Michael Showalter

Michael Showalter is an American comedian, actor, writer, and director. He is a member of the sketch comedy trio Stella. Showalter first came to recognition as a cast member on MTV’s The State, which aired from 1993 to 1995. He co-wrote (with David Wain) and starred in Wet Hot American Summer and he wrote, directed, and starred in The Baxter, with Michelle Williams, Justin Theroux and Elizabeth Banks. Both of these movies featured many of his co-stars from The State, and so do several of his other projects.

Guest Appearances

February 25, 2024

Michael Showalter (The Dropout, Search Party) joins Paul, June, and Jason to discuss the next level bonkers movie that combines gymnastics and karate— 1985’s Gymkata!

October 23, 2022

Aisling Bea (This Way Up) and Michael Showalter (Search Party) join Paul and Jason to discuss the 2017 Zoey Deutch teen horror-comedy Vampire Academy.

July 12, 2018

Jude struggles with achieving his goals, which leads Michael to discuss his own life challenges with bestie Michael Showalter.

This episode is sponsored by Leesa (www.leesa.com/obscure)

November 14, 2016

Legendary comedian/writer/actor Michael Showalter of The State, Wet Hot American Summer and the new TBS series Search Party joins Scott to chat about the great sketch shows of the 90s, the mystery in the new TBS series Search Party, and tips for becoming successful. Then, seismologist Dr. Brian Blouse stops by to tell us what everyone should have in their earthquake preparedness kit. Finally, crime scene expert Mark arrives to let us into his interesting world.

This episode is brought to you TBS’ Search Party, Warby Parker, and Stamps.com.

September 30, 2016

Michael Showalter (Search Party) and Aisling Bea (The Fall) join Paul and Jason to talk about the vampire movie Vampire Academy. They’ll cover everything from the gumbo of a plot to out of place mall montage to the orgasmic vampire bites. It’s not as sexy as Twilight, not as dangerous as Hunger Games, and not as childlike as Harry Potter.

This episode is brought to you by TANIS, Blunt Talk on STARZ, Blue Apron, and Sonos.

April 5, 2016

Comedian, director and writer Michael Showalter talks to the Sklars about making his new movie “Hello, My Name is Doris.” Daniel Van Kirk’s County Stories include a clown who was arrested for smoking meth at a waffle house and a woman who insists on keeping her motorcycle-riding pet alligator. Later, a stoned Dick Vitale leaves a voicemail next to a KFC dumpster assuming the NCAA Tournament hasn’t started.