Comedy Central has given an eight-episode order to “The Comedy Jam,” an unscripted series that offers comedians the chance to rock out with their favorite tunes.
“Comedy Jam” aired as a special on the Viacom cabler in August. The hourlong series sends comedians on stage to tell a yarn about how a particular song has significance for them, followed by their stab at performing said tune. To wit, in the special Adam Devine recounted the story of losing his virginity to “All the Small Things” after taking in a Blink-182 concert with his girlfriend. Pete Davidson, Jay Pharoah, Jim Jefferies, and Natasha Leggero were also featured on the special.
“Comedy Jam” seems to take a cue from Spike TV’s “Lip Sync Battle.” But it is based on a live show in Los Angeles created by Josh Adam Meyers. Meyers is exec producing the series with Mike Duffy, Tim Duffy, and Joel Gallen for Ugly Brother Studios and Gallen’s Tenth Planet banner. Gallen is on board to direct.
“We have been working under the false impression that what comedians want most is to have television and digital platforms to further their comedy careers,” said Comedy Central president Kent Alterman. “It turns out they really just want to be rock stars.”
“Comedy Jam” is expected to bow next year.
