Storyline

Each episode of this docuseries presents a compelling portrait of a comedian on the verge of breaking out to become the next big name in comedy. The diverse lineup of breakout talent offers insights into the motivations behind baring one’s soul for a living.

First Aired

2018-10-05
Last Aired

2022-03-25
Creator
Genre

Documentary, Comedy
Seasons

3
Episodes

32
Status

Returning Series
Language

English
Network

Epix

Keywords:

stand-up comedy

Stream and watch EPIX Presents Unprotected Sets

Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

1. Zainab Johnson

When you are one of thirteen children you’ve got to stand out – or stand up – to get attention. After ...More

When you are one of thirteen children you’ve got to stand out – or stand up – to get attention. After her dreams of becoming a WNBA player were cut short by a tragic accident, Zainab found her way to the stage – and now she is about to break out from the pack again. Her smart and edgy storytelling is informed by her experiences growing up in Harlem in an African-American Muslim family.Less

23mins 2018-10-05

2. Raul Sanchez

Raul was born in Mexico, crossed the border with his family, and was raised in Texas. After serving th...More

Raul was born in Mexico, crossed the border with his family, and was raised in Texas. After serving three tours of duty on the front lines of Afghanistan and Iraq for the US Army, Raul sought the comfort of comedy to help with his PTSD. He truly sees the comedy in tragedy and his act highlights the lighter side of everyday life and war.Less

23mins 2018-10-12

3. Daniel Webb

Daniel is a fifth-generation Texan. Growing up in the nineties in Hurst, Texas as a gay boy who didn’t...More

Daniel is a fifth-generation Texan. Growing up in the nineties in Hurst, Texas as a gay boy who didn’t fit in had its challenges. Daniel’s unique take on being an empowered gay man in the heart of Texas is as powerful as it is funny.Less

23mins 2018-10-19

4. Rocky Dale Davis

There is more than meets the eye with Alabama native Rocky Dale Davis. Raised by a single mom who work...More

There is more than meets the eye with Alabama native Rocky Dale Davis. Raised by a single mom who worked tirelessly to keep food on the table, Rocky is often misjudged as your typical Southern white boy. However, Rocky’s progressive outlook in his material takes turns you wouldn’t expect. Rocky is sure not to alienate liberals or conservatives as no one in the audience is safe when he takes the stage.Less

23mins 2018-10-26

5. Mia Jackson

Named Atlanta’s best stand up comedian in 2017, Mia Jackson has caught the eye of comedy legends like ...More

Named Atlanta’s best stand up comedian in 2017, Mia Jackson has caught the eye of comedy legends like Dave Chappelle and Amy Schumer. She is the country girl next door you want to be best friends with as she delivers hilariously snarky jokes about highly relatable subjects.Less

23mins 2018-11-02

6. Rob Christensen

Rob Christensen is a former PCP dealer turned Air Force vet turned comedian from Brooklyn. His tough g...More

Rob Christensen is a former PCP dealer turned Air Force vet turned comedian from Brooklyn. His tough guy exterior is turned inside out as he embraces his softer side on stage with hilariously absurd one-liners and his startling admission that he uses moisturizer.Less

23mins 2018-11-09

7. Becky Braunstein

Becky Braunstein is literally one in a million. As an Alaskan Jew, she has hilarious stories of just h...More

Becky Braunstein is literally one in a million. As an Alaskan Jew, she has hilarious stories of just how bizarre it is to live in the Last Frontier while still trying to observe the Sabbath. A battle with cancer prompted her to try stand up comedy. Now a survivor, she lives in Portland where she is taking the mainland by storm.Less

23mins 2018-11-16

8. Mohanad Elishieky

Mohanad Elishieky is living the American dream. He recently fled his war torn homeland of Lybia and is...More

Mohanad Elishieky is living the American dream. He recently fled his war torn homeland of Lybia and is pursuing a career in comedy. As an immigrant from a no-fly country, his keen observations about American life are razor sharp and unforgettably funny. While many comedians perform for the love of the spotlight, Mohanad is performing for survival, because he knows he can’t go back home.Less

23mins 2018-11-23

9. Paris Sashay

A self-described “survivor,” Paris Sashay is thriving on the comedy scene. A DC area native, she start...More

A self-described “survivor,” Paris Sashay is thriving on the comedy scene. A DC area native, she started her career 6 years ago with the help of her loving and supportive family. She is fearless both on stage and off, garnering laughs with stories about her family, her recent coming out, and her struggles as kid.Less

23mins 2018-11-30

10. Shane Mauss

Like any real Midwesterner, Shane Mauss is riddled with depression and was never supposed to talk abou...More

Like any real Midwesterner, Shane Mauss is riddled with depression and was never supposed to talk about it…until now. Shane takes a deep, yet comedic look at traditionally taboo subjects like suicide, depression, and drug use. But much like his personal life, he balances out his act with other topics like crossfit and science.Less

23mins 2018-12-07

11. Jessa Reed

Jessa Reed is anything but shy. This former meth-head approaches her audiences with pure candor as she...More

Jessa Reed is anything but shy. This former meth-head approaches her audiences with pure candor as she recounts some truly unbelievable stories from her past.Less

23mins 2018-12-14

12. Scout Durwood

As comedy continues to expand its boundaries to include a broader variety of voices, Scout Durwood is ...More

As comedy continues to expand its boundaries to include a broader variety of voices, Scout Durwood is shining in the spotlight. Scout knows what it’s like to be the outsider and has created a place for herself onstage with an act unlike any other. She seamlessly blends original songs, absurd dance, and provocative stand up comedy into one hilarious performance.Less