Under-45 stand-ups moonlighting as TV stars

By Kenny Herzog
Special to MSN TV

It took nearly two decades, multiple networks and just as many format experiments, but Louis C.K. finally found and kept his audience with the titular avant-black comedy "Louie," which premieres its third season June 28 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on FX. The Bostonian turned New Yorker is both in the midst of and spearheading an era of newfound creative possibility within prime-time TV for stand-up comedians. For decades, performing comics worked their way onto the small screen via either eponymous sitcoms (like "Seinfeld") or from behind the desks of late-night franchises (see: Jay Leno, David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Fallon, etc.), with "Saturday Night Live" often serving as an intermediary detour.

But as broadcast stations and cable brands alike have expanded their comedy programming, they've deviated more and more from the usual multi-camera, star-driven, laugh-track approach toward improv-influenced ensemble humor and conceptual weirdness. This, in turn, has made room for unlikely young breakout stars. Of course, there are still dependable talent incubators such as "The Daily Show," as well as plenty of generic series developed around less-than-compelling stars of the nightclub circuit (e.g. the just-axed "Are You There, Chelsea?").

So, from inspiringly funny supporting players to less riotous sitcom leads, here are 11 names and faces 40-ish and under who've long been familiar to stand-up aficionados, and are suddenly moonlighting as mainstream television stars.

Bing: 'Louie' | Louis C.K.

Who's your fave stand-up on TV? Tell us on Facebook and Twitter.

"Louie" airs Thursdays at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on FX.

(FX)