Comedy Central Lines Up New Programming

NEW YORK: British comedian Russell Brand has recorded his first stand-up special for Comedy Central, Russell Brand in New York City, slated to air on March 8 at 10 p.m. 

Brand took home the Best Live Stand-up award at the 2008 British Comedy Awards, and has been featured in movies such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Adam Sandler’s Bedtime Stories. His new Comedy Central special will air with encore presentations on March 8 at 12 a.m. and March 13 at 11 p.m. 

Comedy Central has also given the go-ahead for a new comedy series starring Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter, Michael and Michael Have Issues. The network ordered seven episodes of Michael and Michael Have Issues, which will premiere in July. The show features a new twist on narrative and sketch comedies that features the long-time comedic partners as the hosts of their own fictitious sketch show. 

"This new hybrid series from Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter brings their distinctive take on two comedic standards that will be an outstanding addition to Comedy Central’s lineup," said Lauren Corrao, the president of original programming and development at Comedy Central. "I’ve been a big fan of both Michaels ever since working with them on the classic MTV sketch show The State and am excited to be in business with them again as they bring their dynamic relationship to life for our viewers."

"Michael and I are thrilled to be on Comedy Central doing we what we do best—making doo-doo jokes," commented Showalter. "I wanted to call the show Michael Showalter Sucks Starring Michael Ian Black," added Black.