Showtime has picked up to series period hourlong dramatic comedy I’m Dying Up Here, executive produced by Jim Carrey, who made a memorable return to the spotlight as a presenter at the Sunday Golden Globes. Showtime president and CEO David Nevins just made the announcement at the network’s TCA presentation.

I’m Dying Up Here was one of two Showtime pilots in contention at the pay cable network. The other, a Chicago drama written by Lena Waithe and executive produced by Common, remains under consideration.

Set in L.A.’s stand-up comedy scene of the 1970s, during which the careers of many of the comedy superstars began, the series delves into the inspired and damaged psyches that are required to stand alone in front of an audience and make them laugh.

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Melissa Leo, Ari Graynor, Clark Duke, Michael Angarano, RJ Cyler, Erik Griffin and Stephen Guarino star in I’m Dying Up Here, which follows up-and-coming comedians in L.A. in the 1970s who are mentored by Goldie (Leo), a brassy comedy club owner who rules over her business with an iron fist and nurtures her comedians with tough love. Graynor, Santino, Cyler, Griffin and Guarino play the main stand-ups at the club. Angarano and Duke play ballsy young comedians from Boston who move to L.A. with the hopes of making it big. Guest stars in the pilot include Alfred Molina, Sebastian Stan, Robert Forster, Jon Daly, Al Madrigal, Dylan Baker, Brianne Howey, Ginger Gonzaga, Armen Weitzman and Cathy Moriarty.

I’m Dying Up Here was written Dave Flebotte (Masters of Sex, Will & Grace) based on the non-fiction book of the same name by William Knoedelseder. Flebotte executive produces with Carrey, Michael Aguilar and Christina Wayne for Endemol Shine Studios and Assembly Entertainment. The pilot was directed by Jonathan Levine. The series will shoot in L.A. this fall.