Last Comic Standing (NBC)

Overall, the judges tend to be kinder than those on Idol, though some of their comments veer toward the nasty side. Unfortunately, they're not as entertaining as the folks on Idol, either. But luckily, the comedians have a little something to offer to make up for what the judges lack. And thanks to careful editing, viewers are spared many of the groan-inducing moments and treated to only the best jokes.

The comics' material is generally clean, although sexual, racial, mildly homophobic, and fat jokes do pop up. On the downside, many of the jokes tread familiar territory, with only the rare original personality or perspective making an appearance. Occasionally there's some very bad material, but, like Idol, that's sometimes why we watch.