HyReviews.com: NYC Live Comedy Coverage Updated Daily, NYC Comedy Discounts, NYC Theatre Discounts, and More

Monday 3/5/18: With shockingly little fanfare, last Monday ended one of the greatest comedy runs in NYC, when Aparna Nancherla announced it was the final time she'd be hosting Whiplash, UCB's free Mondays at 11:00 pm show that developed into one of the finest stand-up comedy showcases ever.

In a sense, the show began in 2005 as Crash Test hosted by Aziz Ansari, and eventually co-hosted by Paul Scheer & Rob Huebel. The three comics came to form group Human Giant, and moved on from the free weekly show to do an inventive sketch show on MTV. Wonderful former UCB Artistic Director Anthony King reasoned "What naturally follows a Crash? Whiplash!” Anthony asked stellar comic Leo Allen (who'd previously written for Saturday Night Live and Comedy Central) to host; and Leo in turn asked brilliant comedy booker Jeremy Levenbach to find the stand-ups to perform each week. Starting September 2008, the two of them set a standard of excellence that made Whiplash not only the best free comedy show in NYC but one of the very finest stand-up showcases in the world. When Leo decided to move on in 2014 and pursue opportunities in LA, he left very big shoes to fill.

Aparna Nancherla stepped into the role with extraordinary ease and grace. An exceptionally supportive host and prolific writer, Aparna churned out brilliant material week after week to start the show with great comedic energy. The vibe Aparna created made Whiplash continue to attract such star drop-ins as Louis C.K., Chris Rock, Amy Schumer, John Oliver, Jim Gaffigan, Daniel Kitson, and pretty much any other top comic who happened to be in town and wanted to try out material in front of one of the friendliest and sharpest comedy audiences on the planet.

Two things recently changed. First, Aparna has taken on a paid role Mondays at 8:00 pm, co-hosting the stand-up show Butterboy with Jo, Aparna, and Maeve at Brooklyn's Littlefield. And second, UCB's recent mainstage move from West 26th Street (near a number of colleges) to way West 42nd Street (near the Hudson River) has at least temporarily altered the audience and vibe of Whiplash, making it a more difficult gig for both the host and guest comics.

Whoever takes over from Aparna will have an amazing history to live up to, and fresh challenges. Meanwhile, enormous kudos are due to Aparna for making one of the greatest shows in comedy even better for a glorious three years and change: Whiplash (11:00 pm. Free! (but make a reservation), UCB Hell's Kitchen at 555 West 42nd Street)