In the bustling heart of New York, a colorful ensemble of improv aficionados known as The Commune aims for the heights of comedic fame, guided by the magnetic Miles (Mike Birbiglia). This diverse cast includes Jack, an electrifying performer with a flair for the dramatic; Sam, his insecure girlfriend who unofficially acts as the emcee; Allison, a creative genius nurturing her artistic ambitions through a graphic novel; Lindsay, a trust-fund baby enjoying a life of leisure; and Bill, a passionate improv devotee striving for success. As they navigate their artistic endeavors, the group encounters an unexpected opportunity when representatives from Weekend Live, a sketch comedy show reminiscent of Saturday Night Live, attend one of their performances.
Overjoyed at the chance to audition for the show once again—after experiencing rejection in the past—Miles is filled with hope. However, it is Jack (Keegan-Michael Key), whose inflated ego spirals out of control during the performance, igniting frustration among his fellow troupe members. Following this mishap, Jack receives a surprise call that invites him and Sam to audition. Seizing the moment, Jack auditions solo, while Sam's anxiety prevents her from participating.
To everyone’s astonishment, Jack is chosen as a new cast member, propelling him into the limelight. His friends begin to inquire about potential roles in writing or audition opportunities. Meanwhile, Bill's life takes a turn when his father suffers a severe motorcycle accident in Philadelphia, prompting the group to come together to support him during this challenging time.
As Jack acclimates to his new position at Weekend Live, he faces the overwhelming demands of being part of the show. While The Commune gains popularity, it becomes evident that most of the audience is only interested in Jack's charming ticket-taker character, rather than the contributions of his fellow performers. With their theater facing closure, the crew opts to put on a new show at a different venue, but exorbitant ticket prices frighten potential attendees away.
On the eve of this pivotal performance, The Commune gathers to watch Weekend Live, only to be blindsided when they witness Jack performing a sketch strikingly similar to one they had crafted together. Outraged by this apparent betrayal, the group crashes the after-party, where Miles confronts Jack, leading to a physical altercation before being thrown out. Hurt and betrayed, Miles then turns his frustration on Lindsay (Kate Micucci), only to find out that she has accepted a position with Weekend Live and was reluctant to embarrass herself in front of her new peers. This shocking twist breeds resentment among Miles, Allison (Gillian Jacobs), and Bill (Chris Gethard), leaving their relationships irrevocably altered as they storm off into the night.
As the final curtain falls on The Commune's last show, Sam's opening line, “Has anyone had a particularly bad day?” conveys a poignant sense of vulnerability. A member of the audience points out her own struggles, prompting Sam to embark on a solo improvisational journey where she finds herself metaphorically trapped at the bottom of a well, while her fellow castmates scramble to rescue her. In a show of support, Jack arrives, vowing never to leave her side; nevertheless, Sam acknowledges her acceptance of their relationship's end.
Fast-forward eight months, and Jack and Lindsay continue to dazzle audiences as a successful duo, crafting fresh skits for Weekend Live. Meanwhile, Miles has rekindled happiness with a high school sweetheart, while Sam, Bill, and Allison dive into establishing their new improv project, scouting for local talent to join them. They reunite under sorrowful circumstances—Bill's father's passing—but despite unresolved tensions, their enduring friendship prevails, showcasing a resilience built through shared experiences and creativity.
