Ep 3. The Wild Bunch

The Comedy Store is a documentary series that takes a deep dive into the world of stand-up comedy and the iconic venue that has been a cornerstone of the industry for decades. Season 1 episode 3 is titled "The Wild Bunch" and explores the rise and fall of a group of comedians who became known as The Wild Bunch.

The episode begins by introducing us to the members of The Wild Bunch: Sam Kinison, Andrew Dice Clay, Kennison, and Bill Hicks. These comedians were known for their edgy and controversial material, which often pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable in mainstream comedy. The episode takes us through each comedian's rise to fame, as well as their struggles with addiction, ego, and the pressure to continually push the envelope.

As the episode progresses, we see how The Wild Bunch's success was both a blessing and a curse. While they were able to pack out arenas and make a name for themselves on the comedy circuit, their material often drew criticism and caused outrage among certain audiences. Additionally, the pressure to continually come up with new, controversial material took its toll on the group, leading to drug abuse and burnout.

The episode also touches on the role that The Comedy Store played in The Wild Bunch's rise to fame. The venue was known for its open mic nights and supportive community of comedians, which allowed newcomers like Kinison and Hicks to make a name for themselves. However, as The Wild Bunch became more successful, tensions arose between them and the other comics at The Comedy Store, who felt that they were being overshadowed by the controversial group.

Despite their rise to fame, most members of The Wild Bunch died young, with Kinison and Hicks passing away in their 30s and Dice Clay's reputation being severely damaged by controversy surrounding his material. The episode delves into the aftermath of the group's success, exploring how their legacy has influenced the world of comedy in the decades since.

Overall, "The Wild Bunch" is a compelling look into the world of stand-up comedy and the impact that controversial comedians like Sam Kinison, Andrew Dice Clay, Kennison, and Bill Hicks had on the industry. The episode explores both the highs and lows of The Wild Bunch's career, giving viewers an inside look at the struggles that come with trying to make it in the world of comedy.