Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn

Episode 1

Episode #1.1

Mon, Dec 9, 2002

Unique features: The third segment, aka "Act 3": is typically a break in the roundtable format for something different. In this Dec-2002 episode, after a tough year for large corporations, Quinn narrates a closer look at one example: GE. GE makes light bulbs and jet engines, but they also run NBC where Quinn was let go as host of Weekend Update on Saturday Night Live. During hard economic times, Quinn shows that he cannot afford to tip well when dining out. The service industry employee suffers and marches on Washington while holding a lit candle, which comes in handy because they couldn't pay the light bill either. Episode also features a Confession-style improv where Quinn as priest sits down with each of the 4 guests.

Episode 2

Episode #1.2

Tue, Dec 10, 2002

After topical discussion and banter in the first half of the show, the third segment is something different. Host Quinn sits down with young Broadway actress Christiana Anbri (12 years old here), presumably to get a kid's take on Christmas plans. The holiday conversation comedically devolves into Quinn's bleak, cynical take on life in general. For the final segment, Quinn says part of immigration and America's Melting Pot concept is appreciating other cultures. For one, he likes the Islamic issuance of fatwa. Quinn holds a prop fatwa, and asks his guests who or what would they "issue a fatwa" against. Note that fatwas do not necessarily call for death, like the famous Salman Rushdie one. Quinn goes around the horn with his guests one last time, and each guest delivers their final joke to camera.

Episode 3

Episode #1.3

Wed, Dec 11, 2002

The third segment, aka "Act Three" is typically a break in the roundtable format for something different. After the discussion regarding race, Quinn parodies Carson Daly's "Total Request Live" (TRL) with a racial "countdown" of groups in the news, titled "Today's Race Line." For the final segment: Quinn asks his guests for a funny take on the topic of race: "If you could change your race for a day, what would it be?" Each guest provides their answer to camera, and Quinn signs off.

Episode 4

Episode #1.4

Thu, Dec 12, 2002

Segment 2 is a roundtable discussion of corporal punishment, and starts with a unique REMOTE segment filmed on the streets of New York, getting feedback from a wide array of real people — from their upbringing to their current thoughts about discipline. Segment 3 (aka "Act 3") is typically a break in the roundtable format for something different. Quinn sits down with guest Sarah Silverman presumably to catch up one-on-one, but it devolves comedically into a tense, icy standoff because of their romantic past.

Episode 5

Episode #1.5

Mon, Dec 16, 2002

Guest stars: Judy Gold, Jim Norton, Keith Robinson, Rich Vos

Episode 6

Episode #1.6

Tue, Dec 17, 2002

Nick DiPaolo; Susie Essman, Greg Giraldo, Denis Leary appear.

Episode 7

Episode #1.7

Wed, Dec 18, 2002

After discussions of topics in Segment 1 and 2: Segment 3, aka "Act 3" is typically a break in the roundtable format for something different. Quinn parodies Carson Daly's "Total Request Live" (TRL) with a racial "countdown" of groups in the news, titled "Today's Race Line." From the Congolese people who recently ended a civil war, to French and Egypt papers criticizing US foreign policy, to Somalia whose conflict generated a Jerry Bruckheimer film that Josh Hartnett "was actually good in," these countries and peoples have Colin Quinn heated (and jealous of Josh Hartnett).

Episode 8

Episode #1.8

Thu, Dec 19, 2002

Guests discuss topics at the proverbial round table in the first two segments. In the third segment, host Quinn sits in the studio audience while reviewing a tape of some classic people-watching. From Homeless Dick Tracy to a guy with no assumed orientation with headphones that you just KNOW are blasting Depeche Mode, Quinn riffs on this filmed montage from the streets of New York City. In the final and fourth segment, Quinn loops back to the idea of exasperation with the media and asks his guests for a FUTURE headline they'd actually LIKE to see. Each guest has a mock-up newspaper or magazine cover and delivers their final joke to camera, followed by Quinn.

Episode 9

Episode #1.9

Mon, Mar 10, 2003

After discussions of topics in Segment 1 and 2: Segment 3, aka "Act 3" is typically a break in the roundtable format for something different. In this Dec-2002 episode, after a tough year for large corporations, Quinn narrates a closer look at one example: GE. GE makes light bulbs and jet engines, but they also run NBC where Quinn was let go as host of Weekend Update on Saturday Night Live. During hard economic times, Quinn shows that he cannot afford to tip well when dining out. The service industry employee suffers and marches on Washington while holding a lit candle, which comes in handy because she couldn't pay her light bill anyway. Episode also features a Confession-style improv where Quinn as priest sits down with each of the 4 guests.

