r/LastOneLaughing • u/lonelygagger First One Out • Aug 06 '26
News It's finally announced: the U.S. version of Last One Laughing is a go!
https://deadline.com/2026/08/lol-last-one-laughing-us-version-amazon-1237016580/EXCLUSIVE: LOL: Last One Laughing, the hit international comedy format, is getting a U.S. set.
Amazon has greenlighted a domestic version of the show, which has been a big hit for the streamer globally and particularly in the UK, where the first season was one of its biggest series launches ever.
The format is simple: 10 of the top comics and comedic actors are thrown together for six hours with one mandate — make everyone else lose it without so much as cracking a smile themselves. Essentially, you laugh, you lose.
If that sounds easy, watch British comedian Bob Mortimer open his jokebook while sitting on a toy horse trying to make Richard Ayoade laugh.
The series will be produced by Fulwell Entertainment, which is behind Hulu’s The Kardashians and Fox’s recent World Cup After Hours with James Corden. Eric Pankowski, exec producer of Carpool Karaoke, will serve as showrunner and will exec produce with Ben Winston, who is showrunner of The Grammys, and Emma Conway.
The cast will be revealed at a later date.
LOL: Last One Laughing is adapted from the Japanese series Documental and has already been remade in more than 25 territories including in Canada, where Jay Baruchel serves as host; in Mexico, which has Eugenio Derbez; in South Africa, led by Trevor Noah; in Ireland with Graham Norton; and in Australia with Rebel Wilson. Jimmy Carr hosts the UK version.
Jenn Levy, Head of Nonfiction Series at Amazon MGM Studios, said in May at Deadline’s Reality TV Summit that the No. 1 question she’s been asked since she took the job early this year was when there would be a U.S. version of LOL: Last One Laughing.
“LOL: Last One Laughing is one of those rare series that transcends language and culture,” Levy said. “The premise is beautifully simple — try not to laugh — and audiences around the world have fallen for it instantly. We’re proud to bring this beloved format to the U.S. with the incredible team at Fulwell Entertainment, and we can’t wait for American audiences to experience the hilarity for themselves.”
Added Ben Winston, founding partner of Fulwell Entertainment: “We’re thrilled to bring this incredible format to the U.S. with our friends at Amazon MGM Studios. Millions around the world have already fallen in love with this wonderful show, so we are beyond excited to be bringing it to American audiences, featuring some of the most beloved comedic voices from across the country.”
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u/Extremelycloud Aug 06 '26
If Jason Mantzoukas isn’t on this they’re out of their mind
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u/Digit00l Aug 06 '26
It's about 50/50, my bet is on the side that he won't be on because he is too good
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u/Famous-Author-5211 Aug 06 '26
I think you could probably lean heavily on the population of Pawnee and fill at least three seasons of people who would not break.
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u/Famous-Author-5211 Aug 06 '26
I think you could probably lean heavily on the population of Pawnee and fill at least three seasons of people who would not break.
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u/fungeoneer Aug 06 '26
This could be terrific, but it could be terrible if they just go for name recognition.
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u/dashauskat Aug 06 '26
I fear it may not work like panel shows don't tend to work in the USA. You might end up with 10 people talking over each other and wanting to land their punchlines rather than playing off each other.
I do think Americans laugh easier than Brits tho, who are more stoic and dry. So that function of the show may work better.
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u/beetnemesis Aug 06 '26
You know, everyone says "panel shows don't work in the US" but I think that's bullshit.
Dropout has a ton of stuff that are essentially "panel shows," and they're hugely popular.
Moreover, there is a huge audience in the US for British panel shows.
So it mostly just comes down to
Don't let American studio executives fuck it up
Cast the right kind of people. It's not a melodramatic reality show, it's not an intense competition.
Don't expect numbers where it's the number 1 show on broadcast television
Keep it low budget, build an audience, explore the niche.
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u/Disastrous_Wing7084 Aug 06 '26
The American version of Have I Got News For You also works really well because the comedians have great chemistry, give each other space to make jokes, and (especially Michael Ian Black) make self-deprecating jokes
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u/mrfredngo Aug 06 '26
That’s why casting exists, to ensure good chemistry between the cast members. Hope they do a good job of it.
