After Lately
A mockumentary about the behind-the-scenes of Chelsea Lately.
After Lately is an American television comedy that aired on E! beginning March 6, 2011. The series is a mockumentary-style show depicting the behind-the-scenes activities of the late-night talk show Chelsea Lately, featuring the actual writers and performers of that show playing exaggerated versions of themselves. It blends scripted and improvised performances, using a documentary-style camera approach similar to The Office and Parks and Recreation, and serves as a satire of show business and celebrity culture.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Comedy / Improvisational / Mockumentary
- Creator
- Chelsea Handler / Brad Wollack / Tom Brunelle
- Creative Director
- Johnny Milord
- Starring
- Chelsea Handler / Brad Wollack / Chris Franjola / Chuy Bravo / Heather McDonald / Jeff Wild / Roy Handler / Steven Marmalstein / Dan Maurio / Sarah Colonna / Jen Kirkman / Fortune Feimster / Josh Wolf
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
- Num Seasons
- 3
- Num Episodes
- 24
- Executive Producer
- Brad Wollack / Chelsea Handler / Jay Karas / Tom Brunelle
- Runtime
- 20 to 23 minutes · (excluding commercials)
- Company
- Borderline Amazing Productions
- Network
- E!
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
After Lately presents the staff of Chelsea Lately as a dysfunctional family, constantly bickering over trivial matters, competing for air time and Chelsea Handler's approval, and pranking each other in childish ways. Celebrity guest stars appear as parody versions of themselves, interacting with Handler and the cast. Handler herself is portrayed as outwardly disdainful and domineering yet secretly compassionate toward her staff. Many storylines are inspired by actual events at the Chelsea Lately offices.
Reader's Guide
After Lately is significant as a scripted comedy that uses a 'show-about-a-show' concept, with the central show being a real program (Chelsea Lately). It follows in the tradition of The Larry Sanders Show but with a real talk show at its core. The series aired three seasons on E!, with the first two seasons each consisting of eight episodes on Sunday nights at 11 pm, and the third season moving to Mondays at 10:30 pm. The series premiere averaged 1.2 million viewers, and the season two premiere set a series high of 1.254 million viewers. The season three premiere saw a drop to 0.355 million viewers. The show's legacy lies in its blending of reality and fiction, offering a satirical look at the entertainment industry through the lens of a real production.
Did You Know?
- The series is a mockumentary featuring the actual writers and performers of Chelsea Lately playing themselves.
- Celebrity guest stars such as Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston appeared as parody versions of themselves.
- The season two premiere set a series high with 1.254 million viewers.
- Many stories told on the show were inspired by actual events at the Chelsea Lately offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is After Lately?
After Lately is a comedy series that follows the off-camera antics of the creative team behind Chelsea Lately. It presents the writers and performers as over-the-top caricatures of themselves while poking fun at the entertainment industry.
Where and when did After Lately air?
The series premiered on the E! channel on March 6, 2011, and ran for two seasons before concluding its run.
What filming style does After Lately use?
The show employs a mockumentary format with a handheld, documentary-style camera, much like The Office or Parks and Recreation. It mixes scripted gags with improvised moments to create a candid, behind-the-scenes feel.
Who are the main characters in After Lately?
The cast consists of the real writers and performers from Chelsea Lately, each playing a heightened, satirical version of their own character. The show uses these self-parodies to lampoon celebrity culture and the mechanics of producing a late-night talk show.
How many seasons of After Lately are there?
After Lately ran for two seasons on E! and did not pick up a third season.
More in American television spinoffs 1-24
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