Some of you may know Dave Attell from his various television appearances: “The Daily Show,” HBO, “Late Night” and “Saturday Night Live,” just to name a few. If you have heard of him, then you probably know that his comedy usually teeters over to the X-rated side which makes “Insomniac” the perfect gig for him.
If you have not yet seen “Insomniac,” Attell spends an entire night (until dawn) in a city somewhere in the U.S. He then proceeds to drink as much as possible and meet some cool people or do some cool things. But, according to Attell, “Insomniac” seems to be drawing the “right” kind of audience to his stand-up performances.
“People would come see me and I think I was kind [of] creeping them out,” he said. “I’m not David Brenner.”
The second episode this season featured Attell in Philadelphia, where he spent most of his time along South Street. However, he did have a chance to check out some other Philly icons.
“Philly is a great town. Everybody was so cool. I have to say Tastykake people, Pat’s, Geno’s and The Shriners really helped us.”
Although Attell said all of his experiences in Philadelphia were good ones, he almost managed to become part of a brawl when he told Pat’s customers he was going to try a Geno’s steak sandwich.
“I thought we were gonna get into a fight over there,” he said. “I’m not from [Philadelphia], I’m drunk I just want to eat one of them.”
You may wonder why “Insomniac” didn’t visit your favorite Center City hangout. The answer is simple.
“If you ever see a show and wonder why some things are not in it, it’s because we couldn’t get access to it. It’s not like a Tom Green thing where we just bust in,” Attell said. “We wanted to go to the Liberty Bell, but security was too tight.”
And the Liberty Bell wasn’t the only Philadelphia staple that didn’t end up in the show: “The Rocky statue I wanted it in the show, but the producer didn’t.”
The show has also given Attell some much needed — and deserved — exposure. During “Insomniacs” first season, it was easy to see that most people didn’t even know who he was. That changed: “I don’t mind it if they mention the show [when they recognize me], but don’t talk to me like I’m some kind of fucking Matt Damon or something.”
Surprisingly, Phillys notorious early last call didn’t have any bearing on the show. “It’s unfortunate that last call is so early but there’s so much other stuff going on,” he said. “And don’t worry, Tempe, Arizona’s last call is quarter to one.”
“Insomniac With Dave Attell” airs Wednesdays at 10:30 p.m. on Comedy Central.
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