Episode 10

Episode #1.10

Tue, Mar 11, 2003

After roundtable discussion of topics in Segment 1 and 2: Segment 3 (aka "Act 3") offers a break in the proceedings for something different. In this third segment, aka "Act 3": Quinn sits down with Broadway actress Christiana Anbri (12 years old here), presumably to ask about her Christmas plans. The conversation comedically devolves into a bleak, cynical, and violent view of the holiday, her appearance on the show, and humanity in general. Segment 4: Quinn goes "around the horn" with his 4 Guest Stars, asking WHO or WHAT would they "issue a fatwa against" (comedically).

Episode 11

Episode #1.11

Wed, Mar 12, 2003

After roundtable discussions of topics in Segment 1 and 2: Segment 3 (aka "Act 3") offers a break in the proceedings for something different. After the roundtable discussion regarding race, Quinn parodies Carson Daly's "Total Request Live" (TRL) with a racial "countdown" of groups in the news, titled "Today's Race Line."

Episode 12

Episode #1.12

Thu, Mar 13, 2003

Guests discuss roundtable topics in the first two segments. In the third segment, host Quinn and guest Sarah Silverman sit down to address teen girls and young women, calling it "TOUGH LOVE." Girls Gone Wild is peaking, and ladies throughout America are relying on magazine advice for answers. The two go back and forth answering actual letters, ostensibly offering hope, advice, and practical answers to each inquiry. In the final and fourth segment, Quinn loops back to the idea of celebrities getting political, and goes "around the horn" with his guests, asking each for a new cause they could get behind, and to choose a celebrity spokesperson. Each guest delivers their final joke to camera, followed by Quinn. He encourages viewers to sound off on the Tough Crowd Message Board online.

Episode 13

Episode #1.13

Mon, Mar 17, 2003

After the roundtable discussion of topics in the first half of the show, Act Three is Quinn with a unique comedy piece about new democracies around the globe. He rates whether these countries are handling their newfound freedom with aplomb or are they on the brink of disaster? From "bad girl" Russia to the boy band of the -Stan countries going through a bad Behind the Music episode. Last is infant Iraq being watched over by Uncle Sam, keeping Saddam away. In closing, Quinn asks his guests: What other groups should be protected from discrimination and why? Each guest provides their answer to camera, followed by Quinn.

Episode 14

Episode #1.14

Tue, Mar 18, 2003

After topical discussion and banter in the first half of the show, the third segment sees host Quinn sit down fireside to deliver an FDR-style talk about pending war with Iraq. He suggests modern wartime propaganda posters. He also goes through supplies that the studio audience donated, which the show will be sending to the troops. For the fourth and final segment, Quinn asks each comedian to deliver a message to inspire the troops. Each guest speaks directly into camera, including some cheesecake from the lovely Bonnie.

Episode 15

Episode #1.15

Wed, Mar 19, 2003

After discussion of the day's topic in the first half of the show, the third segment sees host Quinn sit down with guest Dave Chappelle for a unique comedy piece. War with Iraq is looming, and anti-Americanism is rising around the globe, so white and black Americans may need to make strides to bond in these tough times. Both Quinn and Chappelle have printed cards in front of them, each with a statement they want the OTHER to read aloud, speaking for their entire race. One by one, they hand a card to the other with great relish. These are statements that each race is unlikely to admit under normal circumstances. For the final segment, Quinn brings back the topic of the death penalty and asks his guests for their final words if they were on Death Row. Each guest provides their answer to camera, followed by Quinn.

Episode 16

Episode #1.16

Thu, Mar 20, 2003

After the discussion of the Iraq War in the first half of the show, host Quinn changes gears to look at the St. Patrick's Day Parade from Monday. He reviews filmed footage from the streets of New York City and provides hilarious voiceover commentary on the characters there. For the final segment, Quinn circles back to the day's topic, and asks his guests for an inspirational wartime T-shirt slogan that Americans could rally behind. He goes around the horn with his guests, who each provide their answer to camera, followed by Quinn's own take.