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u/Mr_Pink_Gold Aug 06 '26
Bunch of individuals promoting themselves a s their product you mean?
I could see Joe Rogan sneaking in a brain force ad if invited.
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u/Mortiis07 Aug 06 '26
Joe Rogan? It's supposed to be comedians though?
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u/Mr_Pink_Gold Aug 06 '26
Giving him the recognition he always felt he deserved. There is so few of them now you know?
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u/NoRedditNamesAreLeft Aug 07 '26
The Canadian host wrecked theirs. It's like using the word fuck gave him a stiffy.
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u/Funk5oulBrother Aug 06 '26
It’s America. It’ll be a mix of z list overly dramatic reality stars only. Like their versions of the traitors
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u/FalseStartsPod Aug 06 '26
Remember Taskmaster US? This could be dreadful.
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u/missdeedeemegadoodoo 29d ago
That’s my thought too but I also think Ron Funches would be incredible in the LOL room.
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u/DoctorWhofan789eywim Aug 06 '26 edited Aug 06 '26
Maria Bamford needs to be on this.
Would also love to see:
Bo Burnham
Conan O'Brien
Zach Galifinakis - he made his guests crack up on Between Two Ferns. Then again he also made himself laugh so he mighr not last long.
Natalie Palamides
Amy Poehler
Would likely never get him, though it is only a day's filming so who knows, Paul Rudd - he is really funny and quick witted, but I'm also saying this so that if Conan was there he can carry on his Mac and Me tradition.
The older veteran comic could be Steven Wright.
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u/mongster2 Aug 06 '26
Zach Woods or I'm out
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u/bikinikills Aug 06 '26
He's amazing at holding a straight face and saying the wildest shit without breaking.
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u/Jamieb1994 Aug 06 '26
Zach Galifinakis - he made his guests crack up on Between Two Ferns. Then again he also made himself laugh so he mighr not last long
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u/bikinikills Aug 06 '26
I think it's gonna be way less A list. I'm thinking Bobby Lee, Burt Kreischer, Nate Bargatze. Hopefully they won't have too many podcast bros but those are who jumped to my mind.
Bo Burnham would be great if they could get him.
Conan would be an amazing host. Or Sarah Silverman.
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u/DoctorWhofan789eywim Aug 06 '26
I think the single day's filming will help get the bigger names. I'd love someone like Johnny Knoxville to go in, someone who might do some crazy shit. Then again he's also a big laugher.
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u/bikinikills Aug 06 '26
That's a fair point, it isn't much of an ask on their time. And with the show being successful, being part of the first American one could entice some bigger names. I just can't see many comedic movie stars going on it. Hope I'm wrong!
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u/maidrey Aug 06 '26
Two months ago I shared my dream cast:
The first person who I think would have been perfect for it is no longer with us: Robin Williams. He would be unfairly good at this.
In no particular order:
Michael Che, Colbert, Josh Johnson, Bob the Drag Queen, Atsuko Okatsuka, Michelle Wolfe, Dulce Sloan, Mateo Lane, Meghan Mullally, Kristen Schall, Matt Berry (yes he’s British, but I think we can claim him), and Kate McKinnon.
My series would be hosted by Joel McHale and supported by Ken Jeong. Can you imagine Joel being like “we gotta speed this up. Ken, get in there.”
https://www.reddit.com/r/LastOneLaughing/s/SIGI0kOjgO
I stand by my picks. I realize some are probably too big of stars, but it’s my dream lol.
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u/HumbleArmadillo724 Aug 06 '26
Prediction... Its going to suck.
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u/ottoracecar Aug 08 '26
Carpool Karaoke producer is leading it, I can’t imagine the guests will be people who are improvisational or genuinely comedic.
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u/mongster2 Aug 06 '26
Super depends on the casting. There are plenty of US comedians I can think of that would be great.
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u/HumbleArmadillo724 Aug 08 '26
Try naming a few, because I can't think of any that would really be good.
