Comedian Nick Thune Launches 'Big Show'

Nick’s Big Show, Episode 2: Assembling the Crew

When comedian Nick Thune set out to create a show, he aimed big. “I’ve done comedy – so people are expecting me to make them laugh,” said Thune. “Now I want to make people laugh because they’re crying so hard.”

The premise of Atom‘s new series, Nick’s Big Show is not totally unique, as it works in the now tried and true comedy formula of the mockumentary. Cameras follow Thune as he puts comedy on hold to do something even more important: create a dramatic one man show to make humans “feel again.”

It’s Thune’s commitment to the absurd that makes the show incredibly watchable. The guy can rock a Garfield sweater and a pair of synthetic butterfly wings like nobody’s business. Additionally, our protagonist doesn’t really seem to have any specifics as to what his big show may actually be about, giving himself a great workspace to experiment with joyfully wacky ideas, ala auditioning choreographers and then hiring the creepy guy in the back who just came to watch. This in turn leads to an awesome dance sequence with glow lights. You’d expect nothing less from the man who has made a name for himself with unexpected punchlines.

The show also features some other comedy heavy weights like Nick Kroll as Thune’s agent, and Kate Micucci as Thune’s assistant. Thune also got friend Jeff Garlin and A.D. Miles to do cameos, to name a few. “I begged my friends,” admits Thune. “That’s how it happened.”

Asking Thune to give away any hints about future episodes, he holds his cards close to his chest. “Get ready to tell other people about the coolest thing you’ve ever seen. That’s all I can prepare you for.” The series is part of Atom’s meaty 2009 slate, and six episodes have been ordered so far.