‘Crashing’ and burning while learning the comedic ropes

Pete Holmes (left) and Artie Lange

In the comedy series “Crashing,” an aspiring comedian’s world is turned upside down when his marriage suddenly falls apart—but his love for standup comedy sustains him, even as he goes through the proverbial wringer to get his jokes heard.

Created by and starring Pete Holmes, and produced by Judd Apatow, the series gives an unvarnished, consistently funny and sometimes exasperating look at the ins and outs of standup comedy.

Currently streaming on HBO Go, the show manages to make viewers root for its cuckolded underdog, Pete (Holmes), who catches his bored wife, Jessica (Lauren Lapkus), cheating on him with hippie artist Lief (George Basil).

When he moves out of their home, Pete pursues his passion full-time. He encounters popular comics—playing embellished or more outrageous versions of themselves—and ends up crashing at their homes while he’s still homeless and considering his options. Apart from lending a couch for him to sleep on, these unexpectedly generous souls— including comedians Artie Lange, TJ Miller and Sarah Silverman—impart valuable lessons about life and career.

The eight-episode series’ first season partly shows Pete struggling to get himself a slot at a dingy bar, where he has to get five people with his flyers to get in—so he could perform for free!

The comics playing “themselves” add nicely to the authenticity and comedic cred of the enterprise—although seeing them acting in scenes can sometimes feel jarring. Silverman, however, creates a more enjoyable vibe with the scenario she’s given.

It’s nowhere near as introspective or enlightening as “Louie,” but “Crashing” has a similar exploratory mindset, offering honest and surprising truths about the business of making people laugh.

Holmes’ Everyman presence also provides accessibility, his character’s predicaments and unpolished humor giving the viewer relatable connections, whether he’s succeeding in life—or failing spectacularly!