LOL with The N is a series of four stand-up comedy specials that aired on Noggin's teen programming block, The N.[2] The miniseries aired from May 30, 2003[3] to June 20, 2003. Stand-up comedian Mike Birbiglia was the host of all four segments. Each special features two aspiring teen comedians who get the chance to perform alongside professional stand-up comics. Behind-the-scenes footage, showing all of the comedians preparing their routines, is played after the acts.[4]

LOL with The N
GenreStand-up comedy
Directed byAdam Idleson
Presented byMike Birbiglia
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes4[1]
Production
Production locationsGotham Comedy Club, New York
Running time21 minutes
Production companyNoggin LLC
Original release
NetworkThe N (Noggin)
ReleaseMay 30 (2003-05-30) –
June 20, 2003 (2003-06-20)

The specials compared professional and first-time comics to illustrate how talents can grow over time.[1] Kenny Miller, the vice president of Noggin, explained that "at the beginning of your career and after 10 years, you're at a different stage, and we wanted to represent all of that."[1] The production team aimed to make the specials relatable to all teenage viewers, not just those pursuing a career in comedy. The director, Adam Idleson, commented that "there is sort of a psychic link between being a teenager and being a stand-up comic. It feels like you're out there on the stage alone against the world, and you're dealing with it with humor."[1]

History

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Production on the series began in January 2003,[5] with filming taking place at the Gotham Comedy Club in New York City.[6] The new performers were recruited from a training program in Manhattan called Kids 'N Comedy.[1] Visitors were allowed to attend the taping sessions, which started on January 5.[7] The series premiered in May 2003 as part of a programming event called "Summer in The N." Each special was shown on a Friday at 7:00 PM.[8]

Episodes

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No.TitleOriginal air date
1"Special 1"May 30, 2003 (2003-05-30)
The first special featured performances from Frankie Marsico, a 16-year-old from Rutherford, and Ed Ubell, a 15-year-old New Yorker.[1]
2"Special 2"June 6, 2003 (2003-06-06)
3"Special 3"June 13, 2003 (2003-06-13)
4"Special 4"June 20, 2003 (2003-06-20)

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Park, Eunnie (May 30, 2003). "It's not nerve, it's confidence". The Record. Bergen County, New Jersey: North Jersey Media Group. Archived from the original on September 11, 2016 – via HighBeam.
  2. ^ "LOL with The N on The-N.com". The N on Noggin. Archived from the original on June 3, 2003.
  3. ^ "Summer Sizzles in The N". PR Newswire. Cision. May 8, 2003. Archived from the original on August 19, 2016.
  4. ^ Oei, Lily (May 13, 2003). "Noggin to add laffs, short pics: High schoolers showcase comedic talents". Variety. Penske Media Corporation.
  5. ^ "LOL with The N trademark information". New York City, New York: Viacom. January 7, 2003.
  6. ^ "TV today". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Cincinnati, Ohio: Gannett Company. May 30, 2003.
  7. ^ "Spare Times for Children". The New York Times. January 3, 2003.
  8. ^ Dickens, Andrew (April 29, 2003). "The N revamps Summer weekends". C21 Media.
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