Prime Video has confirmed a US version of its hit comedy show Last One Laughing after the UK edition became the platform's biggest launch in its history. The American spin-off will be produced by Fulwell Entertainment's Ben Winston, who said he was "beyond excited" to bring the format to US audiences.
Record-breaking UK success
The show, which challenges 10 comedians to keep a straight face for six hours while trying to make rivals laugh, has been a massive hit since its debut. Season one set a record as the biggest UK launch on Prime Video, with the first three episodes each drawing over two million viewers. Fans on IMDb have called it the "funniest thing they've seen in years," with one viewer writing: "Loved it, funniest thing I've seen in years. Such a great concept of them not being able to laugh, added amazing depth of awkwardness like not being able to laugh during something serious like being at church or during a meeting. I can't wait for another season of this."
What to expect from the US version
The US edition will follow the same format, inspired by the Japanese show Documental, with the line-up yet to be announced. The UK version, hosted by Jimmy Carr, has already produced two winners: Bob Mortimer in season one and David Mitchell in season two. Mitchell described the experience as "very, very odd," adding: "It had the quality of a dream. I was frightened that it would turn out that everyone outside that room had gone." He recalled that the inability to laugh had a lasting impact, saying: "As I remember it for the first few hours, I barely could laugh. It's like when you hold a wee in too long, and your bladder sort of seizes up." He joked: "I think that actually killed a man at the court of Emperor Rudolf II."
More content on the way
Fans can look forward to a Halloween special later this year, followed by a third series in 2027. The US version is expected to bring the same mix of tension and comedy to a new audience.
