1. Make ‘Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America
In January, PBS presents the six-hour series Make ‘Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America hosted by Billy Crystal. The documentary explores the currents of American comedy throughout a century of social and political change, illuminating how comedy has tackled and poked fun at our political system, race relations, gender issues, and the prevailing American standards and taboos in everyday life. The series premieres nationally January 14, 21, 28 at 8 pm on PBS.
2. Cheech & Chong: Light Up America Tour and Concert Movie
Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong reunite for Cheech & Chong: Light Up America , their first tour in over 25 years. The legendary comedy duo also partnered with The Weinstein Company to produce a concert movie that is expected to make a television premiere, followed by the DVD release.
3. Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy
Robert Townsend directs a documentary inspired by comedian Darryl “D’Militant” Littleton’s book, Black Comedians on Black Comedy, about the evolution of black comedy in America. The 90-minute documentary, which premieres at the Sundance Film Festival, January 15-25, includes interviews with Bill Cosby, Dick Gregory, Chris Rock, Damon Wayans, Wanda Sykes, Katt Williams, Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley and George Wallace.
4. Jim Gaffigan: King Baby
The comedian returns with all new material in his one-hour special, King Baby, which touches on hard hitting issues ranging from bacon to bowling. King Baby premieres March 29 on Comedy Central. The CD will be released March 31.
5. Good Hair
Writer-comedian Jeff Stilson directs a documentary starring Chris Rock, who examines the African-American hair culture and business. Good Hair was selected to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
6. Christopher Titus: Love is Evol
The comedian discusses dating, marriage and divorce in his new one-hour special, Love is Evol, which premieres February 14 on Comedy Central. Love is Evol will fix your relationship or destroy it. The DVD will be released February 17.
7. Rescue Me (Season Five) starring Denis Leary
Denis Leary, network television’s most underrated leading man, stars in the highly-anticipated fifth season of Rescue Me. Besides the superb writing and acting, what we love most about the show is the true-to-life male humor amongst the fire crew that reflects Leary’s comedic voice. The new season of Rescue Me is scheduled to return in April.
8. Funny People
Judd Apatow writes and directs the buzzworthy feature film about stand-up comedians starring Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Eric Bana (a former comic), Leslie Mann and Jonah Hill. Comedians appearing in the movie include Aziz Ansari, Sarah Silverman, Andy Dick, Norm McDonald and Dave Attell. Funny People will be in theaters July 31.
9. Just For Laughs: A Very Funny Festival
TBS and Just For Laughs team up to present Just For Laughs: A Very Funny Festival June 17-21 in Chicago. The festival will feature a series of stand-up concerts, improv and sketch including a collaboration with the famed Second City comedy troupe; Latino and urban comedy shows. Ellen DeGeneres will also headline a special event.
10. I’m Dying Up Here: The Great Comedians’ Strike of 1979
Originally released as an audio book in 2007, author William Knoedelseder chronicles the coming of age of stand-up comedians and soon-to-be stars such as Jay Leno, David Letterman, Robin Williams, Richard Lewis and Andy Kaufman, and the comedians’ strike against The Comedy Store. PublicAffairs will publish the hardcover book August 25.
