Strike Back Studios Introduces Laugh It Forward: A Star-Powered Stand-Up Series with a Mission to Uplift Comedy’s Newest Voices

This June, Strike Back Studios is rolling out Laugh It Forward, a fresh stand-up comedy series blending Hollywood star power with the next wave of comedic talent. Premiering June 3, 2025, and airing weekly throughout the month, the series kicks off with actor and comedian Jimmy O. Yang (Interior Chinatown, Silicon Valley) as host.

Set in the iconic Viper Room on L.A.’s Sunset Strip, the series oozes vintage cool with a modern twist—think prohibition-era speakeasy meets Netflix-worthy comedy night. Each episode is led by a celebrity host who curates and presents their favorite rising stars, giving audiences an authentic, feel-good experience rooted in community, laughter, and legacy.

The inaugural lineup of presenters packs a punch: Rob Riggle (21 Jump Street), Jay Pharoah (Saturday Night Live), King Bach (The Babysitter), and Lisa Ann Walter (Abbott Elementary) are all bringing their comedic chops—and their spotlight—to a handpicked selection of up-and-coming comedians.

And the featured talent? A who’s who of stand-up's newest heat. Watch for performances by Vinny Fasline (Netflix Is a Joke Festival), Andrea Jin (The Late Late Show), Nicky Paris (named one of LA Times' Best Comics to Watch), Comedian CP (How to Die Alone), Nick Guerra (HBO’s Love Me at My Worst), Erica Rhodes, Sydney Castillo (My Cup is Full Podcast), and more.

Laugh It Forward isn’t just another comedy show—it’s a movement to lift the next generation of comics into the spotlight. With intimate production aesthetics and a moody, underground vibe, it channels the raw energy of live comedy in one of L.A.'s most legendary venues.

Behind the scenes, the series is backed by an impressive production team. Executive producers include McG, Mary Viola, Corey Marsh, and Jesse Murphy for Wonderland, along with Shannon Houchins and Trevor O’Neil for Hideout Pictures. Noor Ahmed joins as producer. The series is directed by Michael Tiddes (A Haunted House, Jeff Ross Presents) and edited by two-time Emmy winner Michael Schultz (Kevin Hart & Chris Rock: Headliners Only).

Already, plans are in motion for future installments, hinting at Laugh It Forward becoming more than a series—it’s poised to be a cultural touchstone for comedy’s next big stars.

Catch the premiere on June 3 and tune in weekly to see who’s making audiences crack up next.