Comedy Bang! Bang! The Podcast: The Book

by Scott Aukerman, Patton Oswalt, Bob Odenkirk

A New York Times Bestseller

 

From Scott Aukerman and the comedic geniuses who created the Comedy Bang! Bang! podcast comes a book that brings the chaotic, hilarious, and outrageous characters of the pod to the page.

 

Foreword by Patton Oswalt and Bob Odenkirk

Preface by Jack Quaid and Tatiana Maslany

Introduction by Lin-Manuel Miranda and “Weird Al” Yankovic

 

In Comedy Bang! Bang!: The The Book, Scott Aukerman transports readers into the zany world of the popular podcast. The book features anecdotes and opinions from the show’s wild cast of recurring characters, matching the show in tone and wackiness, with essays, lists, plays, nods to running bits, and four-color illustrations throughout, helping to bring the wacky, satirical, undefinable world of Comedy Bang! Bang! to life in new and surprising ways!

 

Curated by Aukerman, the book also features pieces from Bobby Moynihan, Paul F. Thompkins, Ben Schwartz, Mary Holland, Andy Daly, Lauren Lapkus, Paul Brittain, Jessica McKenna, Ego Nwodim, and many more, all reprising roles of characters they’ve created for the podcast, taking readers even deeper inside the lives of these off-the-wall personalities. If you’ve ever enjoyed a Solo Bolo or wondered what makes Bob Ducca tick, this book is chock-full of inside jokes, character studies, and hilarity!

Genres: Humor, Comedy, Fiction

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 25, 2023

Reviews

[emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

this title is like a list of my favorite things!

i thought this book was going to be more of a History Of Comedy Bang Bang, or maybe Behind The Scenes or Insider Info, but instead it was like a collection of bits that were always going to work better as audio in the (literal) voice of their corresponding comedians.

but i did have a few exhalations through the nose (reading equivalent of laughing) at things that REMINDED me of funny things, so that's not bad!

also the design was fun and interesting. so that's not bad either.

bottom line: we'll take it!

[Tess Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

New foam 🥹

[Parker Wilgus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this very book. I certainly would have finished in one sitting if I had enough - okay I’ll say it - TIME!

[Jon Von · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been a big Comedy Bang Bang fan for a long time now, right around when they first broke off that third hundo, and lots of Earwolf and related series. I saw them live, I subscribe to the patreon, and I still can’t hear the phrase, “It’s been a while” without smiling. I’m not a SUPER FAN of everyone involved, but I’d say for the last eight years or so Earwolf related shows have accounted for the great majority of my podcasting experience.

So the book, is it good? It’s ok. It’s worth reading, it’s a lot of different material from different people, mostly improv comedians but some of them are respected comedy writers in their own rights. I LOVE Paul F Tompkins and his prose pieces here are great. Other highlights include Tim Baltz, Andy Daly, Lauren Lapkus, Jessica McKenna, Jason Mantzoukas, Will Hines, Lily Sullivan, and Mary Holland. And it’s awesome to see some of these people whose work I enjoy and whose brought me many hours of laughter turn in some solid written stuff. But it’s still just like 70% playing the hits. There’s not a whole lot of new material, and while there’s some legit good original pieces, it’s a few pages here and there in between a lot of recounting of old bits which I found frustrating.

It really seems like this is a book designed both for the fans and people only vaguely familiar with the show. And I kept finding myself trying to imagine how a first time reader would see a lot of very random, and absurd silly humor without the context. Some would probably love it and seek out the show, but most would likely be confused with the occasional laugh. It’s still a funny book, but your mileage is going to vary.

There were some real bright spots don’t get me wrong and I laughed out loud several times. But I ultimately found it unsatisfying. Paul F. Tompkins should write an actual book, he’s great. Baltz, Daly, and McKenna had the best bits, with a nice surprise from a short piece from Mary Holland that makes me wish there was more. Happy that the Lapkus stuff is pretty strong but there’s not a lot. It’s made me realize that some of these people I would pay good money for longer prose pieces. Wouldn’t hesitate for one second if Scott wrote his own book. But here, it’s in-between a bunch of other callbacks that feel airless and out of context. Still a big fan, will remain so, but does this book elevate itself from tie-in curio? Yes, but not as much as I’d like.

