(Top left to right: Laurie Metcalf in Lady Bird, Rondi Reed in Mike & Moly. Bottom left to right: Austin Pendelton in My Cousin Vinny, James Vincent Meredith in Fargo.)
Steppenwolf loves comedy. No, that's not an April Fools joke! We love a laugh as much as anyone. Our ensemble has graced the stage in laugh-out-loud productions like The Doppelgänger (an international farce) and POTUS, and that's just the beginning of the hilarious roles they've tackled. Life & Times has even hailed Purpose, on stage now, as "wickedly funny."
To psych you up for next season's opener Noises Off, and our upcoming satire The Thanksgiving Play, we've put together a watchlist of some of some favorite funny film and TV moments featuring the Steppenwolf ensemble. Get ready to LOL.
THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST (1988)
Screenplay adaptation by ensemble member Frank Galati
Based on the 1985 award-winning novel by Anne Tyler, this film follows an emotionally distant writer of travel guides who must carry on with his life after his son is killed and his marriage crumbles. May not sound too funny at first... but you'll have to trust us.
Available to rent on AppleTV.
ALEX STRANGELOVE (2018)
Featuring ensemble member Kathryn Erby
Alex, high school class president, nerd and straight-A student, has been dating Claire for a long time. They decide to sleep together but then he meets a gay guy and he's... confused. A modern romantic comedy at its finest.
Available to stream on Netflix.
BLOCKERS (2018)
Featuring ensemble member Gary Cole
Julie, Kayla and Sam are three high school seniors who make a pact to lose their virginity on prom night. Lisa, Mitchell and Hunter are three overprotective parents who flip out when they find out about their daughters's plans. They soon join forces for a wild and chaotic quest to stop the girls from sealing the deal—no matter the cost.
Available to rent on Amazon Prime.
THE CHAIR (2021 - 2021)
Featuring ensemble member Cliff Chamberlain
Professor Ji-Yoon Kim is the newly appointed chair of the English department at Pembroke University. The first woman chosen for the position, she attempts to ensure the tenure of a young black colleague, negotiate her relationship with her crush, friend, and well-known colleague Bill Dobson, and parent her strong-willed adopted daughter.
Available to stream on Netflix.
THE CONNORS (2018 - ongoing)
Featuring ensemble member Laurie Metcalf
Follow-up to the comedy series Roseanne (1988), centered on the family members of the matriarch after her sudden death. The show's sixth season premiered Feb 7, 2024... so hurry and catch up!
Available to stream with Hulu subscription.
FARGO (2014 - 2024)
Featuring ensemble member James Vincent Meredith
Based on the 1996 film of the same name, Fargo explores various chronicles of deception, intrigue and murder in and around frozen Minnesota. All of these tales mysteriously lead back one way or another to Fargo, North Dakota. It's a crime drama... need we say more?
Available to stream with a Hulu subscription.
FRAISER (1993 - 2004)
Featuring ensemble member John Mahoney
Created as a spin-off of the sitcom Cheers, Fraiser continues the story of psychiatrist Frasier Crane who returns to his hometown, Seattle, as a radio show host. He reconnects with his father, Martin, a retired police officer, and his younger brother, Niles, a fellow psychiatrist.
Available to stream with a Hulu subscription.
GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE (2021)
Featuring ensemble member Carrie Coon
When a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind. It's Ghostbusters, but new—you know the vibe. You love the vibe.
Available to stream with a Hulu subscription.
LADY BIRD (2017)
Featuring ensemble members Tracy Letts, Laurie Metcalf and Lois Smith
An intrepid high schooler in Sacramento undergoes the trials of love, family and self-discovery as she dreams of escaping to college on the East Coast.
Available to rent on Amazon Prime.
MIKE AND MOLLY (2010 - 2016)
Featuring ensemble member Rondi Reed
Chicago Police Officer Mike Biggs and elementary school teacher Molly Flynn meet at an Overeaters Anonymous meeting, starting a casual relationship that becomes more and more serious over time.
Available to stream on Max.
MY COUSIN VINNY (1992)
Featuring ensemble member Austin Pendleton
Two New Yorkers accused of murder in rural Alabama while on their way back to college call in the help of one of their cousins, a loudmouth lawyer with no trial experience.
Available to stream with a Peacock subscription.