T.J. Miller — comedian, podcast chatterbox, and Jellystone Park ranger — is set to host a new stand-up series on Comedy Central. Mash Up started as a one-off special that aired last March and featured comedians performing their acts while filmed segments illustrated the material. The special included performances from Miller, Matt Braunger, Hannibal Buress, Kyle Kinane and Kumail Nanjiani (all of whom came out of the Chicago stand-up scene). The series version of Mash Up will feature well-known acts as well as burgeoning comedians. Comedy Central has ordered eight episodes.
The new show follows a tradition of Comedy Central finding new ways to present stand-up comedy. In the past, the network has aired shows like Pulp Comics, which similarly included filmed segments that presented stand-up material as sketch comedy intercut with live performance. And Shorties Watching Shorties featured audio of classic stand-up material with short cartoons illustrating the bits.
Miller’s eclectic profile has been increasing dramatically over the past year or two. He’s had roles in She’s Out of My League, Get Him to the Greek, Yogi Bear and Our Idiot Brother. Fans know him from his stand-up and his podcast appearances, particularly as a regular on Doug Loves Movies. Last fall brought a Comedy Central special, No Real Reason, and a bizarre hip-hop album, The Extended Play EP (video below). Mash Up will be Miller’s first regular series.
For more info on Miller, check out Laughspin‘s interview here.
