Kaley Cuoco, Stephanie Hsu and Zosia Mamet Celebrate ‘Killer Women in Comedy’ With Peacock and The Hollywood Reporter

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As a lifelong comedy enthusiast who has witnessed the evolution of the industry, I can confidently say that the current state of women in comedy is nothing short of electrifying! The camaraderie and talent on display at the “Killer Women in Comedy” celebration were palpable. Kaley Cuoco, Stephanie Hsu, and Zosia Mamet are just a few of the brilliant minds leading the charge, and it’s an honor to witness their journey.

On Wednesday evening, The Hollywood Reporter collaborated with Peacock to honor “Women in Comedy: Deadly Dames,” headlined by their forthcoming shows, “Based on a True Story” and “Laid.

The true-crime series starring Kaley Cuoco and Chris Messina, where they investigate local murders while producing a podcast believed to be hosted by the killer, is back for its second season on November 21st; meanwhile, a new series titled “Laid” will debut on December 19th. In this show, Stephanie Hsu plays a woman who discovers that men she’s had intimate relationships with are mysteriously dying, and with the help of her best friend (Zosia Mamet), she sets out to uncover the truth behind these deaths.

To celebrate these popular shows, THR and Peacock jointly hosted a party at the Universal lot. They raised a toast to Cuoco, Hsu, Mamet, as well as numerous female comedians, writers, performers, and creators in the industry. Quinta Brunson, Fortune Feimster, Atsuko Okatsuka, Emily Osment, Gloria Calderón Kellett, Iliza Shlesinger, Jenny Yang, Jillian Bell, Cat Cohen, and Whitney Cummings were some of the women who attended, along with NBCUniversal stars such as Alex Edelman, Stephanie Beatriz, Anna Camp, Mayan Lopez, Melissa Rauch, Michael Angarano, and Laid co-creators Nahnatchka Khan and Sally Bradford McKenna.

At the “Killer Women in Comedy” event, guests first visited THR’s photo studio prior to entering the main party area within the One Universal building. This space boasted an outdoor terrace bathed in pink light to align with the event’s feminine theme, offering a stunning view of the lot and Universal Studios theme park. A variety of treats such as sliders, shrimp skewers, and French fries were available, along with four elaborate charcuterie boards – one dedicated solely to sweet delights. Additionally, themed cocktails were served.

As an ardent fan, I can’t help but share my excitement as I was among the first to step foot on the set, buzzing with anticipation about the comeback of “Based on a True Story.” Cuoco hinted that this return will not only clarify several unanswered questions from season one but also plunge us into an entirely new, mind-blowing narrative.

In a similar vein, Mamet expressed a shared sentiment, acknowledging, “I’ve been incredibly fortunate throughout my career to portray characters opposite such remarkable, powerful, gifted women. From the ladies on ‘Girls’ to working alongside Kaley, who is here tonight, and of course Stephanie; women like Kaley and Stephanie who are also involved in the creative process as executive producers, it feels almost overwhelming. These women have been incredibly generous with their time, humanity, and talent, and they serve as a constant inspiration to me.

Regarding “Laid,” Mamet expressed his excitement about encountering a work that was unique and unlike anything he’d experienced before, either as an audience member or a creator, amidst the multitude of remakes and retellings of familiar stories.

It was advantageous that she and Hsu seemed to develop feelings for each other almost instantly, Mamet quipped. In fact, as the star of Everything Everywhere All at Once pointed out, they share many similarities and both aim to be thoroughly prepared before letting loose and having fun.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but feel the excitement brewing in the air, especially with the recent launch of a hilarious game that spotlights women. It’s an intriguing moment, considering the aftermath of such a heated election period.

During challenging periods for all of us, I believe humanity could greatly benefit from an escape, some stress relief, and a reduction in sadness. Laughter seems crucial at this moment, as David Mamet mentioned. Hsu added to The Hollywood Reporter, ‘We didn’t plan our show to be released when people might need a good laugh, but considering the current situation, I think they would truly appreciate it. Our comedy is a unique blend of tradition and an unusual twist, and I’m glad it’s so unashamedly enjoyable.’

Hsu stayed close with her “Laid” group, and also reconnected with Brunson, as both are due to act together in Universal’s comedy, “Par for the Course”, a project that Brunson is also co-writing. Hsu mentioned they haven’t started filming yet, but after snapping photos at the party, she playfully said, “I was like, wow, we look adorable together!

From its beginnings, comedy has been a key element for this company. With Peacock, we’re expanding on that foundation by creating bolder characters and more unconventional humor. Shows like ‘Laid’ and ‘Based on a True Story’ perfectly illustrate this – they are uniquely funny, side-splitting comedies with a clear perspective. Tonight, we’re honoring all the fantastic comedic characters, as well as the women who breathe life into them. It’s a joy to toast Kaley, Stephanie, Zosia, and all the gifted actors here tonight.

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2024-11-14 21:25