Stella (comedy group)

Stella was a New York City-based comedy group formed in 1997, consisting of Michael Showalter, Michael Ian Black, and David Wain. The trio were all members of the sketch comedy group The State, which aired on MTV from 1993 to 1995.

Stella was known for their absurdist and often self-referential humor, characterized by a distinctive style of deadpan delivery and a penchant for escalating bizarre scenarios. They performed regularly at various venues in New York City, cultivating a strong cult following.

Their live shows were characterized by tightly choreographed routines, unconventional props, and frequent breaking of the fourth wall. Their humor often involved playing with audience expectations and satirizing comedic tropes.

In 2005, Stella created a television series of the same name for Comedy Central. The show, consisting of ten episodes, further showcased their unique brand of comedy, featuring sketches, musical numbers, and recurring characters. The show, while critically acclaimed, was not renewed for a second season.

After the cancellation of their Comedy Central show, the members of Stella continued to work on individual projects in film, television, and writing, while occasionally reuniting for live performances. Despite not being actively together as a group, Stella's influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary comedians.