'I'm Dying Up Here' Trailer: There's No Such Thing As An Easy Laugh In Showtime's New Series

There used to be a time when summer was a dead zone when it came to finding good television. But nowadays there's an overabundance of programming to be found at every turn. Netflix always has something cooking, which means broadcast and cable networks are trying to keep up with great fresh content of their own, and Showtime looks to have something great on their hands.

I'm Dying Up Here is a new one-hour drama series at Showtime that follows an ensemble cast of up and coming comedians in 1970s Los Angeles, when the art of stand-up comedy was seeing a surge in popularity from the stages of comedy clubs to being in front of the curtain on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. A new I'm Dying Up Here trailer showcases even more of the drama and laughs that come from trying to deliver a set that kills, and you can watch it below (but beware of some NSFW language).

I love everything I've seen from this show so far. It has the style of Vinyl, but it feels much more engaging and authentic in its portrayal of this particular scene at this specific time. Cast members like Ari Graynor, Michael Angarano, Jake and RJ Cyler feel like they could really be young stand-up comics, and they're surrounding by the real deal with comedians like Erik Griffin and Al Madrigal making appearances as well.

However, the element that could elevate this show to greatness is Melissa Leo as the comedy club owner Goldie, whose club can give comedians the time that brings about a huge break in their career. But she's not running a charity, and Goldie isn't about to let these comics on her stage if they're not going to put in the hard work.

Like I've said before, I might have to get Showtime just to watch this show. If you want to see more, you can watch the previous trailer right here.

The new one-hour Showtime drama series I'm Dying Up Here explores L.A.'s famed '70s stand-up comedy scene where the careers of legends such as David Letterman, Jay Leno and Richard Pryor were launched. The series delves into the inspired, damaged and complicated psyches of those who stand alone in front of an audience "dying" for fame, fortune and, with any luck, a shot on Johnny Carson.

I'm Dying Up Here stars Academy Award winner Melissa Leo (Wayward Pines, Treme), Ari Graynor (Bad Teacher), Michael Angarano (The Knick), Clark Duke (Hot Tub Time Machine), Andrew Santino (Mixology), Erik Griffin (Workaholics), RJ Cyler (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl), Al Madrigal (The Daily Show), and Jake Lacy (Obvious Child) as part of a large ensemble cast.

This fictional group of competitive but close-knit comedians is mentored by "Goldie" (Leo), a brassy comedy club owner who rules over her business with an iron fist, but nurtures her comedians with tough love. For Goldie and her crew, there's truly no such thing as an easy laugh.

I'm Dying Up Here premieres on Sunday, June 4th at 10PM ET/PT.