Contest Searchlight

Contest Searchlight (2002)

EndedDocumentary showComedy

Contest Searchlight is a four-episode fictional comedy television series, it is a documentary-style parody or mockumentary of the HBO network's non-fictional series Project Greenlight.

Contest Searchlight starred Denis Leary and Lenny Clarke, playing slightly fictionalized versions of themselves, as TV producers holding a nationwide contest to select a new television series to produce for the Comedy Central network. When none of the proposed submissions prove acceptable, Leary and Clarke end up combining several of the finalist's proposals to produce a new, semi-improvised ensemble sitcom entitled "Jesus and the Gang." The new show ostensibly stars New York City theatre and television actor Peter Gallagher (again playing a fictionalized version of himself), but when Gallagher is hit by a car during the filming of a network promotion, the lead role is shifted to comedian Patrice O'Neal. During rehearsals for the premiere episode, the actors, crew and producers all start fighting each other (and themselves), and "Jesus and the Gang" is permanently shelved.

Network
Scheduleevery Wednesday at 22:30 (30 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E04Episode 4Sep 4, 2002
S01E03Episode 3Aug 28, 2002
S01E02Episode 2Aug 21, 2002
S01E01Episode 1Aug 14, 2002
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did Contest Searchlight premiere?

Contest Searchlight premiered on March 10, 2002.

Who were the hosts of Contest Searchlight?

The hosts of Contest Searchlight were Dan Milano and Drew Massey.

What was the format of Contest Searchlight?

Contest Searchlight was a reality competition show that aimed to find the next great television director.

How many contestants were there in each season of Contest Searchlight?

Each season of Contest Searchlight featured ten aspiring television directors.

Who were the judges on Contest Searchlight?

The judges on Contest Searchlight were Scott Satin, Liz Bronstein, and J.D. Roth.

What were the challenges that the contestants had to complete on Contest Searchlight?

The contestants on Contest Searchlight had to complete various directing challenges, such as creating a promo, directing a scene, or making a music video.

Did Contest Searchlight have any celebrity guest judges?

Yes, Contest Searchlight had celebrity guest judges who provided feedback and insights to the contestants.

Were there any prizes for the winner of Contest Searchlight?

Yes, the winner of Contest Searchlight received a development deal with a major television network.

How long was each episode of Contest Searchlight?

Each episode of Contest Searchlight had a runtime of approximately one hour.

Did Contest Searchlight have any spin-offs or companion shows?

No, Contest Searchlight did not have any spin-offs or companion shows.

How many seasons of Contest Searchlight were produced?

Contest Searchlight had only one season produced.

What was the filming location for Contest Searchlight?

Contest Searchlight was filmed in Los Angeles, California.

Did Contest Searchlight receive any awards or nominations?

Contest Searchlight did not receive any major awards or nominations.

Did Contest Searchlight have a live audience?

No, Contest Searchlight did not have a live audience. It was a pre-recorded show.

Did Contest Searchlight have any notable contestants who went on to have successful careers in television directing?

While Contest Searchlight did not produce any breakout stars, several contestants went on to work in the television industry.

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
True Detective
Running

True Detective

Touch darkness and darkness touches you back. True Detective centers on troubled cops and the investigations that drive them to the edge. Each season features a new cast and a new case.

True Detective is an American anthology crime drama television series created and written by Nic Pizzolatto. 

Shōgun
Running

Shōgun

Shōgun is set in Japan in the year 1600 at the dawn of a century-defining civil war. Lord Yoshii Toranaga is fighting for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him, when a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village.

The Morning Show
Running

The Morning Show

Nominated for three Golden Globes®, this unapologetically candid drama looks at the modern workplace through the lens of the people who help America wake up. Pull back the curtain on early morning TV.

GenreDrama
The Grand Tour
Running

The Grand Tour

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May are back with The Grand Tour. A show about adventure, excitement and friendship... as long as you accept that the people you call friends are also the ones you find extremely annoying. Sometimes it's even a show about cars. Follow them on their global adventure.

Survivor
Running

Survivor

Eighteen to twenty castaways will compete against each other on Survivor. All castaways will compete to outwit, outplay, outlast and ultimately be crowned Sole Survivor.