Assistant A&E Editor

In the ever-growing genre of alternative comedy, few programs manage to deliver the laughs more consistently and effortlessly than “Comedy Bang Bang.” Hosted by the underrated and virtually unknown writer Scott Aukerman, CBB expanded its format from a weekly podcast to include a 30-minute television show on IFC, and it has only become funnier as it gains more traction among comedy fans.

Aukerman is best known for his role as a writer and occasional performer on the classic HBO sketch comedy program “Mr. Show with Bob and David,” the Bob here being Bob Odenkirk of “Breaking Bad” fame and a comedic legend in his own right. After the show was unfortunately cancelled by HBO despite its cult following, Aukerman looked for other ways to continue entertaining with his unique voice and decided to team up with his old college buddy and partner in improv, B.J. Porter. The duo, which originally began performing under the satirical moniker, “The Fun Bunch,” booked its own weekly comedy showcase, known as “Comedy Death-Ray” at the M Bar in Los Angeles. The show gained popularity and consequently required more creative freedom, prompting a move to the famous Upright Citizens’ Brigade Theater just a few minutes away.

Building on the success fostered by the showcase, Aukerman decided to test his luck in the radio industry with a comedy themed broadcast named and based on the live show on Los Angeles radio station Indie 103.1. The successful afternoon spot ended only a year later when Aukerman formed the Earwolf podcast network and began distributing Comedy Death Ray as a weekly hour and a half podcast.

Since its inception, the show has followed a consistent format, with Aukerman performing a very loose, often absurd interview with a fellow comedian, actor, writer or musician, usually when they have something to promote, or ‘plug,’ as the brief ending segment is called.

Almost every episode also features another comedian playing a wide variety of interesting characters, whether fictional (Bob Ducca, Scott’s stepfather with a laundry list of bizarre and questionable diseases played by Seth Morris) or a celebrity caricature (the obnoxious, but lovable Cake Boss played by Paul F. Tompkins).

The show’s hilarity comes as a result of the interactions between these players, whose topics of conversation range from the hilariously inane, such as the merits of Guy Fieri’s character, to appropriately humorous discussions of current issues, exemplified in a recent episode recorded live at a benefit for MalariaNoMore.org. I strongly encourage you to give it a listen one of these days. It is a fitting alternative to iTunes or Pandora Radio if you are in the mood for a different type of auditory stimulation.

As for the TV show, it is now entering part two of its second season and was recently renewed for a third, an indication of its continued appeal. The show does a great job of adapting the unique chemistry of the podcast format for the screen and has been a success among comedy industry critics and blogs, such as The A.V. Club and Uproxx. Guests of the show have only improved following the incorporation, regularly featuring stars like Zach Galifianakis, Jon Hamm, Aimee Mann and Nick Kroll. The quick 30 minute dose of deadpan, farcical sketches and interviews makes it a worthy watch whether you have enjoyed the podcast or not.