LAFF Stocks Up on Classic Comedies

ATLANTA: Launching April 15, the new U.S. comedy network LAFF has licensed the rights to a number of titles, including Ellen, Grace Under Fire and The Drew Carey Show, totaling more than 800 episodes.

Katz Broadcasting is launching LAFF as the first over-the-air broadcast network devoted to comedy in the U.S. The channel is set to feature off-network sitcoms as well as movies, targeting adults 18 to 49.

From Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution it has secured nine seasons of both The Drew Carey Show (233 episodes) and Night Court (193 episodes). The deal with Disney/ABC Television Group covers 109 episodes of Ellen and 170 episodes of Empty Nest. Carsey-Werner Productions has licensed to LAFF Grace Under Fire, encompassing 112 episodes.

“These are iconic series featuring some of the funniest comedic talents and memorable characters of our time,” said Jonathan Katz, the president and CEO of Katz Broadcasting. “We’re assembling an all-star comedy line-up and will be announcing more acquisitions shortly.”