Russell Simmons returns to HBO later this year for the all-new stand-up series ALL DEF COMEDY, kicking off its six-show season in December. The show continues the longstanding relationship between the network and Simmons, who launched the careers of a host of today’s comedy superstars in the ‘90s with the original HBO series “Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam.”
The show will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO, HBO On Demand and affiliate portals.
To be taped before a live audience Oct. 10 and 11 at the Avalon Theatre in Los Angeles, the series will be hosted by Tony Rock (“All of Us,” “The Tony Rock Project,” “Apollo Live”), and feature stand-up performances in a variety of styles, spotlighting up-and-coming comics discovered at All Def Digital’s live weekly comedy showcase and special, and its online video platform to discover the best emerging comics, as well as “Def Comedy” veterans.
“I have witnessed firsthand how the most cutting-edge, seemingly alternative comics become the driving forces in mainstream comedy,” says Simmons. “I’m thankful to HBO for allowing me to give these new voices access to mainstream audiences everywhere.”
Known for highlighting African-American comedians and launching the careers of such comedy legends as Bernie Mac, Dave Chappelle, Chris Tucker, Martin Lawrence, Steve Harvey, Kevin Hart, Cedric the Entertainer, Katt Williams, J.B. Smoove, Bill Bellamy and many more, “Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam” aired on HBO from 1992 to 1997 and returned in 2006, followed last year by the special “All Def Comedy.”
ALL DEF COMEDY will be executive produced by Russell Simmons and Stan Lathan, along with Chris Conti and Jeru Tillman; directed by Stan Lathan.
