About the Show

Stand-up comedy had always been a male domain. Only a tiny handful of women have broken out of the brutal world of comedy clubs to become household names. After decades of fighting for a place in the spotlight, things have finally shifted. Hysterical, a feature documentary from director Andrea Nevins (Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie), journeys backstage and on the road with veteran comedians, rising stars and novices to discover how an intrepid group of boundary-breaking females are changing the game and exploring what it takes to become the voices of their generation and their gender.

Hysterical takes an intimate look behind the velvet curtains and beer-soaked clubs of the comedy scene into the lives of the women shattering comedy’s glass ceiling with raucous laughter and perfectly timed punch lines. From newcomers to super stars, the funniest women in comedy drop the mic with their heartfelt struggles, personal stories and hilariously bold opinions. Featuring Kelly Bachman, Margaret Cho, Fortune Feimster, Rachel Feinstein, Marina Franklin, Nikki Glaser, Judy Gold, Kathy Griffin, Jessica Kirson, Lisa Lampanelli, Wendy Liebman, Carmen Lynch, Bonnie McFarlane, Sherri Shepherd and Iliza Shlesinger.

Produced by Campfire and Ross M. Dinerstein (FX’s The Most Dangerous Animal of All, Jiro Dreams of Sushi), Rebecca Evans (FX’s The Most Dangerous Animal of All) and Carolina Groppa (Sylvie’s Love), and executive produced by Nevins, Ross Girard (FX’s The Most Dangerous Animal of All), Jim Serpico (FX’s Rescue Me) and stand-up comic Kirson, Hysterical is a backstage pass into a rarely-seen world and an examination of ground-breaking female artists commanding the stage in a post-#MeToo era.