[Tracy Daugherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ya gotta laugh. C+ book.

[Alex Nagler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scottrick has written a book. A delightful little tome of wit and whimsy that includes a missive from the diary of Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber. And I, thanks to NetGalley, was able to glimpse it with all its TKs and placeholders of wonders to come. If you have ever Solo'd a Bolo, this book is for you.

(Do not go into this expecting an oral history of Comedy Bang! Bang! This is not an oral history, this is the comics you love writing as the characters you love)

[greer]

i find a hair in this!

[Victoria Lyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

when I die please bury me with this book and have Memphis Kansas Breeze perform at my funeral service

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

As one of the most reliable sources of joy in my life, the Comedy Bang Bang podcast has been a mainstay in my weekly listening schedule for well over a decade. This book feels like a victory lap for all involved. Impossible to read without hearing the characters’ voices in your head on every page.

Would be a tough sell to someone who’s not intimately familiar with the show and its format, but true fans of all things CBB will treasure it.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love the podcast, you'll love the book. Especially the Harris Wittels piece. That man was taken far too soon.

[Daniel Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had a bunch of different sheets of paper in it. Oddly, they all had numbers on them that kept getting bigger, and when I tried to pull out said pages... nothing happened! They stayed in the book! Good book experience... 5 stars.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolute delight to read and I was truly pleased/unsettled to realize how much CBB Lore I’ve internalized over the years. I L’dOL frequently and am happy Scott and his nepo baby will get years of publishing residuals from this.

[Steven P Engel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOLed a bunch or maybe L’dOL (if you read the book). I have not listened to the podcasts but have watched the IFC series at least twice so was familiar with some of the characters at least. Wish there were more shows to watch, probably don’t have time for the pcasts.

[Eleanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will be mostly indecipherable to anyone who is not a listener of CBB, but those who have been following for years will find a lot of joy in these pages. Lots of memorable characters that I apparently forgot over time, almost makes me want to relisten to the 14 year back catalogue.

Harris's Foam Corner was the perfect way to end the book, RIP 💕

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed this; it's silly, hilarious, energetic, and very entertaining. My only slight gripe is that it loses a little something in the move from audio to writing, as, despite my brain reading most of the characters in their voices, my brain delivery simply isn't as brilliant as that of the real comedians.

[JoAnn CV · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is probably best digested as a coffee table book, where you flip around to what grabs you in the moment. Instead, I read it start to finish like a regular book. As some sort of challenge to myself? I’m not sure. That’s probably why it took a month of picking it up and putting it down to finish. That’s not a criticism, I just say it to point out how I probably read it the wrong way, and maybe don’t read it like me, a dumb-dumb.

I laughed hardest at Andy Samberg’s Hollywood Facts board game. Second was the Calvin Triplets’ contribution. I most enjoyed Harris’s Foam Corner and appreciate his family providing the notes.

Illustrations were great.

Lastly, this is a book for fans. Some parts would be enjoyed by others, but it’s truly meant for folks who have at least some familiarity CBB. I imagine it would be bewildering otherwise.

[Sam Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love CBB so had high expectations for this book, which might be why it short of them - but it was still enjoyable as a long time weekly listener and might actually be even better for a newbie.

My main gripe was that a majority of it was rehashing stuff that happened on the show, just in book form, rather than expanding upon it. I recognize that some rehashing was probably necessary to make it accessible to more casual audiences, and it's a tough line for them to have to walk, but it felt like too much to me.

The new material was all really enjoyable, and it was fun getting to see many of the contributors dressed up as their characters. It had some laugh out loud moments, and I'm still very glad I got a copy.

[Shawn Bertke · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 stars but had to add an extra one for how much this podcast means to me and that Harris Wittels and his contributions weren’t forgotten.

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably 2.5 mostly due to a surprise entry at the end. I wish I had liked it better because I really enjoy the show and the podcast. It’s probably the format because it’s similar to how I don’t like to watch standup specials with subtitles. You see the jokes coming. I’m sure a lot of people will like it, just wasn’t for me.

