Second City

Type: Company

As of November 2026, Second City has been mentioned in 5 episodes across 4 podcasts, first heard Apr 2025 on SmartLess. Podcasts mention Second City as a significant training ground for comedians, with Catherine O'Hara recalling her early career there in an interview on Fresh Air. David Razowsky highlights its reputation as "the Harvard of improvisation," indicating its esteemed status in comedy education. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler also reference their experiences at Second City, showing its influence on their careers and connections in the industry.

Famous improvisational comedy enterprise based in Chicago, known for training many SNL cast members.

Second City at a glance
Mentioned in	5 episodes on 4 podcasts (as of November 2026)
First heard	Apr 2025 on SmartLess
Industry	Entertainment
Headquarters	Chicago, IL, USA

What do podcasts say about Second City?

3 quotes, recorded on Fresh Air and The Proven Podcast.

I was in Second City Toronto.
Fresh Air · Feb 2026 · Hear it
Second City... has been called... the Harvard of improvisation used to elevate reputation and authority.
The Proven Podcast · Aug 2025 · Hear it
Presented as a key training ground: I started… class at the Second City… that’s where I met Amy Poehler.
SmartLess · May 2025 · Hear it

How do different shows talk about Second City?

4 shows discussed Second City in these episodes.

SmartLess — 2 episodes
Presented as a key training ground: I started… class at the Second City… that’s where I met Amy Poehler.
RE-RELEASE: Tina Fey | SmartLess
Fresh Air — 1 episode
I was in Second City Toronto.
Catherine O'Hara on 'Home Alone 2' and her sketch comedy beginnings (1992 interview) | Fresh Air
The Proven Podcast — 1 episode
Second City... has been called... the Harvard of improvisation used to elevate reputation and authority.
How to Build Instant Connection - David Razowsky
Good Hang with Amy Poehler — 1 episode

Who talks about Second City on podcasts?

Jason Bateman brought up Second City; the most recent mention was Feb 2026 on Fresh Air.

Catherine O'Hara on 'Home Alone 2' and her sketch comedy beginnings (1992 interview) | Fresh Air on Fresh Air (Feb 2026)
Sebastian Maniscalco (Live) | Good Hang with Amy Poehler on Good Hang with Amy Poehler (Nov 2025)
How to Build Instant Connection - David Razowsky on The Proven Podcast (Aug 2025)
RE-RELEASE: Tina Fey | SmartLess on SmartLess (May 2025)
Amy Poehler | SmartLess on SmartLess (Apr 2025) — Jason Bateman

Which podcasts mention Second City most?

SmartLess (2 episodes), The Proven Podcast (1 episode) and Good Hang with Amy Poehler (1 episode) mention Second City most.

SmartLess — 2 episodes
The Proven Podcast — 1 episode
Good Hang with Amy Poehler — 1 episode
Fresh Air — 1 episode

What is Second City mentioned alongside?

Second City is most often mentioned alongside Chicago, Rachel Dratch and Amy Sedaris.

Mentioned together: Chicago, Rachel Dratch, Amy Sedaris, Steve Carell, Brian Stack, Adam McKay, Conan O'Brien, Tina Fey, Boston, Los Angeles