Raucously funny comedian Dave Attell says the runaway success of his Comedy Central program “Insomniac” has been a blessing for his stand-up career.
The show, which features the 37-year-old partying at nightspots all over the country, has helped him build on the already loyal following for his frenetic live appearances.
“I think it’s popular because, in these politically correct times, it’s shocking to see someone out there drinking and smoking,” he says.
“We’re somewhere between ‘Cops’ and ‘Girls Gone Wild.’ You won’t see much collagen, boob jobs or tummy tucks – more like scars, lazy eyes and weird tattoos.”
The Long Island native, who’s been performing for 16 years, says that much of the show’s appeal comes from its do-it-yourself vibe.
“It’s almost a flea market of a show,” he says. “We’re like the eBay production of television.”
Attell says he rarely encounters any hostility from the party people he hangs with, except for the occasional scolding for a missed opportunity.
“People will say ‘How come you didn’t go to this place?’ and it’s usually some after-hours drug bar,” he says. “I tell them this isn’t an investigative show – we’re not going to film the dogfights in the parking lot behind Dunkin’ Donuts.”
With “Insomniac’s” success, it’s natural to wonder what’s next for Attell – a question he himself has trouble answering.
“I don’t see myself as a sit-com lead, trying to raise a teen daughter the best I can,” he jokes. “I’m really happy right now; it wasn’t always easy to fill a room.”
Attell will be performing at Caroline’s tonight and tomorrow, in front of his hometown crowd.
“It’s not exactly a holiday show. People won’t be leaving with that good will to all men kinda feeling,” he says. “It ain’t the Rockettes.”
He’s also got a new CD scheduled for release in February, called “Skanks for the Memories.”
So has his star-turn on “Insomniac” changed audience’s expectations?
“Yeah, people expect me to be tall,” says Attell. “And they expect me to be drinking.”
$28.50 (plus two-drink minimum), 12:30 a.m. tonight, 10 p.m. tomorrow, Caroline’s 1626 Broadway, between 49th and 50th streets, (212) 757-4100.