A Brief History of Comedy Central: 15 Shows That Defined a Network

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A Brief History of Comedy Central: 15 Shows That Defined a Network

Yes, we all are fans of Comedy Central. It's always been the go-to channel when we needed a laugh. But recently, people realized that the network isn't just a one-trick pony. Sure, they still have their hilarious shows like South Park and The Daily Show, but they've also been expanding their repertoire with some great new programming. Comedy Central is a great way to spend an evening. There's something for everyone on Comedy Central, from stand-up comedians to sitcoms. If you're looking for a good laugh, Comedy Central is the place to be. 

BUT did you know that Comedy Central is a cable television channel that has been broadcasting since 1991? The channel specializes in comedy programming and airs both original content and reruns of older shows. Comedy Central has been influential in the development of American comedy and has helped to launch the careers of many famous comedians. In this post, we'll take a brief look at the history of Comedy Central, from its early days as an upstart channel to its current role as a major player in the world of comedy.

SOUTH PARK They said we're going to kill Kenny every week. And I remember going, 'Wait, is that funny? says ex-Comedy Central head Doug Herzog. Like, won't people hate that?' And I just shut up and let them continue. The brilliance of South Park is there's nothing conventional about it. CRACKED.COM

EW

PREMIUM BLEND Stand-up comedy was cheap and early Comedy Central needed cheap programming. Premium Blend featured short sets by soon-to-be-famous comics, launching acts like Mitch Hedberg, B.J. Novak, and Demetri Martin into their own Comedy Central Presents specials. CRACKED.COM

IMDB

CHAPPELLE'S SHOW Chappelle's Show was one of the most extraordinary and exciting shows we ever did, says CC's Tony Fox. It was extremely edgy in terms of it dealing with racial subject matter. I mean, the very first episode had, like, a 12-minute sketch in it, The Blind Supremacist. CRACKED.COM

AV Club

DRUNK HISTORY Drunk History was inspired by an inebriated Derek Waters trying to explain that R&B legend Otis Redding knew he was going to die in a plane crash Wasted people passionately trying to explain a historical event? The idea was a comedy no-brainer. CRACKED.COM

Complex

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