Watch Tournament of Laughs

Tournament of Laughs is a brand-new comedy competition series that premiered on TBS in 2020. The show is hosted by Jason Sudeikis, the well-known actor and comedian who has starred in shows like Saturday Night Live, The Last Man on Earth, and Ted Lasso. Alongside Sudeikis, the series features co-host Rick Blakely, the voice of animal planet and ESPN, and expert commentator Gilbert Gottfried, the longtime comedian and voice actor.

The series follows a bracket-style tournament in which 32 comedians go head-to-head in a series of challenges, each hoping to win the grand prize of $100,000. The contestants come from all walks of life, from established veterans of the comedy world to up-and-coming performers. Some of the contestants include Dulcé Sloan, Jeff Ross, Margaret Cho, Jim Norton, Josh Wolf, Tammy Pescatelli, and Jessica Kirson, to name just a few.

The show’s format is designed to highlight the different types of comedic performance, from stand-up sets to skits and improv. Each week, the comedians are given a certain challenge and are asked to create a set that fits the theme. They then perform in front of a virtual audience of thousands of people, who have the power to vote for their favorite performer. The comedian with the most votes moves on to the next round, and the process is repeated until only one comedian is left standing.

One of the unique aspects of Tournament of Laughs is the way it leans into the virtual format of its performances. With live in-person comedy shows on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the show found a way to continue bringing laughter to audiences while adhering to social distancing guidelines. The virtual audience is made up of actual people watching from home, which gives the performances a sense of intimacy and immediacy that is hard to replicate in a traditional format.

Tournament of Laughs is not just about the competition itself – it’s also about the camaraderie and support that the comedians offer each other. The show features backstage footage and interviews with the contestants, which help humanize them and show their personalities off the stage. In a world where everything can feel so divided and isolating, Tournament of Laughs offers a fun and uplifting escape, along with a reminder that laughter is a powerful tool for bringing people together.

Overall, Tournament of Laughs is a great showcase for a diverse group of comedians who excel at making people laugh. It offers something for everyone, from observational humor to raunchy jokes to wacky physical comedy. Whether you’re a diehard stand-up fan or just looking for a good laugh, Tournament of Laughs is sure to deliver.

Tournament of Laughs is a series that ran for 1 seasons (7 episodes) between June 21, 2020 and on TBS