[Ben Estes · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're a Comedy Bang Bang fan, you will thoroughly enjoy this book. If you aren't, you probably won't. I am, so I did.

[M Caesar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of the podcast since it was called comedy death ray in the indie 103.1 days (i'd listen after the fact haha). It's been one hell of a ride and I simply love it. I vibe with the madcap improv of it you see. This show, this universe that Scott and his many, many collaborators create is mother's milk to me. There was never a world where this book isn't just, incredible to me.

[Aaron VG · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book funny.

[Joey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably not 5 stars but it's a must-have for fans of the CBBiverse

[Jake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Diverting enough for fans of the podcast.

[TV’s Kevin Lanigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gift this book is. A preservation of one of my favorite things. I laughed out loud while reading, which I think is against the law, so know that might happen.

[Laura Saavedra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obvs

[Thelonious · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Comedy Bang! Bang! podcast is an improv/alt-comedy institution, and I can’t put into words how much it means to me. I started listening in summer 2015 and haven’t missed an episode since. I’m so happy this podcast exists and continues chugging along.

As for this book: it’s a delight for diehard fans, but not quite as funny as the podcast itself. Some big laughs, but mostly snickers and smiles. Not all of the characters translated well to this medium. And naturally, a book of prepared material isn’t going to have the unique elements of spontaneity and collective improvisation that make the podcast so great. Still, some hilarious bits in here. Highly recommend to any regular listener.

[alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a somewhat sporadic podcast listener who really loved the tv show, this book is obviously much funnier when you can remember the characters’ voices. I have an extremely one-sided parasocial relationship with Scott Aukerman, though, so I’m always happy to give him $25

[Renata · Rating 3 out of 5]

CBB was one of the first podcasts I really got into, but over time my listenership faded. This book both reminded me why I loved it and also why my interest waned. There are some real literal laugh out loud moments in this (Fourvel really sent me), but also some clunkers. Some the things benefitted from images/formatting while others seemed less funny than their audio counterparts because of not having the voice performances. Basically: fun for existing fans! Probably will not convert many new listeners!

[Devin Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like this would be completely disorienting for anyone not familiar with all of these characters, but--for anyone who is--it's a pleasant read.

If this seems like I'm damning it with faint praise, I think that so much of the CBB effect depends on the in-studio chaos, spontaneity, and camaraderie, which was inherently not likely to be captured in print. I do think this book is a success, but I also think it could only ever capture the spirit of CBB so well.

I also think that there is a lot of variation in which contributors are actually good comedy writers (versus good improvisers/performers) and which ideas work in print (or don't).

I think that Paul F. Tompkins's contributions are consistently really good, which is ironic because I believe he's described himself as a poor writer. Maybe that's true in some way that I'm not aware of, but I think that his knack for storytelling (which is evident not only on podcasts but in his standup) keeps his chapters from falling flat.

A few of the other contributions in the book unfortunately do fall into some degree of lifelessness, because I don't think their authors have the same instinct for structure that Tompkins does. Also, more blamelessly, I just think that some characters depend so much on a vocal quality or an energy that does not come across on the page hardly at all.

I might have to call out the Gino chapter for being especially unsuccessful. I think that all of the irony is lost on the page compared to when the character is performed, and it just comes across in the exact wrong way.

But I do want to be clear about how many good parts are in this: I think Ben Schwartz's "solo bolo" chapter and Mantzoukas's Characterwheaties chapter [Editor's Note: Characterwheaties's Mantzoukas chapter] both work really well for completely different reasons, with completely different tones. The Hollywood Facts game is pretty terrific, too, and both Margery Kershaw and Sprague's chapters were winners, for me. "John Lennon" and Todd make this list, as well. And--of course--it was nice to get a completely on-brand Foam Corner chapter, in that it was 33% duds, 33% hilarious, and 33% "is this even a joke yet?".

Even acknowledging the book's uneven quality, the list of strong contributions I've shouted out is pretty long, so--if you're a fan of the podcast or TV show--you really shouldn't hesitate that much to seek this out.