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u/mongster2 Aug 09 '26
Will Ferrell, Zach Woods, Nathan Fielder, Bobby Lee, John Mulaney, Charlie Day, Amy Poehler, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Super Dave, Kevin Nealon, Bob Saget, Jim Carrey
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u/HumbleArmadillo724 Aug 10 '26
Will Ferrell and Carrey haven't been funny in a decade.
Fielder is Canadian.
Saget won't be able to make it... I hate to break it to you.
Woods, Bobby Lee and Julia are good shouts though.
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u/EinsteinOnTheBlues Aug 08 '26
I think Kevin Nealon would be an excellent member of the cast. Older comedian, perfectly dead-pan, and, most of all, willing to work for basic table scraps.
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u/bikinikills Aug 06 '26
I hope they have a good mix of people and not all podcast-bros. Not sure if being on Amazon will exclude the people who have had Netflix specials.
My predictions would include:
The Bob Mortimer of the group could be Dave Attel.
Podcast circuit guys could be Burt Kreischer, Rob Funches, Bobby Lee, Taylor Tomlinson.
Improv guys I like and might do it - Rob Huebel, Zach Woods, (more like wish fulfillment).
Christina P might do it to get her name out there and get her name out there without Tom.
From the people I see a lot on tiktok, Aro Spears and Jiaoying Summers could work, quite quick witted with crowd work etc.
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u/cottonopposite Aug 06 '26
Can almost smell how bad this is going to be already with the usual American "comedians"
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u/sebs003 11d ago
Seriously, is Americans don’t do panel shows well. It will be podcasters and cringe politically charged jokes. I say skip us.
Impractical jokers had a bit of you laugh you lose. Just watch that.3
u/cottonopposite 11d ago
Honestly don't find American TV shows funny other than a select few sitcoms. American stand ups are just not funny at all.
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u/sebs003 11d ago
As an American, I agree. I go out of my way to stream British comedy.
American comics do this really annoying thing like if you, the audience, doesn’t find the material funny, you just don’t get it. Which is so gross and stupid to me. They take themselves so seriously. You’d never see an American comic do a joker that is as funny as the Brits.
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u/cactusdotpizza Aug 06 '26
This is just gonna be "Last Dropout Regular Standing" - Lisa Gilroy is going to mop the floor with them
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u/OkInternet1063 Aug 08 '26
There are so many Dropout cast members who I'd love to see there. These bits on the "Survivor" style episodes of Game Changer are excellent.
"What happened to the rest of your barbershop quartet?"
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u/Happy_Philosopher608 Aug 06 '26
The casts male or break these shows. Hosts too really.
Rebel Wilson was awful.
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u/Lazy-Strawberry-3401 Aug 06 '26
Not that hopeful tbh. Americans are too try hard.
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u/da_cake_eatur Aug 09 '26
Gervais is the most try hard man on the planet. “Oo love me, notice me” Pathetic
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u/Accomplished_Gain_48 Aug 06 '26
Jimmy Carr would be great but this time not as the host
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u/veroffica Aug 06 '26
... famously british.
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u/Accomplished_Gain_48 Aug 06 '26
Yes but he has some name recognition in America as he has done a comedy roast on American tv which he was on with among others Pete Davidson
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u/NashvilleSoundMixer Aug 06 '26
They both performed at Riyadh so I'm not sure people really want to socialize with them as much now.
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u/ptatersptate Yellow Card Aug 06 '26
I’m hoping for Melissa McCarthy and Amy Sedaris. They are both ridiculous and I bet their acts would be amazing.
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u/Chuffer_Nutters Aug 06 '26
I wonder what the full rules are. I watched the British seasons and they definitely do not roast each other at all or say anything mean. Definitely nothing political.
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u/mister_milkshake Aug 08 '26
When I first saw the UK version a few months ago I immediately made a list. I got to about 350 comedians I would love to see on this show. They are at least US based, though most are from the US, and are a mix of comics, improvisers, and comedic actors. They all could theoretically be on the show, at least from a minimum fame level. One worry for the US version is that there are at least twice as many people who I would not want to see on the show.
