The Larry Sanders Show (1992)
Garry Shandling's landmark HBO comedy pulls back the curtain on the ego-driven, gloriously dysfunctional world behind a late-night talk show.
The Larry Sanders Show - Series Information
- Original Title: The Larry Sanders Show
- First Air Year: 1992
- Last Air Year: 1998
- Created by: Garry Shandling, Dennis Klein
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 30 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 6
- Number of Episodes: 90
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: August 15, 1992 (United States - TV-MA), August 15, 1992 (Canada - 18+), August 15, 1992 (Germany - 18), August 15, 1992 (France - 18), August 15, 1992 (Australia - M), August 15, 1992 (Spain - 18)
- Networks: HBO
- Production Companies: Columbia Pictures Television, HBO, Brillstein-Grey Entertainment, Brillstein Entertainment Partners
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Larry Sanders Show - Plot
Comic Garry Shandling draws upon his own talk show experiences to create the character of Larry Sanders, a paranoid, insecure host of a late night talk show. Larry, along with his obsequious TV sidekick Hank Kingsley and his fiercely protective producer Artie, allows Garry Shandling and his talented writers to look behind the scenes and to show us a convincing slice of behind the camera life.
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The Larry Sanders Show - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Garry Shandling
- Dennis Klein
Main Cast
- Garry Shandling
- Jeffrey Tambor
- Wallace Langham
- Rip Torn
- Penny Johnson Jerald
- Janeane Garofalo
- Linda Doucett
- Scott Thompson
- Sid Newman
- Jeremy Piven
Writers
- Maya Forbes
- Rosie Shuster
- Victor Levin
- John Markus
- Peter Tolan
Executive Producers
- Fred Barron
- Brad Grey
- Garry Shandling
The Larry Sanders Show - FAQs
Where can you stream The Larry Sanders Show?
The Larry Sanders Show is available to stream on Max (formerly HBO Max) and through the Max Amazon Channel. It can also be purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for the most current availability in your region.
Is The Larry Sanders Show based on a true story?
While not a direct true story, the series is heavily inspired by Garry Shandling's real experiences as a guest host on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. The show's satirical portrayal of late-night television draws authentically from insider knowledge of the industry.
Who are the main cast members of The Larry Sanders Show?
The series stars Garry Shandling as host Larry Sanders, Jeffrey Tambor as sycophantic sidekick Hank Kingsley, and Rip Torn as the fiercely loyal producer Artie. Supporting cast includes Janeane Garofalo, Jeremy Piven, Penny Johnson Jerald, and Wallace Langham.
Did The Larry Sanders Show win any awards?
Yes. The Larry Sanders Show earned numerous Emmy nominations across its run and won several, including Outstanding Supporting Actor for Rip Torn. It also received Golden Globe nominations and is widely credited with redefining the television comedy and influencing the modern prestige TV era.
How many seasons does The Larry Sanders Show have?
The Larry Sanders Show ran for 6 seasons on HBO from 1992 to 1998, comprising 90 episodes in total. Season lengths ranged from 12 to 18 episodes, with the series concluding with a celebrated finale that drew widespread critical acclaim.
Why is The Larry Sanders Show considered groundbreaking?
The Larry Sanders Show pioneered the mockumentary-style comedy and the single-camera, no-laugh-track format on American television. It blended scripted fiction with real celebrity cameos, influencing later series like Curb Your Enthusiasm, Extras, and 30 Rock, and helped establish HBO's identity as a prestige comedy destination.
What is the content rating for The Larry Sanders Show?
The Larry Sanders Show is rated TV-MA, indicating it is intended for mature audiences. The series contains adult language, frank discussions of sexuality, and satirical content that may not be suitable for younger viewers.
What is The Larry Sanders Show about?
The series follows Larry Sanders, a neurotic, insecure late-night talk show host, and the chaotic world behind his fictional program. Created by Garry Shandling, it skewers Hollywood ego, celebrity culture, and television industry politics through sharp writing and acclaimed performances.
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