Russell Howard signs major deal with Comedy Central
Comedy Central has announced that it has signed a "substantial" deal with Russell Howard that will see the popular stand-up comedian fronting two major new shows for the channel.
The deal also includes the TV rights to repeat 10 series of Russell Howard's Good News, and additionally show all four of his stand-up specials.
The first of the commissions to enter production is a stand-up show. Three series have already been ordered, each of which will be 10 episodes long. The episodes will each be hosted by Howard, performing his own exclusive material, as well as introducing two guest acts.
Series 1 of the currently un-titled show is earmarked to be recorded later this year in Camden, with transmission scheduled for early to mid-2015.
The channel's second commission from Howard is described as an "adventure comedy" that follows the comedian on his next international tour. Two six part series have been agreed, with the first series accompanying Howard to the US as he embarks on his biggest state-side tour to date.
The channel explains: "In addition to watching him perform in front of an international audience, viewers will have the chance to get to know the man behind the jokes as they follow him on the road, witnessing his interactions with the array of colourful characters he meets as he travels across the country."
Production on the second show, also currently un-titled, will take place during 2016 with broadcast scheduled later that year.
Russell Howard says: "I'm massively looking forward to these shows with Comedy Central. Should be a hoot."
Comedy Central have worked out the deal with Howard's agents, Avalon, who will also produce the two shows. Additionally, they've agreed the acquisition of the entire catalogue of Russell Howard's Good News, including the repeat rights to the as-yet un-made Series 9 and Series 10.
As recently reported, the BBC is moving the established hit show to the more high-profile BBC Two for the next series. Comedy Central notes: "This will see Comedy Central becoming the pay TV home to the show that is already hugely popular with the channel's 16-34 year-old target audience."
The station will also screen Howard's stand-up shows Russell Howard Live, Dingledodies, Right Here, Right Now, and premiere Wonderbox - the recording of his most recent world tour.
Jill Offman from the channel says: "Ever since I saw Russell Howard's live stand-up show five years ago, it has been my dream to get him on Comedy Central. The whole team loves his work and he has massive appeal with our young audience. To be able to broadcast his work across several genres: an exclusive stand-up series from here in Camden, comedy travelogues, his popular stand-up and the library for Russell Howard's Good News is great news for us and our viewers, plus it further demonstrates our commitment to UK content."
This agreement with Howard is one of Comedy Central's biggest ever deals. Its last major move was buying the UK rights to screen the American sitcom Friends.
The new commissions are part of Comedy Central's plan to become a major content producer in the UK. Yesterday the channel announced the line-up for Series 2 of The Alternative Comedy Experience. They are also making a pilot of a multi-camera sitcom called I Live With Models, from Ash Atalla's Roughcut company, and will broadcast a new sitcom entitled Mummy's Boys in 2015.
Here is a clip from Right Here, Right Now, which was previously shown on BBC Three: