ReedPop, the world’s leading producer of pop culture events, today unveiled the lineup for Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo’s (C2E2) first comedy programming track, featuring laugh-out-loud stand-up shows, improv troupes, and celebrity comedians. C2E2 returns to McCormick Place from April 11 through April 13 with a robust lineup of special guests, panelists, exhibitors, and more.

Comedy programming heading to C2E2 2025 includes: 

  • The Cast of Psych:  Maggie Lawson and Timothy Omundson (aka Lassiter and Jules) along with a special guest are back at it again hosting the official Psych re-watch podcast. Join them as they host a special live podcast taping at C2E2 where they’ll talk about your favorite episodes, share behind-the-scenes stories and incredible memories. [Separately Ticketed Event: Purchase Tickets Here]

Important Note: A valid C2E2 2025 Friday badge is required to attend this separately ticketed event.

o    Friday, April 11, 5:00-6:00 pm (Room S404)

  • ​​Patton Oswalt: Effervescent (18+): Patton Oswalt is spending the weekend at C2E2 geeking out and what better way to warm up than a one-hour set of all-new material? [Separately Ticketed Event: Purchase Tickets Here]
    • Friday, April 11, 8:00-9:00 pm (Main Stage)
  • WorkJuice Improv, featuring cast from The Thrilling Adventure Hour (18+): The WorkJuice Improvisers are delighted to make their return to C2E2! The cast of perennial favorites from The Thrilling Adventure Hour will take to the stage, sans scripts, and improvise a show based on monologues by a special guest. The players have mesmerized audiences around the world and will bring their incredible wit and hilarity to Chicago for one show only. This is long-form improv at its best! Featuring Craig Cackowski (Drunk History), Jonathan Dinerstein (Emmy Award Winning Composer) , Mark Gagliardi (Blood and Treasure), Marc Evan Jackson (The Good Place), Hal Lublin (The Venture Brothers), Annie Savage (Dicktown), Paul F. Tompkins (Bojack Horseman), Janet Varney (Legend of Korra), and special guests[Separately Ticketed Event: Purchase Tickets Here]
    • Friday, April 11, 9:30-10:30 pm (Room S404)
  • The Thrilling Adventure Hour 20th Anniversary: The beloved stage show and podcast celebrates its 20th anniversary! The Thrilling Adventure Hour is an institution of the LA comedy scene, having run live since 2005. The show consists of scripted comedy-genre segments starring your favorite actors from the worlds of TV, film, podcasts, and improv. Join the creators and cast of the show for a freewheeling conversation with creators Ben Acker & Ben Blacker, cast members Craig Cackowski (Drunk History), Mark Gagliardi (Blood and Treasure), Marc Evan Jackson (The Good Place), Hal Lublin (The Venture Brothers), Annie Savage (Dicktown), Paul F. Tompkins (Bojack Horseman), Janet Varney (Legend of Korra), Jonathan Dinerstein (Emmy Award Winning Composer), Autumn Reeser (The O.C.), and more.
    • Saturday, April 12, 12:30-1:30 pm (Room S404)
  • Good News, Everyone! A Futurama Cast Reunion: Grab your Slurm and hop in the nearest tube—because the voices of Futurama are back! Join Billy West (Fry, Professor Farnsworth, Zoidberg), John DiMaggio (Bender), Katey Sagal (Leela), Phil LaMarr (Hermes Conrad), and a surprise guest for a hilarious, nostalgic, and possibly science-fictional look at the beloved animated series. From favorite episodes to behind-the-scenes antics, hear the cast share their experiences bringing these iconic characters to life. Whether you’re a die-hard Planet Express fan or just tuning in, this panel is guaranteed to be 1000% funnier than whatever the Hypnotoad is broadcasting. So come on down, meatbags—because in the wise words of Bender, “We’re back, baby!”
    • Saturday, April 12, 3:30-4:30 pm (Main Stage)
  • The Second City Live Improv Show at C2E2: A unique comedy experience tailored for the fans at C2E2. For over 65 years, The Second City has been a pioneering force in improvisational theater, launching the careers of comedy legends like Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, and Bill Murray. This show blends our signature spontaneous comedy with a geeky twist, inviting the audience to dive into the worlds of comics, sci-fi, and fantasy through scenes crafted on the spot from audience suggestions. Prepare to laugh and connect with the brilliance and humor that have made The Second City a cornerstone of comedy worldwide.
    • Saturday, April 12, 5:00-6:00 pm (Main Stage)
  • The C2E2 Chicago Stand-Up Comedy Showcase (18+): Join us for an evening of laughs featuring some of the best comedians working in Chicago today. The world might know them tomorrow, but you get the opportunity to see them today. Featuring Carly Ballerini,  Joe Kilgallon, Grant Lyon, and Kristen Toomey. Hosted by Nate Armbruster.
    • Saturday, April 12, 9:00-10:30 pm (Room 402)

Additional comedy programming at C2E2 includes improv training from The Annoyance Theatre Training Center, a special session of “Class!” with “professors” Sara Benincasa & Chad the Bird, and a comedy show presented by Dade County Comedy and hosted by comedian Raul Hernandez. 

Also new this year, C2E2 debuts The Tavern, a series of thematic lounges where fans can relax, socialize, and refuel after a long day of adventure. Comedian and actor Grant Lyon will host two hilarious and interactive gaming shows at The Tavern on Saturday, April 12:

  • Green Team Wins with Grant Lyon: Join comedian and game master Grant Lyon as he leads a live action gaming experience where audience participation is high, questions are silly, and no answers are correct. You can only earn points when the majority rules.
    • Saturday, April 12, 12:15-1:00 pm (The Tavern)
  • Grant Lyon’s I’m Kind of A Big Dill: It’s a social storytelling game as comedian and game master Grant Lyon helps us figure out just how good you are at basic skills. Exactly how good are you at making paper airplanes or keeping plants alive? It’s your job to lie about the truth and everyone else’s job to figure out just how much.
    • Saturday, April 12, 2:45-3:30 pm (The Tavern)

In addition to checking out the incredible programming included in C2E2’s comedy lineup, fans attending C2E2 this year can interact with award-winning comic artists, bestselling authors, anime voice actors, and their favorite celebrities, all while celebrating pop culture with other fans and discovering exclusive merchandise and unique artwork. Previously announced guests include The Breakfast Club cast members Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, and Ally Sheedy; The Lord of The Rings stars Elijah Wood, Andy Serkis, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, and John Rhys-Davies; Futurama cast members Billy West, Phil LaMarr, John DiMaggio, and Katey Sagal; Outlander’sSam Heughan, David Berry, and Charles Vandervaart; Critical Role’s Ashley Johnson, Laura Bailey, Liam O’Brien, Marisha Ray, Matthew Mercer, Sam Riegel, Taliesin Jaffe, and Travis Willingham; and the casts of RobocopStarship TroopersRed Dead Redemption and Baldur’s Gate 3

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