Is Iliza Shlesinger Destined to Sit Down?

Iliza Shlesinger was the winner of Last Comic Standing for 2008. Now what? Unfortunately, the road doesn't likely continue on very far from there. That is not to take anything away from Iliza Shlesinger, who is actually very funny.

It's just the nature of the beast with "talent" shows. Very few go on to become known as much more than a former winner. Look at American Idol for example. Does anyone know where most of the winners are? No, I didn't think so. And shows like Last Comic Standing offer an even shorter shelf life due to the limited avenues that can be explored once the winner is announced.

Bit role in a movie? Possibly. HBO Comedy Special on at 2 a.m.? Probably. More than that? Doubtful.

I saw the final show and was watching as Iliza Shlesinger was rightfully crowned the winner. She really has a certain way about her and can be really hysterical with the right material. But, in a lot of ways she reminds me of a blond Sarah Silverman. And we already have someone filling the "Sarah Silverman" niche in the market in a way that nobody else can quite corner: Sarah herself.

I hope I'm wrong because I definitely think there is a need for more female comics. It may just be that I'm a female myself, but I really enjoy the perspective that they can bring to their routines. I've been there, done that, too, and can easily laugh along with them. If Iliza Shlesinger can bridge the gap from contest winner to actual successful comic, it will definitely be a boon to the industry and a victory for funny women everywhere.

So far only Ant really has amounted to much as a former winner of the show, and even his career has stopped short of spectacular.

Last Comic Standing can't even seem to hang onto a quality host for very long, so I suppose it shouldn't be a surprise that the stars fade so soon. Maybe Iliza Shlesinger will be the one to break the trend. Heck, maybe she'll even be the next host!