Episode 17

Episode #1.17

Mon, Mar 24, 2003

After discussion of anti-war sentiment in the first half of the show round table, the third segment shows Quinn looking to wars throughout history for some perspective on the current situation with Iraq. From ancient Greece and the US Civil War to World War II and the Spanish Civil War, Quinn compares various conflicts using the culture of the times: music, photography, paintings, and American staples like the sitcom. For the fourth and final segment, Quinn asks his guests how they would make the Oscar broadcast better. Each guest gives their final answer to camera, followed by Quinn.

Episode 18

Episode #1.18

Tue, Mar 25, 2003

The round table discussion touches on same-day stories. Quinn holds the New York Post with the cover story about Army Sgt. Akbar with the headline "SABOTAGE," and they talk about the controversial video of American POWs that was recently aired by Al Jazeera. For the final segment, Quinn brings back the topic of Spring Break and asks his guests to give some advice to a young son or daughter on their first trip. Each guest delivers their final joke to camera, followed by Quinn, who then concludes the show.

Episode 19

Episode #1.19

Wed, Mar 26, 2003

After topical discussion and banter in the first half of the show, the third segment sees host Quinn sit down with guest Wanda Sykes for a little battle of the sexes. They do a written comedy piece where they go back and forth, handing cards to the other person to read aloud, to finally hear someone of the opposite gender admit to certain hard truths. They may wince at the admissions, but it's all in the name of healing. For the fourth and final segment, Quinn merges the concepts of rules of war with gender relations, and asks his guests for rules they would apply to dating. Each guest provides their answer to camera, followed by Quinn.

Episode 20

Episode #1.20

Thu, Mar 27, 2003

After topical discussion and banter in the first half of the show, the third segment sees host Quinn sit down for a one-on-one with old friend Denis Leary. For the final segment, "There Oughta Be a Law," Quinn asks each comedian to share their personal idea of a something they would like to see become law. Each guest provides their answer to camera, followed by Quinn who concludes the show.

Episode 21

Episode #1.21

Mon, Mar 31, 2003

After topical discussion and banter in the first half of the show, the third segment shifts focus to World War III. Host Quinn knows that everyone's mind is on college basketball, but he is distracted by the possible end of the world. He introduces his own comedic "March to Madness" bracket, and walks us through the Elite Eight countries and how they might pair up and face off. For the fourth and final segment, Quinn loops back to the music industry discussion and asks his comedian guests to each write and perform an original love song. Comedian Rob Paravonian accompanies on guitar.

Episode 22

Episode #1.22

Tue, Apr 1, 2003

Chris Rock, Eddie Izzard, Judy Gold, and Greg Giraldo appear. They discuss what it means for society that young people idolize "bad boy" figures like Eminem, Allen Iverson, and Mike Tyson.

Episode 23

Episode #1.23

Wed, Apr 2, 2003

After topical discussion and banter in the first half of the show, the third segment is a comedy piece called, "Al Jazeera Primetime." For the fourth and final segment, Quinn asks each guest to make a speech to the people of Iraq, as if they were there reporting on Iraqi TV.

Episode 24

Episode #1.24

Thu, Apr 3, 2003

After topical discussion and banter in the first half of the show, the third segment sees host Quinn sit in the studio audience for something different. They show a filmed montage of people on the streets of New York, and Quinn provides humorous audio commentary as the characters seen there. For the fourth and final segment, Quinn and guests loop back to the day's topic of executive compensation. He asks each comedian to deliver a CEO-style address from a lectern, defending their raise to shareholders. Each guest provides their answer to camera, followed by Quinn.

Episode 25

Episode #1.25

Mon, Apr 7, 2003

Guest stars include Mario Cantone, Greg Giraldo, Kevin Meaney, and Doctor Dre, an MTV originator like Mr. "Sing Along With Colin" Quinn

Episode 26

Episode #1.26

Tue, Apr 8, 2003

Episode 27

Episode #1.27

Wed, Apr 9, 2003

After topical discussion and banter in the first half of the show, for the third segment, Quinn introduces an acting scene to showcase his authentic New York Italian-American acting prowess that has been largely overlooked by Hollywood. He is joined by Sopranos actor Vincent Pastore (Sal "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero) for a two-man dialogue over a red-checkered tablecloth. For the fourth and final segment, Quinn and guests loop back to the day's topic of prisons. He asks each comedian for a new form of punishment and who deserves it. Each guest provides their answer to camera, followed by Quinn who closes the show.

