Premium Blend

Premium Blend was a stand-up comedy series that aired on Comedy Central from 1997 until 2006. The show was produced by Broadway Video and Comedy Central and was intended to provide a platform for lesser-known comedians to showcase their talent.

The basic format of Premium Blend was inviting four lesser-known comedian per episode, allowing them to perform before an audience. A distinct characteristic of the show was its revolving door of hosts who were usually well-known comedians themselves. From Jim Breuer who hosted the first three seasons to Wanda Sykes who took over in season four, each comedian brought their own unique style and humor to the show, allowing for variety and continuous freshness. Their dynamic introductions acted as a warm-up act before the featured comedians took to the stage.

The show would kick off with the host setting the mood with their bit of stand-up comedy, after which they would present the performing comedians one at a time. Each comedian was then given about five to ten minutes to perform a part of their comic routine on stage. The comic sets were diverse, featuring a mix of comedic styles from observational humor to slapstick comedy, and sometimes even included bits of musical comedy.

Premium Blend was known for its signature set, a neon-drenched platform that exuded a vibe of New York nightlife, giving the comedians the feel of performing at a popular comedy club. The format of the show was such that it could give the audience a feel of a live stand-up show, further emphasized by the stage's intimate setting.

Throughout its run, Premium Blend provided a springboard for budding comedians and was known for featuring some upcoming stars who then went on to establish successful careers. The likes of Mitch Hedberg, Maria Bamford, and Zach Galifianakis performed their routines on the show, adding to its diverse showcase of talent.

The appeal of Premium Blend lay in the authenticity of the performances, unedited and raw. The jokes ranged from every possible genre, and no topic was considered taboo. A comedian could talk about anything from their personal life, political views, observances of social scenarios, or completely random and outlandish occurrences. This disregard for political correctness was a key factor in drawing audiences to the show, and it became somewhat of an outlet for those who appreciated humor without boundaries.

The show was mainly built around the American comedy scene, but it did not shy away from inviting comedians from overseas, introducing the audience to a wide array of comedic styles and perspectives from around the world.

Premium Blend thrived on its capacity to churn out unpredictability - you never knew who would come on stage next and what they would talk about. This level of anticipation mixed with curiosity made watching the show an exciting experience.

Despite being cancelled in 2005 and replaced with Live at Gotham, a similar stand-up show, Premium Blend had a lasting impact on the landscape of televised stand-up comedy. Not only has it provided a platform for up and coming comedians, but it has also contributed to the popularity and mainstream appeal of stand-up comedy, helping to lay the groundwork for comedy’s digital revolution.

During its 9-season run, Premium Blend managed to maintain a level of freshness, humor, and entertainment. The show was more than just a program to tune into; it was a launchpad, a stepping-stone that played a substantial role in the careers of numerous comedians.

In conclusion, Premium Blend was a stand-up comedy show that pushed the limits of the genre and introduced us to a wide range of comedic talents. With its charm and variety, the show will always be remembered as a significant part of Comedy Central's roster, setting the bar high for stand-up comedy shows that came after.