Documentary Series ON TOUR WITH ASPERGER’S ARE US, Following a Comedy Troupe of People with Asperger Syndrome on Their First Cross-Country Tour, Debuts April 30 on HBO
Mark And Jay Duplass Executive Produce
Since 2010, the sketch-comedy troupe Asperger’s Are Us has performed more than 100 shows in nine countries. Now, they’re hitting the road for their first cross-country tour, crammed into a relic of an RV that’s on the verge of collapse.
From executive producers Mark and Jay Duplass (HBO’s “Room 104”), ON TOUR WITH ASPERGER’S ARE US follows the team of four on a six-week trip that will test their understanding of friendship, comedy and carburetors. The six-part documentary series debuts with two half-hour episodes back-to-back TUESDAY, APRIL 30 (8:00–9:00 p.m. ET/PT), followed by two more episodes on both of the next two days, WEDNESDAY, MAY 1 and THURSDAY, MAY 2 at the same time.
The show will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO, HBO On Demand and partners’ streaming platforms.
Meeting more than a decade ago at a camp for kids on the autism spectrum, Noah Britton (a counselor at the time), Ethan Finlan, Jack Hanke and New Michael Ingemi formed Asperger’s Are Us, performing shows that feature original absurdist sketches and conducting post-performance Q&As, where they speak about their experiences as comedians.
Challenging themselves to leave their comfort zones, Noah, Ethan, Jack and New Michael embark on their most ambitious venture yet: a six-week, multi-city journey from Boston to Los Angeles, along the way sharing their unique perspectives on life as an “Aspie” and the community they’ve found in performing together as a comedy troupe. As they travel in an old RV that often leaves them stranded, the four endure highs and lows, playing for alternately enthusiastic audiences and nearly empty houses.
This intimate, humorous series is an underdog story that features a group of talented and funny performers who embrace shared challenges while working toward one overarching goal: to make people laugh.
Upcoming episodes:
Episode 1
Debut date: TUESDAY, APRIL 30 (8:00–9:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Noah, Ethan, Jack and New Michael, better known as the comedy troupe Asperger’s Are Us, prepare for a challenging six-week tour across the U.S. After shopping for the right set of wheels and mentally preparing for a journey that will challenge their ability to deal with change, they kick off their tour in Boston, performing for an enthusiastic hometown crowd.
Episode 2
Debut date: TUESDAY, APRIL 30 (8:30–9:00 p.m.)
The troupe arrives in New York City for a date at the legendary comedy venue Caroline’s, in the heart of Times Square. In contrast to Boston, the show proves difficult, with some routines falling flat, and they leave town questioning whether the tour was a good idea. After dealing with RV woes, they arrive in Baltimore, where the guys chat with a journalist before taking the stage, hoping for a better outcome.
Episode 3
Debut date: WEDNESDAY, MAY 1 (8:00–8:30 p.m. ET/PT)
Noah, Ethan, Jack and New Michael spend the night at an RV park before dealing with unexpected audience feedback in North Carolina. After New Michael celebrates his love of a musical idol at a special event, the guys take to the stage in Tennessee, where he vexes the others by deciding to drink during the show.
Episode 4
Debut date: WEDNESDAY, MAY 1 (8:30–9:00 p.m.)
The troupe goes sightseeing in Chicago before travelling to Ohio to perform a challenging show in Cincinnati that quickly spins out of control, leaving Noah frustrated with New Michael. Noah returns to his hometown of Dayton, where he reflects on his childhood, and the guys do a show that promises to get them back on track.
Episode 5
Debut date: THURSDAY, MAY 2 (8:00–8:30 p.m.)
With a week left to go in the tour, Ethan begins to doubt himself and the purpose of the group’s cross-country journey. Facing their worst RV issues yet, the guys fight to make it on time to a show in Seattle, where Noah’s dad is due to attend.
Episode 6 (season finale)
Debut date: THURSDAY, MAY 2 (8:30–9:00 p.m.)
As their six-week tour comes to an end, Noah, Ethan, Jack and New Michael prepare for a final show in Los Angeles and reflect on their experiences, bidding goodbye to their temperamental RV and a whirlwind life on the road
In addition to “Room 104,” Mark and Jay Duplass’ HBO credits include “Togetherness” and “Animals.” Director Alex Lehman’s credits include the documentary “Asperger’s Are Us,” “Blue Jay,” starring Mark Duplass and Sarah Paulson, and the recent “Paddleton,” starring Mark Duplass and Ray Romano.
ON TOUR WITH ASPERGER’S ARE US is executive produced by Mark Duplass, Jay Duplass, Mel Eslyn, Carolyn Craddock, Alex Lehmann and Sean Bradley; directed by Alex Lehmann; produced by Chris Dowling; director of photography, Steven Paul; edited by Page Marsella and Jay Deuby; music by Christopher French.
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