journey back to the days of saucy, suggestive humor and classy, titillating performances.

Each episode in the series had its unique theme that shaped the comedy and dance routines presented by a diverse roster of performers, providing a fresh vitality to each act. They would perform their pieces based on the theme of the night, adding to the show's variety and unpredictability.

The comedy element was the key focal point of Live Nude Comedy. The show was fortunate to feature acts from a range of comedians across the comedy spectrum, each providing their unique approach to humor, from observational comedy to sarcastic wit. There was something to tickle everyone's funny bone. Often, industry heavyweights such as Whitney Cummings or the reigning Miss Exotic World would grapple with these themes in hilarious stand-up sets, showcasing their comedic prowess.

The burlesque element injected the feel of classic performance art form into the modern comedy setting, maintaining parallels with old-fashioned vaudeville theatre traditions. Backed by music, the performers delighted the audiences with their costumes, choreography, and character acting, adding an unavoidable, enthralling charm to this show's unique format.

Additionally, "Live Nude Comedy" offered a blend of candid interviews with the comedians and performers, hosted by popular figures such as famed comedian Shannon Elizabeth. The backstage access and one-on-one interviews brought viewers closer to the artists and offered a glimpse into their personalities and thoughts about their craft.

In terms of the production aesthetics, the show was shot in an intimate setting, embodying the traditional, cozy atmosphere of comedy clubs, thus enhancing the viewers' overall experience. The stage was adorned with dazzling lights and decor, creating a set-up reminiscent of renowned theatres which historically hosted such revue-style performances.

Ultimately, Live Nude Comedy was characterized by its unique and innovative combination of two popular entertainment forms, reclaiming the legacy of classic vaudeville while contributing to the contemporary television comedy genre. For those viewers with an appreciation for comedy, burlesque, or variety style shows, it provided refreshing entertainment with its delightful blend of humor, dance, costumes, and the occasionally outrageous act.

Reflecting the title, Live Nude Comedy celebrated a bare, stripped-down approach to humor, coupling it with the traditionally-suggestive, captivatingly sensual performance routines of burlesque. By introducing funny, relatable stand-up comedians to add a fresh twist to the timeless burlesque humor tradition, this show successfully extended the reach of both performance styles, catering to a wider audience base.

In conclusion, Live Nude Comedy may be unconventional in its structure, and though short-lived, it was a show that made an identity with its unique blend of classic burlesque and modern comedy. It was a show that dared to explore older performance traditions while effectively ushering them into a contemporary setting, making it a memorable icon of 2009.

Live Nude Comedy is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between and on Salient