Genius Comedians From 'Last Comic Standing'

NBC's long running comedy show has seen its fair share of ups and downs in the rating game, but this year it seems to have really found it's footing. With Anthony Jeselnik and Norm Macdonald joining Last Comic Standing as host and judge respectively, the show has really improved upon itself and is steadily hanging on to good viewing numbers. Whoever decided that it was time to streamline the show's format deserves a raise. With all of the "comic comeback" nonsense and intricate elimination rounds, the show was losing itself along with its audience. It seems to have all the kinks worked out and added some shiny new pieces to the mix, but is Last Comic Standing returning for Season 10?

NBC has yet to officially announce whether they will be renewing Last Comic Standing for another season, but if the more palatable format (when you're cut, you're cut!) and the ratings have anything to say about it, I think we can safely assume that a renewal will be announced sometime after the finale on Sept. 9. After last week's head-to-head competitions where they pitted comics against each other in sudden death-style knockouts, ratings were shown to hit 4.18 million viewers. Those numbers are certainly nothing to sneeze at. If it were to return, it would likely premiere in summer 2016 like its previous seasons have.

One unique thing about Last Comic Standing is its focus on nurturing real comics. There are a ton of reality talent competitions, but this is the only one truly geared at comedy alone. In case anyone wasn't aware, some great comedy names have been churned out of Last Comic Standing. While we wait for the official renewal, take a peak at this list of some notable comedy geniuses to pop out of this competition.

1. Amy Schumer

Should I even continue? Amy is a comedy goddess of the highest order. She cropped up in Season 5 and made it all the way to the Final 4 before being eliminated. Luckily the world recognized greatness and scooped her up into our collective bosoms, where she resides today. After several comedy specials and appearances, she now has her own show, Inside Amy Schumer and has written/starred in a movie. Not bad.

2. Gary Gulman

Gary is a complete gem. Based out of Boston (hometown pride!), he has made appearances on just about every late night show you could conceive of and also guest starred on Amy Schumer's smash hit, Inside Amy Schumer.

3. Ralphie May

Ralphie didn't win Season 1, but being the runner up didn't seem to hurt his career. He went on to star in a handful of specials and made an appearance on VH1 Celebrity Fit Club. Just don't call him fluffy.

4. Nikki Glaser

Nikki is another familiar face who appeared in Season 7 and has been unstoppable ever since. She's made appearances on several late night shows, VH1, and Inside Amy Schumer.

So, let's be real. Last Comic Standing needs to be renewed because the future of our belly laughs depend on it.

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