America's premier comedy showcase and restaurant.
The Improv perhaps best known for its A&E network show An Evening at the Improv was founded by Budd Friedman in New York in 1963. It started expanding in 1975 when it opened its legendary second location on Melrose Avenue in Hollywood California. For almost a half century, The Improv Comedy clubs have remained the premiere stages for live comedy. Over the decades, the talent who has played center stage represents the Who’s Who of American Comedy, including Richard Pryor, Billy Crystal, Lily Tomlin, Freddie Prinz, Andy Kaufman, Eddie Murphy, Jerry Seinfeld, Tim Allen, Jay Leno, Chris Rock, Dane Cook, Ellen DeGeneres, Jamie Foxx, Adam Sandler, Jeff Dunham, and Dave Chappelle.