E4 Adds Demetri Martin Sketch Comedy

LONDON: E4 has acquired the U.K. premiere broadcast rights for Important Things with Demetri Martin, part stream-of-consciousness sketch show, part comedic stand up, from MTV Networks International (MTVNI).

The first seven-part season was shown earlier this year on Comedy Central in the U.S., and ranked as the number one series in its time slot in all of TV among men 18 to 24 and men 18 to 34. The series is produced by Jon Stewart’s Busboy Productions and has already been picked up for a second season in the U.S. Martin previously appeared on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart in his own segment, Trendspotting with Demetri Martin, and also takes a starring role in Ang Lee’s forthcoming film Taking Woodstock.

Angela Jain, the head of E4, said: “I have been a big fan of Demetri’s for a long time. He is an extremely talented comedian who I’m sure will further enhance E4’s reputation for smart and funny comedy.”

Gill Hay, the head of acquisitions at C4, added: "Demetri Martin’s new show has proved to be a hit in the U.S. and his bizarre sense of humor has garnered quite a following. British audiences are in for a treat when this clever and funny series makes its U.K. debut on E4 later this year.”

“High-quality comedy content is a core part of our portfolio and E4, with whom MTVN has an established relationship, is the perfect home for Important Things with Demetri Martin,” commented Caroline Beaton, the senior VP of program sales at MTVNI.