The essential episodes of I'm Dying Up Here

Watch these 15 in order and you've got I'm Dying Up Here — each pick states its reason.

1. 01

   S01E01 · Pilot · June 4, 2017 · 1h

   Pilot5.1

   The stand-ups at L.A.'s primo comedy club, run by the formidable Goldie, react to rising star Clay Appuzzo's big appearance on 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson' in unexpected ways. Comics Cassie and Bill are most affected. Eager to join L.A.'s burgeoning comedy scene, Boston transplants Eddie and Ron are surprised by their unorthodox accommodations and young up-and-comer Adam is forced into a compromising situation by his manager Carl.

2. 02

   S01E02 · Top rated · June 11, 2017 · 1h

   Midnight Special7.2

   Goldie taps Bill, Ralph and Edgar for an industry showcase at the club. When Bill lands a coveted spot on 'Midnight Special,' his cantankerous father and sister fly in for the show, leading to surprising family drama. Adam is invited to help Goldie with some handyman work at her house and becomes one of the few people allowed inside her personal life.

3. 03

   S01E03 · Top rated · June 18, 2017 · 1h

   The Cost of a Free Buffet7.0

   After defying Goldie, Edgar tries desperately to get back into her good graces. Cassie tests out some controversial new material, to mixed reviews. Adam, Eddie and Ron join forces to take down a ventriloquist. Bill tries to keep his father and sister entertained on their vacation. Goldie is forced to make a tough decision when her oldest friend Judy comes to town.

4. 04

   S01E05 · Top rated · July 9, 2017 · 1h

   The Return7.2

   Goldie pitches an idea at her weekly poker game, which Eli believes he can sell. Nick returns after a long and mysterious hiatus, causing friction between Cassie and Bill. Adam starts a new handyman job and quickly learns there's more to the gig than was promised. A visit from Ralph's Vietnam buddy forces him to confront things better left buried.

5. 05S01E08

   S01E08 · Top rated · July 30, 2017 · 1h

   The Unbelievable Power of Believing7.3

   A disastrous meeting causes Nick to reevaluate his relationship with girlfriend Tawny. Maggie gives Ron a self-help book that provides him with temporary superpowers. Barton proposes a deal with Goldie's rival Teddy.

6. 06S01E09

   S01E09 · Top rated · August 6, 2017 · 1h

   Lingchi7.7

   Goldie grapples with Marty and Eli over creative control. The comics rally around Bill. An ultimatum from his agent forces Nick to make a fateful decision. Barton and Teddy's scheming could spell disaster for Adam.

7. 07S01E10

   S01E10 · Season 1 peak · August 13, 2017 · 1h

   Creative Indifferences8.0

   Goldie forces Cassie to choose a side; Adam has a great set, but shows up Ralph; Ron helps Eddie get revenge on DJ Kenny; Nick starts down a new path.

8. 08

   S02E02 · Top rated · May 13, 2018 · 1h

   Plus One7.7

   Goldie contends with her daughter Amanda's vow of silence and her 'spiritual mentor' Howard. Adam tags along with Ron to Soul Train and meets the show's producer. An anxious Cassie travels home to Texas for a wedding, where she faces some difficult choices from her past. Nick, Bill and Ralph show up at the wedding as well. Eddie capitalizes on a career opportunity with his idol.

9. 09

   S02E03 · Top rated · May 20, 2018 · 1h

   Bete Noire8.0

   Goldie is rattled by a break in. New comic Dawn Lima takes the main stage. Edgar and Arnie stumble upon a risky money-making enterprise. Nick moves in with Bill. Ron’s sitcom stardom brings unexpected repercussions, while Eddie writes jokes for his idol Roy’s Tonight Show appearance.

10. 10

    S02E05 · Top rated · June 3, 2018 · 1h

    Heroes and Villains7.3

    Edgar and Arnie expand their enterprise. Adam runs his material by Ralph, who takes it to a producer friend. Ron fosters a new relationship. Bill butts heads with a desperate Edgar. Nick uses Goldie’s stage as a confessional with unexpected results. Goldie and Roy argue over parenthood. Cassie and Eddie get a glimpse of the extremes that come with being Roy Martin.

11. 11

    S02E06 · Season 2 peak · June 10, 2018 · 1h

    Between Us10.0

    Adam and Ralph get some good news. Goldie calls Amanda’s bluff. Ron tries to salvage good will from employers and coworkers. Adam assesses his relationship with Gloria. Bill helps Nick face legal trouble, while Nick confronts his Uncle Chris. Eddie receives a tough lesson in love from Roy. Cassie bonds with Dawn.

12. 12

    S02E07 · Top rated · June 17, 2018 · 1h

    Call Me a Ham8.0

    Goldie agrees to a favor for Ron. Arnie warns Edgar that Goldie is onto them. Ralph and Adam approach Dawn with an opportunity. Amanda gets Eddie in hot water. Cassie helps out Nick, a favor she might come to regret.

13. 13

    S02E08 · Top rated · June 24, 2018 · 1h

    Now You See Me, Now You Don't8.0

    A discontented Bill is asked to headline for an absent Roy. Nick and Eddie are presented with new opportunities. Amanda makes a shocking declaration. Cassie oversteps after a night out with Dawn.

14. 14

    S02E09 · Top rated · July 1, 2018 · 1h

    Deathbed Confessions10.0

    Roy’s lack of improvement puts Goldie in a tight spot. Arnie is forced to bow out of a gig with Edgar. Bill’s frustration with Goldie builds. Ron catches up with Maggie. Nick helps Cassie in his quest for forgiveness. Adam and Ralph weigh their options. Amanda may have accidentally thrown a wrench into Goldie’s plans.

15. 15

    S02E10 · Series finale · July 8, 2018 · 1h

    Lines Crossed8.0

    Goldie's under pressure. Ralph and Adam's bad news comes with a silver lining. Ron refuses to compromise his integrity. Roy offers Eddie a big opportunity. Dawn finally takes a major step, but it may be too late. Nick looks to make amends. Cassie struggles to decide where her loyalty lies, unlike Amanda whose path has never been clearer. Season Finale.