BROOKLYN, NY (October 3,2024) – VICE TV, the Emmy®-winning international television network from VICE Media, today announced Black Comedy In America, a new docuseries produced by SMAC Productions and She Ready Productions and hosted by comedians Tiffany Haddish, Chris Spencer and Ryan Davis, premieres Tuesday, October 15 at 10:00 PM ET/PT on VICE TV. The series explores the lore and legends of Black comedy and offers a definitive look at the history and impact of America’s most prolific Black comedians.
Black Comedy In America explores the comedic pioneers of film, television, and the standup scene, along with the humble beginnings and meteoric rises of the most powerful voices to ever enter Black comedy. The premiere begins with a rare sit-down reunion with The Original Kings of Comedy: Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer and D.L. Hughley. The series also delves into the cultural impact of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Best Man, Def Comedy Jam, the wave of memorable Black sitcoms from the 70s, and influential household names such as Richard Pryor and Dave Chappelle. In addition, the show features a raw exploration of Jim Crow segregation with a nostalgic look at the foundations of the Chitlin’ Circuit, where Black comedy got its roots.
“This collection of comedians and their stories presents an expansive, yet intimate look at the setbacks, triumphs and cultural inroads blazed by the most incredible comedians the world has ever known” said Pete Gaffney, VICE Media’s President, Global TV. “We are glad to do our part in shining a light on these legends with a project that is both ambitious and historical.”
A cultural time capsule, the 10-episode series brings together icons and respected figures for deep dives into what and who have shaped comedy and American culture over the past century, including many who have used their comedic visions to push boundaries in the face of controversies in an ever-changing society.
“This docuseries will have you laughing from start to finish, but also learning the stories behind the careers of some of the most iconic comedians in Hollywood history,” said FredAnthony Smith, Vice President of Non-Scripted Entertainment at SMAC Productions. “It’s been a thrill to bring this historic project to life with VICE TV, and to showcase how Black comedy has been a light through difficult times, has shined a light on injustice, while highlighting what we all have in common.”
Each episode includes in-depth interviews with a who’s who of entertainers including Shaquille O’Neal, Marla Gibbs, Tracy Morgan, Craig Robinson, Coco Jones, George Lopez, Luenell, Rachel Lindsay, Taye Diggs, W. Kamau Bell, B. Simone, and many more.
Black Comedy in America is executive produced by Lee Hoffman and Shane Ertter for VICE TV, Constance Schwartz-Morini, Michael Strahan and FredAnthony Smith for SMAC Productions, and Tiffany Haddish and Vanessa Spencer for She Ready Productions. Chris Spencer and Leslie Small also serve as executive producers. The series is directed by Julian Gooden, Leslie Small, and FredAnthony Smith.
Artwork is available upon request.
VICE TV is available via all major satellite and cable providers and the VICE TV app via iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, and Chromecast. For more information about VICE TV, go to VICETV.com.
ABOUT VICE TV
VICE TV is the Emmy®-winning international television network from VICE Media Group. Since its inception in 2016, the channel has ushered new audiences to cable with its compelling and provocative programming. Boldly redefining news and current affairs, VICE TV produces hundreds of hours of original content for over 50 million homes worldwide. Built around a mission to tell courageous stories you won’t see anywhere else, told by the people you won’t hear from anywhere else, VICE TV showcases the best in informative and entertaining original series, documentaries and movies, and is the destination for content that challenges popular knowledge and opinion.
ABOUT VICE MEDIA
VICE Media is a global media company focused on producing high-quality content on the edge of culture across film, television, news documentaries, digital, and advertising. The company has three divisions: VICE Studios Group, an international Academy Award nominated film, television, and documentary production group; VICE TV, a linear entertainment television network in partnership with A+E; and Virtue, a full-service advertising agency helping some of the largest brands dive deeper into new and emerging cultural communities. The company was founded 30 years ago as an alternative magazine.
ABOUT SMAC PRODUCTIONS
SMAC Productions is the premium content division of SMAC Entertainment, founded by Constance Schwartz-Morini and Michael Strahan, producing scripted and non-scripted television, film, and audio for a wide range of networks and distributors, including HBO, MAX, Showtime, ABC, ESPN, E!, NBCUniversal, DIRECTV, NFL Network, Nickelodeon, Roku, Audible, and Prime Video. Recent credits include the critically acclaimed documentary BS High (MAX), the hit docuseries Coach Prime (Prime Video), and the feature film The Underdoggs (MGM). Other credits include, $100,000 Pyramid (ABC), More Than an Athlete (ESPN), The Cost of Winning (HBO), Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood (E!), Play it Forward (Showtime), The Cupcake Guys (Roku), and Snoop Dogg Presents The Joker’s Wild (TNT). Upcoming projects include The Evolution of the Black Quarterback (Prime Video). For more information, visit www.smac-ent.com.
ABOUT SHE READY PRODUCTIONS
Founded by actress, comedian, and producer Tiffany Haddish, She Ready Productions is dedicated to producing films and television that uplift, inspire and entertain. She Ready’s portfolio includes the Emmy nominated special Tiffany Haddish: Black Mitzvah for Netflix and two installments of Tiffany Haddish Presents: They Ready, Adult Swim’s Tuca & Bertie, and CBS’ Kids Say the Darndest Things.
