Comedy Central Channel
Founded: April, 1991
Parent Company: Viacom
Tagline: various
Website: cc.com
The original comedy showcase on television, Comedy Central has tweaked and massaged the country's funny bone for over 28 years. Early on, they mostly just featured comedy flicks and sitcoms from sister/partner channels. Some of their first original programs that had legs (and are still alive today) include Politically Incorrect and The Daily Show. And while both were cutting edge for their time, the channel really made its mark when South Park debuted in 1997. The quirky, (intentionally) badly animated pack of kids from Colorado have spawned one of the most successful and longest-running TV shows of all time.
In the mid 2000s, Comedy Central green lit one of the more socially influential and ridiculously funny shows of all time, The Chappelle Show. An unapologetic look at social and political strife, it wrapped uncomfortable topics into short form sketches featuring the comedy genius of Dave Chappelle. More than 15 years later they're still just as funny... and in many ways, still relevant. Over the last few decades, Comedy Central has also featured stand-up shows, celebrity roasts and a variety of other original programming that likely wouldn't land development deals elsewhere. So, while the channel is a censor's nightmare, its left an indelible mark on the comedy landscape.
In terms of availability, since it's been around for so long, it's conveniently found in every plan on DIRECTV and DISH. Fewer and fewer cable channels can boast that these days. And since it has plenty of grandfathered contracts with TV providers, don't expect any licensing fees or battles here.
Comedy Central Programming & Shows
Original Series: South Park, Chappelle Show, Tosh.0, The Daily Show, Futurama, The Colbert Report, Broad City, Crank Yankers, Brickleberry, Drunk History, etc.
Reruns: That '70s Show, King of the Hill, 30 Rock , The Office, Parks and Recreation, Archer, The Cleveland Show, Entourage, It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, MADtv, Community, etc.
