He launched a host of today’s comedy superstars in the ‘90s on the HBO series “Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam.” Now, Russell Simmons returns to the network for ALL DEF COMEDY, debuting SATURDAY, NOV. 12 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO. Taped before a live audience Sept. 7 at the Avalon Theatre in Los Angeles, the special is based on “All Def Comedy Live,” a weekly comedy experience produced by All Def Digital (ADD), Simmons’ cross-platform media company.
Other HBO playdates: Nov. 12 (12:55 a.m., 4:05 a.m.), 14 (3:00 a.m.), 18 (10:00 p.m.), 23 (11:30 p.m.) and 29 (3:45 a.m.), and Dec. 5 (2:30 a.m.), 15 (1:20 a.m.) and 20 (11:00 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: Nov. 16 (9:00 p.m.), 26 (10:40 p.m.) and 30 (10:30 p.m.)
The special will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO, HBO On Demand and affiliate portals.
Hosted by Tony Rock (“All of Us,” “The Tony Rock Project,” “Apollo Live”) with DJ Drama (Atlantic Records, T.I., L’il Wayne), the uncensored special features stand-up performances in a variety of styles from up-and-coming comics, discovered at ADD’s weekly comedy showcase: Chris Powell, Zainab Johnson, Kevin Tate, and Robert Powell, as well as HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam” veteran Tony Roberts.
Known for highlighting African American comedians and launching the careers of such comedy legends as Bernie Mack, Dave Chappelle, Chris Tucker, Martin Lawrence, Cedric the Entertainer and Bill Bellamy, “Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam,” aired on HBO from 1992-1997 and returned in 2006.
ALL DEF COMEDY is executive produced by Russell Simmons and Stan Lathan, along with ADD programming executives, Chris Conti and Jeru Tillman. The special is directed by Stan Lathan.
