The best of the season

Comedy

Jay Leno The workaholic host of NBC’s “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno” polishes his stand-up routines. Comedy & Magic Club, Hermosa Beach. Every Sunday.

George Carlin He’s done it all: books, TV, movies, records, clubs, commercials, Grammys, Las Vegas -- for four decades, a comic icon. Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, San Diego, Friday. Also, Universal Amphitheatre, L.A., Nov. 13.

Liquid Radio Troupe improvises an old-time radio show. ACME Comedy Theatre, L.A., Thursdays, this week-Dec. 16.

Improv Outcast Parody of the TV series “Survivor” performed by Zebra Co. regulars. ACME Comedy Theatre, L.A. Fridays, this week-Dec. 17.

ACME World Tour The world stage is comedic fodder in this new show. ACME Comedy Theatre, Saturdays, this week-Dec. 18.

Ice House 44th Anniversary Show Brad Garrett, Robert on CBS’ “Everybody Loves Raymond” and the original “Star Search” winner (1984), headlines the club’s 44th anniversary show; expect 10 to 15 stand-up comics on the show. Ice House, Pasadena, next Sunday.

Bob Saget Edgier and more adult routines than the squeaky-clean TV image usually associated with the former host of “America’s Funniest Home Videos” and star of “Full House.” Comedy & Magic Club, Hermosa Beach, Sept. 30-Oct. 2.

Bob Newhart, Richard Carpenter One of the country’s top comic icons -- star of many TV series, and several classic comedy albums -- teams with Carpenter for an evening of comedy and music. Carpenter Performing Arts Center, Long Beach, Oct. 2.

Sunday Show Goes To Washington Bravo Co.’s election year stab at all things political. ACME Comedy Theatre, L.A., Oct. 3-Dec. 19.

Groundlings 30th Anniversary Gala New and old members of the famed improv troupe, including Lisa Kudrow, Chris Kattan, Cheryl Hines and Will Ferrell, gather to kick off the season and honor founder Gary Austin. Henry Fonda Theatre, Hollywood, Oct. 5.

Damon Wayans You have seen the TV performer (“Saturday Night Live,” “In Living Color,” “My Wife and Kids” ) and movie star (“Roxanne,” “Major Payne,” “Colors”), now here’s a chance to see Wayans the stand-up comic. Ontario Improv, Oct. 7-10.

Kevin Pollak About as familiar a face as there is in show business, Pollak has had substantial roles in over 30 films since 1988; now he goes back to his roots, stand-up comedy. Irvine Improv, Oct. 14-17.

Groundlings 30th Anniversary Box Set, Vol. 1 and 2 The Groundlings sketch comedy troupe performs some of its most popular skits from the past 30 years; Fridays (Vol. 1) and Saturdays (Vol. 2) are different shows. Groundling Theater, L.A., beginning Oct. 15.

Sandra Bernhard Stage and screen comedian-actress, musician and author performs her one-woman show. Carpenter Performing Arts Center, Long Beach, Oct. 16.

Bill Maher Former host of ABC’s “Politically Incorrect” and current host of HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher.” Comedy & Magic Club, Hermosa Beach, Oct. 17.

Jackie Mason Old-school comic Mason offers his signature brand of ethnic and political humor, insults and pointed observations. Wilshire Theatre, Beverly Hills, Dec. 11-12.

Bobcat Goldthwait Comic actor best known for his many TV and movie appearances, especially the “Police Academy” series, and for directing Comedy Central’s “The Man Show.” Ontario Improv, Dec. 16-19.