Episode 28

Episode #1.28

Thu, Apr 10, 2003

After topical discussion and banter in the first half of the show, host Quinn sits down for a one-on-one with guest Jon Stewart. As unofficial representatives of Catholicism and Judaism, the two talk about the upcoming holidays of Easter and Passover. For the fourth and final segment, Quinn and guests loop back to the topic of New York City. He asks each comedian to provide a new slogan for the city, as well as a commercial to feature it. Each guest provides their answer to camera, followed by Quinn.

Episode 29

Episode #1.29

Mon, Apr 21, 2003

Episode 30

Episode #1.30

Tue, Apr 22, 2003

After a wide variety of topics are discussed in the first half of the show, host Quinn uses the third segment for a unique comedy piece. He compares the war on terror to a simpler time, when the US had a clearer enemy: the 1980's and the Cold War with the Soviet Union. He compares the two conflicts in interesting and humorous ways. For the final segment, Quinn and guests loop back to the day's topic of New York City's severe budget problems and asks: "What product or service would you tax to raise money for New York?" Each comedian delivers their idea to camera, followed by Quinn, who then wraps up the show.

Episode 31

Episode #1.31

Wed, Apr 23, 2003

After topical discussion and banter in the first half of the show, the third segment sees host Quinn sit down with recurring comedian guests Nick DiPaolo and Patrice O'Neal. On the Comedy Central website, Tough Crowd maintains a show page and Message Board, where viewers sound off. Quinn reads real feedback aloud, and he, Nick, and Patrice respond to personal attacks. For the fourth and final segment, Quinn loops back to the day's topic of pilots carrying guns. He asks each comedian to answer, "What other profession would you give guns to and why?" Each guest provides their answer to camera, followed by Quinn's own take, and then he ends the show.

Episode 32

Episode #1.32

Thu, Apr 24, 2003

Episode 33

Episode #1.33

Mon, Apr 28, 2003

After topical discussion and banter in the first half of the show, host Quinn changes gears in the third segment for a humorous desk piece. He looks at mainstream stories from the US, and then shows an international or multicultural newspaper's interpretation of the same event from their point of view. For the fourth and final segment, Quinn goes around the horn with his guests one last time. Though Muslim traditions might be unfamiliar to most Americans, our principle of tolerance is resolute. But religion aside, what other group do you feel we're TOO tolerant of? Each guest provides their answer to camera. Quinn concludes the show.

Episode 34

Episode #1.34

Tue, Apr 29, 2003

After topical discussion and banter in the first half of the show, host Quinn uses the third segment for an acting scene that he wrote. He plays a married doctor who leaves heart surgery to prepare dinner for his addict wife played by special guest actress Illeana Douglas, who stumbles into the scene amid hearty applause. She stops the scene to address Colin's writing and acting, but to no avail. She walks out. For the fourth and final segment, Quinn and guests loop back to the day's topic of lying and cheating. He asks each comedian to respond as if they were accused of cheating. Each guest provides their answer to camera, followed by Quinn who closes the show.

Episode 35

Episode #1.35

Wed, Apr 30, 2003

Graham Norton, Greg Giraldo, Judy Gold, Rich Vos appear. Earlier in April, Oklahoma executed an offender for crimes committed as a minor. The case sets off widespread debate of the juvenile death penalty and its constitutionality.

Episode 36

Episode #1.36

Thu, May 1, 2003

Episode 37

Episode #1.37

Mon, May 5, 2003

Episode 38

Episode #1.38

Tue, May 6, 2003

Episode 39

Episode #1.39

Wed, May 7, 2003

After topics are discussed in the first half of the show, Quinn shifts gears for the third segment. He once again demonstrates his mastery of intense drama via scene writing and performance. He wears a green Army jacket and headband and enters a Vietnam set. A Vietnamese villager portrayed by an associate producer of Asian descent is kneeling on the ground, tied and bloody. Leary and Clarke enter. They criticize Quinn's writing heavily while delivering the lines, but somehow they all get through the scene. Then for the fourth and final segment, Quinn loops back to the idea of campus life and asks his guests to design a new fraternity or sorority and describe what their hazing might entail. Each guest provides their answer to camera, followed by Quinn, who then closes the show.

Episode 40

Episode #1.40

Thu, May 8, 2003

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Thu, Jun 12, 2003

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Thu, May 6, 2004