Vic Kaplan’s career is a masterclass in Entertainment history. From producing some of the most iconic comedy specials to working alongside legends like Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, and George Carlin, his behind-the-scenes experiences offer a rare look into Hollywood’s golden era. Starting at Dick Clark Productions, he played a pivotal role in shaping comedy and music television, from Fridays and Ellen to HBO stand-up specials and Comic Relief. His stories bring to life the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of television production.
Episode Highlights:
- Producing legends – Worked with Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, George Carlin, and Larry David
- Fridays vs. SNL – The rise and fall of ABC’s late-night sketch show featuring Michael Richards and Andy Kaufman
- Behind the Moonwalk – The night Michael Jackson stunned the world on the American Music Awards
- Robin Williams, unfiltered – The chaotic brilliance of An Evening at the Met and how it almost didn’t happen
- Ellen’s coming-out episode – The intense process behind one of the most groundbreaking sitcom moments ever
- Building HBO’s comedy empire – Producing specials for Richard Lewis, Bob Saget, and Dennis Miller
- Zendaya before the superstardom – How a chance meeting led to producing K.C. Undercover
- From Dick Clark to Disney – A career spanning decades of entertainment Innovation
You’re going to love my conversation with Vic Kaplan
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I'm a tech entrepreneur, podcaster, and professional stand-up comedian. I started my journey in the tech industry back in 1997 when I founded my own website development company, which was one of the pioneering companies in the country at the time. While working in technology, my comedic talents couldn't be contained, and I eventually took to the stage as a stand-up comedian.
My passion for comedy led me to create Hashtag Roundup (@hashtagroundup on Twitter), a platform that has contributed to over 8000 top 10 USA trends on Twitter. With the growth of social media, particularly Instagram, I founded Stampede Social, a company aimed at helping creators drive traffic to their content without relying solely on a link in their bio.
