This weekend marked the debut of the new Larry the Cable Guy TV series, Only In America on the History Channel. Now, Larry’s a pretty polarizing figure in the world of comedy – well-liked by many, while the joke of others. I for one am not particularly a fan of Larry’s stand-up, but I put personal impressions aside and watched the show to see if Larry could get a fair shake. Larry travels the nation partaking in jobs and recreations, similar to the show Dirty Jobs.

What you might not know is just how enjoyable the show turns out to be. I never thought I’d say it but Larry’s easy-going demeanor and everyman vibe makes for a terrific host to ask and get answers about the particular task at hand.

Surprised that something starring Larry the Cable Guy actually made me laugh it got me thinking…how easy is it for a comedian to convince fans to give them a second chance or make new fans in a different format? Gallagher’s move to edgier material recently came under attack during his scuffle with Marc Maron on the WTF Podcast. Maron himself got a second comedic life with the launch of his podcast. Some comedians went the “family friendly” route for their material to grab a different and new audience. Does it always take a jump to a format other than stand-up for this to happen? TV, movies, or hosting duties have given some comedians second lives.

It’s a simple question that doesn’t necessarily have an obvious answer. Sound off with your thoughts.

COMEDY IN STORES

COMEDY IN THEATERS
Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son

COMEDY ON TELEVISION:
Monday, February 14th
Martin Lawrence on Jimmy Kimmel Live
Heather McDonald, Jim Norton on Chelsea Lately
Mike Birbiglia on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon
Mad Love series premiere on CBS

Tuesday, February 15th
Jo Koy and John Caparulo on Chelsea Lately

Wednesday, February 16th
Brad Wollack and Natasha Leggero on Chelsea Lately
Martin Lawrence, Fred Armisen, and Reggie Watts on Conan
Eddie Griffin on Lopez Tonight

Thursday, February 17th
Jason Sudeikis on Jimmy Kimmel Live
Louie Anderson on Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson
Josh Wolf on Chelsea Lately
Jim Jefferies on Lopez Tonight
Michael Showalter and Dan St. Germain on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

Friday, February 18th
Andy Kindler, David Spade on Late Show With David Letterman
Patton Oswalt on Last Call With Carson Daly
Josh Wolf, Loni Love, and Mo Mandel on Chelsea Lately
Patrice O’Neal on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

Saturday, February 19th
Patrice O’Neal Elephant In The Room special debuts on Comedy Central

Sunday, February 20th
Saturday Night Live: Just Commercials
Saturday Night Live: Backstage