What Happened to The Second City?

The Second City, established in Chicago in 1959 by Paul Sills, Bernard Sahlins, and Howard Alk, quickly became a foundational institution for improvisational and sketch comedy, drawing its self-mocking name from a 1952 New Yorker article about Chicago. Over decades, it expanded its footprint, opening a successful Toronto location in 1973 and becoming a launching pad for generations of comedic talent, many of whom went on to star in 'Saturday Night Live' and 'SCTV.'

In 2020, The Second City faced significant challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on live performances and a public reckoning over accusations of institutional racism. This led to the resignation of long-time co-owner and CEO Andrew Alexander in June 2020, who admitted the institution's failures regarding racial inclusivity. In response, The Second City committed to changes, including forming a steering committee for diversity and inclusivity. Later that year, in October 2020, Alexander and co-owner D'Arcy Stuart put the entire enterprise up for sale.

In February 2021, ZMC, a New York City-based private equity investment firm, acquired The Second City. While the terms were not disclosed, reports suggested the deal could be as much as $50 million. This acquisition marked a new chapter, with ZMC expressing intentions to grow the brand and invest in talent. Following the acquisition, Ed Wells, formerly of Sesame Workshop, was appointed CEO in September 2022, tasked with driving growth, including geographical expansion and new media opportunities.

A significant expansion occurred with the opening of The Second City New York in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, on November 16, 2023. This nearly 12,000-square-foot complex features two theaters, classrooms, and a restaurant, marking a major re-entry into the New York market after previous attempts. However, the New York venture has faced challenges, with some observers noting the competitive nature of the NYC theater scene and questions about the market's reception to Second City's specific brand of improv.

As of 2026, The Second City continues to evolve. In February 2026, CEO Ed Wells resigned after nearly four years, during which he oversaw the Brooklyn expansion and navigated post-COVID losses and labor issues. The company also announced expanded fellowship programming for underrepresented voices in comedy in 2026. A notable development in June 2026 was the launch of 'The Second City PLAY,' a new division dedicated to youth and family programming, including classes, camps, workshops, and family entertainment, aiming to inspire creativity and confidence through improvisation. The Chicago Mainstage continues to run revues, with 'Pandemonium, Please Hold' being the current production in September 2026. The company also maintains a touring presence across North America.