This week Comedy Central has unveiled a broad slate of short-form programs devised for Snapchat; extended a series order for a lusty program featuring comedienne Nikki Glaser; and renewed popular shows like “Tosh.0” and “Drunk History.” Now it is announcing pick-ups of two new series featuring popular comic Kevin Hart; a comedy-competition series that has comics go head to head in a “roast battle”; and a broad series of specials. The network intends to develop a series of what it calls “comedy documentaries” that will tap comedians, writers, producers and directors to tell specific stories of personal relevance. Each effort will have a distinctive look and sensibility.
While Comedy Central continues to develop series with new talent, said Alterman, it is also cultivating special programs from popular comics interested in producing. Amy Poehler is a producer of “Broad City,” and the network has secured production deals for projects from projects from Amy Schumer, Chris Hardwick, Channing Tatum, Olivia Wilde, Jack Black, Eva Longoria, Ed Helms, Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone, along with Abominable Pictures, Above Average, Funny Or Die, Gloria Sanchez Productions, and Serious Business, among others. “They’ve been coming to us because of the credibility we’ve built up,” Alterman said.
Comedy Central’s new programs include the following:
“Kevin Hart Presents: Hart of the City,” an eight-episode series that follows Kevin Hart as he explores local comedy scenes in cities such as Philadelphia. Atlanta, Houston, Birmingham and Sacramento. The show is produced by Hart’s Hartbeat Productions , and is exec produced by Hart, Dave Becky of 3 Arts Entertainment, Leland “Pookey” Wigington and Michele Armour, Jonas Larsen and JoAnn Grigioni are the executives in charge for Comedy Central.
“Untitled Kevin Hart Stand-Up Series” features six half-hour episodes of stand-up in which Kevin Hart will spotlight one up-and-coming comedian each episode. Produced by Hartbeat Productions and executive produced by Hart, Dave Becky of 3 Arts Entertainment and Leland “Pookey” Wigington. Jonas Larsen and JoAnn Grigioni are the executives in charge of production for Comedy Central.
“Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle” is a new competition comedy special in which comedians go head-to-head, led by Ross and referee/comedian, Brian Moses. Two comics in each round face off, roast each other and a winner is declared by a celebrity panel of judges. The show is exec produced by Ross, Joel Gallen, Amy Zvi, Willie Mercer, Moses and Rell Battle. Jonas Larsen, Christian McLaughlin, Jordan Ellner and Ryan Moran are the executives in charge of production for Comedy Central. Ross will also have a special, “Jeff Ross Roasts the Police.”
Comedy Central will air new stand-up specials from Kurt Braunohler, Deon Cole, Pete Davidson, Joe DeRosa, Trevor Moore, Big Jay Oakerson, Dan Soder and the Goddamn Comedy Jam.
