Joe Rogan and Doug Stanhope took over as co-hosts of "The Man Show" for its fifth and final season in 2003. They replaced the original and highly popular duo, Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Carolla, marking a significant transition in the show's history.
The Original Era of The Man Show
"The Man Show" first premiered on Comedy Central in 1999, quickly gaining a cult following for its satirical take on traditional masculinity and its often provocative segments. The show was co-created and hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Carolla. Their chemistry and irreverent humor defined the show's initial success.
Key aspects of the show under Kimmel and Carolla included:
- Catchphrases: Such as "Jumby's got a big fat ass" and "We're not sexist, we're men!"
- Segments: Featuring "Girls on Trampolines," "The Crying Wall," and "Man Show Boy" (Adam's nephew, Kevin).
- Audience Engagement: Encouraging audience members to chug beer and engage in various "manly" activities.
The show became a cultural touchstone for its unique brand of humor, often parodying the very concept of "manliness" while simultaneously celebrating it.
The Transition to New Hosts
By 2003, after four successful seasons, both Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Carolla decided to depart from "The Man Show" to pursue other opportunities. Kimmel was gearing up to launch his own late-night talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, on ABC, which premiered in January 2003. Carolla also moved on to other ventures, including radio and television projects.
This departure left a void for "The Man Show," which Comedy Central opted to fill for a fifth and final season. The network brought in two other well-known comedians to take the reins:
- Joe Rogan: Known for his stand-up comedy, his role as a UFC commentator, and later, his highly popular podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience.
- Doug Stanhope: An acclaimed stand-up comedian recognized for his cynical, politically incorrect, and often controversial style.
The Final Season with Rogan and Stanhope
The fifth season, with Joe Rogan and Doug Stanhope as hosts, aired in 2003. While they maintained the show's core premise and many of its familiar segments, their unique comedic styles brought a different energy to the program. Rogan's directness and Stanhope's biting social commentary offered a distinct flavor compared to the more playful irreverence of Kimmel and Carolla.
Below is a summary of the host changes:
| Season | Year | Co-Hosts |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | 1999-2002 | Jimmy Kimmel & Adam Carolla |
| 5 | 2003 | Joe Rogan & Doug Stanhope |
Despite the efforts of Rogan and Stanhope, the show concluded after its fifth season, marking the end of "The Man Show" era. The transition highlighted the challenge of replacing iconic hosts and maintaining the original spirit of a show.