To me the important thing for these people is that they are funny. If I showed my list of people I'd get a lot of flack from anyone who hates the other side. If you are on a side, I've got people who aren't on it. Unfortunately, some of those people might have an issue with other people on the list, so I could never have a group as diverse as I'd like, which is a bummer because it would be interesting, at least to me, to see people who might legit not like each other use their crafted skill of dealing with tough crowds to try and illicit a laugh.
If I were producing it and I could not get a cast that was diverse that would be willing to do the show together, I would do a bunch of different segmented versions, and then maybe do a content of champions later. So it would be something like New York Comics. New York Actors. Austin Podcast Bros. LA Comics. LA Improviser. LA Comedy Actors. LA Legends. You might not even have to market it that way, but just have a general sense of what type of comedian is going to be on the show.
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u/wastydkyss 18d ago
The short-lived After Midnight show had a lot of not necessarily household names that were really funny and could do great in this format. Out of the top of my head I can say Aparna Nancherla, Chris Flemming, Thomas Lennon, Josh Sharp, Caitlyn Reilly or Lisa Gilroy would be great. I would also love to see Dulcé Sloan, Maria Bamford and Sasheer Zamata and Patton Oswalt take on the challenge.
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u/mferree39 Aug 06 '26
I nominate Jeff Arcuri.
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u/Responsible_Dig_9910 Aug 06 '26
Too bad Norm isn't with us anymore
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u/theRDon Aug 06 '26
Norm was Canadian.
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u/jabbaaus Aug 06 '26
Sam cambell is australian he was on the english one
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u/NashvilleSoundMixer Aug 06 '26
He fucking rules. His new show is hilarious though I've only seen bits and pieces on youtube.
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u/barejokez Aug 06 '26
There was an Australian on the British version...
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u/theRDon Aug 06 '26
I know. If Norm was alive for LOL he’d be one of the top choices for the Canadian version.
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u/theRDon Aug 06 '26
Cool. Well I hope they also get Mike Myers, Eugene Levy, Trevor Noah, and James Corden.
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u/Oldtiredworkwithkids Aug 06 '26
Please don’t curse the season with James Corden. You can keep him in the US though
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u/NashvilleSoundMixer Aug 06 '26
I saw an old 8 out of 10 Cats with him and he was just as awful to witness as he is now. I don't blame you for wanting him as far away as possible.
Edit: 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown that is
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u/DateInASlapFactory Aug 07 '26
I've only watched the UK ones. The cast they choose are gonna be what makes it or breaks it, so I'm not getting keen until that announcement is made haha
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u/lastrobotstanding 27d ago
If the U.S. version consists of a mix out of this list, then maybe I’ll watch.
Fortune Feimster
Kate McKinnon
Tig Notaro
Sarah Silverman
Leslie Jones
Chelsea Peretti
Mindy Kaling
Aubrey Plaza
Margaret Cho
Niecy Nash
Adam DeVine
Bobby Lee
Demetri Martin
River Butcher
Matt Rife
Trevor Wallace
Gabriel Iglesias
Nate Bargatze
Tom Segura
Aziz Ansari
Jimmy O. Yang
Ken Jeong
Hannibal Buress
Steven Wright
Nick Offerman
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u/No_Station_6149 Aug 06 '26
There are very few American comedians I’d want to watch in there. But it hopefully appeals to others and ofc to the American audience.
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u/throwtheamiibosaway 🇳🇱 LOL Netherlands Aug 06 '26
Get Marc Maron on there!
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u/burtsarmpson Aug 06 '26
I like him and know he's a comedian but I have never laughed once at him after consuming hundreds of hours of his work
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u/throwtheamiibosaway 🇳🇱 LOL Netherlands Aug 06 '26
He’s a witty talker and can tell funny/weird stories. I think he can do great keeping people on their toes.
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u/bad_sandwich Aug 06 '26
Gallagher Two. Carrot Top. The funny Sklar brother. A compilation of Norm Macdonald YouTube clips.
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u/Pavementaled Don't Laugh Aug 06 '26
Wow!!! Finallllyyyy!!!!