Nearly four years later, Maron's become a king of the comedy podcast world, where he tapes episodes in his home garage and has icons of the comedy world such as Ben Stiller and Mel Brooks, as well as actors, musicians, chefs -- anyone that he can have candid conversations with about their career arcs and views on life.

CNN: Radio on the TV: Podcasts coming to a small screen near you

"Drillbit, " produced by comedy king Judd Apatow ("Knocked Up"), is the product of "Superbad" screenwriter Seth Rogen, who shares a writing credit here with Kris Brown ("Beavis and Butthead").

CNN: Review: 'Drillbit' surprisingly dulled

You'll recall from high school or college how Shakespeare frequently pushes the limits of comedy and tragedy, splicing farce into moments of calamity (the fool in King Lear, the clowns in Hamlet) and pulling back suddenly from near-fatal disaster in comedies (The Merchant of Venice, A Winter's Tale).

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