Published on October 21st, 2024 | by Dr. Jerry Doby

Tune In | VICE TV Airing “Black Comedy In America” Docuseries

VICE TV, the Emmy®-winning international television network from VICE Media, recently 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, premiered 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.

Def Comedy Jam

Russell Simmons and Stan Lathan fuse a Hip Hop sensibility with cutting-edge comedy voices to create a groundbreaking franchise with enduring cultural impact.

In this exclusive clip from the program provided to The Hype Magazine by VICE TV, Bill Bellamy weighs in on Martin Lawrence as a host:

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 ever to enter Black comedy. The premiere began 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, of 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 and has shined a light on injustice while highlighting what we all have in common.”

Photos and video courtesy of VICE TV

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Tags: Black Comedy In America, comedy, Vice TV

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.