In August 2014, Laughs debuted on Fox Television, with Hofstetter serving as executive producer and host. Laughs is a half-hour showcase show for standup comedians.[16]
Shortly after the first episode premiered, SAG/AFTRA issued a "Do Not Work" notice to its members due to Fox's choice to make the show a non-union production. This touched off a controversy as to whether or not all television shows should be union productions, with Hoftstetter taking the brunt of the criticism.[17]
In December 2014, FOX Television announced a 20-episode extension of the series, bringing the total first season run to 39 episodes.[18]
