Watch Russell Simmons Presents: Stand-Up at the El Rey

Russell Simmons Presents: Stand-Up at the El Rey is a stand-up comedy series that aired on Comedy Central in 2010. The show featured some of the most exciting, innovative, and hilarious comedians on the scene. Each episode showcased three comedians performing their sets, with a mix of up-and-coming talent and seasoned veterans.

Russell Simmons, one of the founders of Def Jam Records and a major force in the entertainment industry, served as the executive producer of the series. Simmons has been a longtime champion of stand-up comedy, and he brought his expertise and passion to this project. His goal was to bring to television the kind of dynamic, edgy comedy that he had seen at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles, where the show was filmed.

The El Rey Theatre, a historic venue that has hosted everyone from Bob Dylan to Nirvana, provided a perfect backdrop for the show. With its elegant art deco design and intimate setting, the El Rey created a unique atmosphere for the comedians to perform in. The series captured the energy, excitement, and unpredictability of live comedy, with audience members laughing, cheering, and occasionally heckling the performers.

The series featured a diverse range of comics, with different styles and perspectives. Some of the performers were relatively unknown, while others had already made a name for themselves in the comedy world. But they all had one thing in common: they were fearless, irreverent, and willing to tackle topics that some might consider taboo. Many of the comics addressed race, gender, and politics in their sets, often pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable on television.

Among the comedians featured on the show were Bill Burr, Hannibal Buress, Deon Cole, and Lavell Crawford. Each performer brought his own unique voice and point of view to the show, and audiences responded with enthusiasm. Deon Cole, known for his work as a writer and performer on "Conan," delivered a set full of sharp observations about relationships, social media, and everyday life. Hannibal Buress, who has since become a major star, offered a hilarious and subversive take on societal norms and expectations. Bill Burr, one of the most successful comedians of his generation, provided a raw and unfiltered perspective on everything from marriage to celebrity culture.

The show also featured some up-and-coming comedians who were just beginning to make a name for themselves. Among them were Gina Yashere, a British comic who injected her set with a refreshing international perspective; Ali Wong, a sharp-witted comic who tackled issues of race and gender with a fierce and unapologetic voice; and Kumail Nanjiani, who has since become a household name thanks to his work on "Silicon Valley" and "The Big Sick."

Russell Simmons Presents: Stand-Up at the El Rey was a unique and exciting addition to the world of stand-up comedy. The show brought together some of the best and brightest performers in the industry, and provided a platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills. The series captured the spirit of live comedy, with its raw energy, unpredictability, and willingness to tackle taboo topics. For anyone who loves stand-up, Russell Simmons Presents: Stand-Up at the El Rey was a must-see show.

Russell Simmons Presents: Stand-Up at the El Rey is a series that ran for 2 seasons (12 episodes) between July 11, 2010 and on Comedy Central