Tonight the HBO comedy Crashing returns for its second season. The semi-autobiographical series following the travails of struggling stand-up comedian Pete (Pete Holmes). Pete’s seemingly-perfect life came crashing down when he discovered that his wife Jess was having an affair and wanted to leave him. Now he’s on his own, with no place to live, and finds himself crashing at the apartments of various friends/colleagues as he tries to launch his career and make it as a stand-up comedian. Along the way he crosses paths with many familiar faces, who also appear as heightened versions of themselves.

I was pleasantly surprised by the first season. While most scripted shows centered around comedians seem to focus on the stars once they’ve already “made it”, this series provides a fun, interesting look into the normally-unseen world of what eager, up-and-coming comedians must go through just to get their shot to be seen. Usually this involves barking for comedy clubs, trying to get people to show up, just to get 5 minutes on stage at the end of the night when there is hardly anyone left in the crowd. Pete is this sweet underdog with a sometimes self-deprecating style of humor. You find yourself really rooting for Pete to succeed, and feeling devastated whenever things go wrong or don’t work out for him.

The writing is really well done. The series doesn’t feel overly-scripted—the dialogue feels very natural and adds a sense of realism and believability to the show. There is this great blend of stand-up comedy, situational humor, and heartwarming drama. I’m looking forward to another season of watching Pete try to make it, and I look forward to seeing what fun famous guest stars pop up this year!

In tonight’s premiere, “The Athiest”, Pete has a chance encounter with famed magician Penn Jillette, who shakes his faith and inspires a questioning Pete to try living with abandon for one night.

Tonight I’ll also be watching/recording The Simpsons, Bob’s Burgers, Family Guy, The Last Man on Earth, and Worst Cooks in America.

For additional suggestions on what to check out tonight, including Wisdom of the Crowd and NCIS: Los Angeles, check out the If We Controlled Your Remote… 1/14/18 post at TVisMyPacifier.com.