<Tr> <Th_colspan="2"> External links </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Website </Td> </Tr> <P> I'm Dying Up Here is an American comedy - drama television series created by David Flebotte . The pilot was written by Flebotte and directed by Jonathan Levine . It premiered on Showtime on June 4, 2017 . The series is executive produced by Flebotte, Jim Carrey, Michael Aguilar, and Christina Wayne . It was announced on January 12, 2016, that Showtime had ordered the pilot to series based on the bestselling book by William Knoedelseder . On September 8, 2017, Showtime renewed the series for a 10 - episode second season . The second season premiered on May 6, 2018 . </P> <P> The series explores the Los Angeles stand - up scene of the early 1970s as a group of young comedians attempt to become successful at Goldie's comedy club and potentially gain a shot on Johnny Carson's' Tonight Show' . Club owner Goldie mentors the young comics with a combination of toughness and encouragement in order to further their chances at success . The show focuses on the daily struggles and successes of both Goldie and the comics . </P>

Who are the characters in i'm dying up here supposed to be