Even as major broadcast and cable television networks are unveiling their development slates for 2009-10, established TV shows featuring stand-up comedians are dropping from their lineups. Taking a harder hit are TV shows featuring black comedians, most of which have been canceled this year. Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment Stand-Up (Starz) and Bill Bellamy’s Who’s Got Jokes (TV One) remain as the only series showcasing urban comics.
Here is a list of the casualties:
Last Comic Standing (NBC) – The Emmy-nominated Last Comic Standing, the only stand-up comedy series on a major broadcast network, was canceled after six seasons in March.
Everybody Hates Chris (CBS) The Eye decided not to renew the sitcom created and executive produced by Chris Rock.
Greg Behrendt’s Wake Up Call (SOAPnet) The relationship advice show hosted by the best-selling author (He’s Just Not That Into You) ended in February after one season.
D.L. Hughley Breaks the News (CNN) Hughley’s prime-time show was canceled in March. It was reported that the reason for the show’s cancellation was due to CNN’s “budgetary restraints” after the comedian approached the network about moving the show from New York to Los Angeles where his family lives.
Chocolate News (Comedy Central) The news parody show hosted by David Alan Grier was axed in March.
The Tony Rock Project (MNT) The series starring the younger brother of Chris Rock was canceled in March after one season.
Def Comedy Jam (HBO) is in hiatus and P. Diddy Presents Bad Boys of Comedy (HBO) is no longer listed on the network’s schedule.
