Comedy Central greenlights ‘This is not Happening’ to series, hosted by Ari Shaffir
It was confirmed today that Comedy Central has greenlit CC:Studios’ longform storytelling digital series “This Is Not Happening” to the linear channel, it was announced today by Kent Alterman, President, Content Development and Original Programming, Comedy Central. Executive produced by Ari Shaffir, Eric Abrams, Sam Saifer, and Jeff Tomsic, who will direct, the eight-episode season will premiere in the fall, and marks the #1 brand in comedy’s first pick-up of a series developed by the in-house creative initiative CC:Studios.
“The only reason we are picking up ‘This Is Not Happening’ is to prove we can incubate an idea digitally and then have it migrate to the linear channel,” said Alterman. “And also, it’s really funny storytelling with fantastic talent.”
Hosted by Shaffir and based on his long-running live show, “This Is Not Happening” features Shaffir and his comedian friends telling hilarious and true stories in front of a live audience at LA’s most distinguished gentlemen’s club, Cheetahs. Comedians that have been featured on CC:Studios’ two seasons of “This Is Not Happening” include Kurt Braunohler, Joey Diaz, David Koechner, Bobby Lee, Natasha Leggero, TJ Miller, Trevor Moore, Kumail Nanjiani, Jay Oakerson, Steve Rannazzisi and Joe Rogan.
“This Is Not Happening” was originally developed by CC:Studios, Comedy Central’s in-house creative initiative for the development of original digital comedy. Platform-agnostic, CC:Studios works with creators to develop concepts and talent for digital distribution and produce original, shareable content in the format best-suited to the creative, whether short-form, long-form, animation, or ultimately on the linear channel. CC:Studios attracts the best comics and comedy writers in the business, giving them an opportunity to create hilarious content that is native to digital screens. Working with CC:Studios, talent has access to Comedy Central’s extensive distribution channels including on-air, Comedy Central Records, CC Mobile Apps, Comedy Central Home Entertainment, Comedy Central Radio, VOD and Comedy Central Certified comedy clubs.
