NC folks bring laughs on "Last Comic Standing" premiere

Tonight's Season 7 premiere of "Last Comic Standing" has a brand new host, new judges, and two funny hopefuls from North Carolina.

The hosting duties go to Craig Robinson, who has already been great in "The Office" and "Hot Tub Time Machine." But for me, the show's new judges are the biggest reason to tune in: Greg Giraldo, Natasha Leggero, and Andy Kindler are the perfect combo.

The premiere episode, airing at 8pm on NBC, is all about the Los Angeles auditions -- and whaddaya know, the first contestant we see is Maronzio Vance from Charlotte. Maronzio auditioned for the second season but says he "wasn't ready" then. This time around, his confident, laid-back style scores with the judges, but will he connect with audiences? And Marzonio is not the only North Carolinian at the LA audition. Fortune Feimster from Belmont is also hoping to compete (what is it with all these Charlotte area people in reality shows lately!?). We get to see a short clip of Fortune in her current locale, Van Nuys, California, about which she tells us, "I don't want to brag, but it's the porn capital of the world." That line is very funny when you see her delivering it. Trust me. Fortune's style is a bit different on stage, and it's ultimately up to the judges as to whether or not she moves on.

Speaking again of the judges, "Last Comic Standing" is worth watching just for them. They're all funny, but Andy Kindler is flatout hilarious (you might recognize him from occasional appearances on "Everybody Loves Raymond"). There's a great montage of Andy telling various contestants what they should wear to the showcase later that night. A little more on the bleh side, I have to say that while I love Craig Robinson on "The Office," he doesn't do much for me here as host.

Tune in tonight for the two-hour premiere and learn how the Carolina comics make out. I want to see you in a red nylon jumpsuit and feather boa.