#32: Creating Comedy Central and the Business of Television with Art Bell
Art Bell is the author of Constant Comedy: How I started Comedy Central and Lost My Sense of Humor. Despite that intriguing title, this episode is filled with plenty of laughs. Art shares his journey through television, including getting the idea for an all-comedy channel while working at HBO. We talk about Mystery Science Theater 3K and why it’s one of the most important shows in comedy history. Art tells a delightful story about meeting Jerry Seinfeld’s agent. And there’s a whole lot more.
It all adds up to one heckuva enjoyable episode. We're having a ton of fun here and I know you will, too.
Highlights of our conversation include:
How Art first got into comedy writing growing up, why his first job had nothing to do with comedy, and the moment he realized he needed to get out of his job and move to HBO. (2:26)
Art’s meeting with a head executive at HBO and how she thought his idea for a 24-hour comedy network was the stupidest idea she’d ever heard. Plus, the reasons why Art knew his idea would work. (5:18)
The moment Art had to give an impromptu presentation on his new channel concept to the head of the network, and how he handled the situation. (8:05)
Why market research played such an important role in Art’s idea — and how any business can use research to their benefit — and what was included on the initial demo tape. (12:30)
A HUGE curveball that got thrown Art’s way as he was developing the content for the channel. (16:05)
How Art started losing his sense of humor after getting into the business of comedy television. (20:40)
Art shares the most surprising part about the comedy business. (23:25)
The major impact Mystery Science Theater 3K had on The Comedy Channel, plus the challenges he encountered when The Comedy Channel merged with its biggest rival at MTV — and how Art and his rival-turned-teammate overcame them. (27:30)
Why Mystery Science Theater 3K found a home with terrible movies out of necessity, and how The Daily Show ended up cementing the legacy of Comedy Central. (34:10)
Art talks about his most interesting and least successful project: commercializing 3D television. (39:40)
Are all comedians really depressed and miserable all the time? Plus the comedians Art thought were easy to talk to, including Jon Stewart and Marc Maron. (44:03)
Art’s favorite comedians: Richard Pryor, Albert Brooks, and Jerry Seinfeld. (46:00)
What’s Next for Art Bell?
Pick up a copy of Art’s book, Constant Comedy: How I started Comedy Central and Lost My Sense of Humor and learn more at his website or on Facebook.
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