* BrokenBase: Allowing more experienced and/or professional comedians who already had stand-up specials or media visibility with a mix of amateurs was somewhat contentious, especially by the second season as the former became more prominent. Some feel they had an unfair advantage as they likely already had a built-in fanbase and connections within the entertainment industry, while others say each comedian had an equal oppurtunity on the actual show to make their mark and bringing in a more diverse and seasoned group of talent improved the overall quality of the comedy on the show in result.
* EliminationHoudini: Dat Phan, the first winner, actually did quite well with audiences, though the rest of the contestants were the ones who felt he didn't belong on the show. And if you ask the other comedians from the sixth season, Iliza Schlesinger also counts.
* OvershadowedByControversy: Very much so, especially in the second season. As mentioned under ExecutiveMeddling, the producers apparently not being clear early on about the voting process and the ability to give them more say than the guest judges in who actually got selected into the house caused some controversy even if it was indeed stated in the contract... but still created a sense of needless disorder and disconnect between the higher-ups and participants during the filming of the show, or perhaps was intentionally set up to add manufactured drama to the proceedings (Not out of the question after reports came out that some of the bad auditions were fake to liven up the early episodes). It did get a bit worse after the actual season wrapped up, as news got out that producers on the show actually managed some of the contestants that made it into the house only furthered accusations of the process being unfair and full of shameless nepotism. That it retroactively became clear the ultimate prize, an NBC talent development contract, was largely ceremonial and worthless career-wise definitely marred the image of the original version of the show in retrospect.
* RetroactiveRecognition: While the show did feature a number of already-recognizable faces during it's run, Gabriel Inglesis, Amy Schumer, Rachel Feinstein and Doug Benson were all contestants on the show before gaining wider fame, a good case of TheRunnerUpTakesItAll. Iliza Schlesinger is the only actual winner to achieve more exposure and have a steady & reliable entertainment career after their time on the show.
* SeasonalRot: Season 7 for a number of vieweres, though more of a BrokenBase, as removing the "in-house" concept of having the comedians living together and doing challenges and solely having them deliver stand-up routines either was either a welcome move to remove the more manufactured reality-tv drama from the show or simply turned the show into a one-dimensional, overlong Premium Blend-like comedy special.