HBO Max has hit a programming action with Comedy Central for three of their original live-action series.
Underneath it grabs Comedy Central comedies The Other Two en South side will migrate to the WarnerMedia platform and become HBO Max originals, starting with their upcoming second seasons. In addition, HBO Max has become the exclusive streaming house of the hit semi-autobiographical comedy of Comedy Central Awkawfina is Nora from Queens, heads through Farewell and Crazy Rich Asians star Awkwafina.
Comedy Central has paired its live-action comedy show by shifting its programming focus on adult animation, tapping IP via ViacomCBS to build an original animated plot to stalwart South Park. In the past few months, the network has been greenlighted Beavis and Butt-Head and The Ren & Stimpy Show restart as Daria spinoff Jodie. The remaining lineup of Comedy Central consists of a few series, led by Awkawfina, whose second season is slated to debut on the cable network in the summer of 2021, and veteran Drunk History.
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Comedy for live action has struggled with ad-supported base cable. The Other Two en South Side’s moving mirrors a similar move of TBS ‘ Search Party for HBO Max. In addition, the new comedy from FX Dave has been a very modest performer on the linear network, but a streaming hit on FX on Hulu.
The first seasons of The Other Two en South side, which aired last year on Comedy Central, will begin streaming on HBO Max in 2021, followed by new seasons to stream exclusively as Max Original series. Both shows, produced by Comedy Central Productions, were renewed by Comedy Central for a second season, but no new season has been aired. (Season 2 for The Other Two is yet to be completed).
“These groundbreaking and hilarious programs are cultural touchstones and we are excited about the diverse group of comic voices that will bring them to HBO Max. We know our audience wants to see it again and again, “said Michael Quigley, EVP Content Acquisitions, WarnerMedia.” We first think strategically of the fans, and by adding these exceptional series to our portfolio, we can add these standout comedies introduce to new viewers on HBO Max. “
As part of the streaming deal for Awkawfina is Nora from Queens, the first season semi-autobiographical comedy is available to stream now on HBO Max. Season two will premiere and air on Comedy Central next summer before being available on HBO Max.
“Comedy Central Productions’ deal with HBO Max is emblematic of our studio production strategy to maximize the value of our content by selectively working with third parties while prioritizing franchise IP for our own platforms,” said Keyes Hill-Edgar, Chief Operating Officer, ViacomCBS Entertainment and youth brands. “While we’re shifting our strategy and doubling down on adult animation, current affairs shows and scripted films – we’m excited to supercharge our studio sales business and continue this great series with HBO Max.”
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
THE OTHER TWO
Cary, an aspiring actor and his sister Brooke, a former professional dancer, try to find their place in the world as they wrestle with their feelings about their 13-year-old brother Chase’s sudden rise to internet fame.
Made by former co-head writers Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider, Saturday Night Live, the series stars Drew Tarver, Heléne Yorke, Case Walker, Ken Marino and Molly Shannon. Executive producers include Lorne Michaels, Kelly, Schneider, Andrew Singer, and Tony Hernandez. Produced by Comedy Central Productions, Jax Media, and Broadway Video.
SOUTH EDGE
South side follows two friends who have just graduated from community college and are ready to take over the world. But until they do, they sit at work at Rent-T-Own. The show is shot on location in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago, and offers an authentic look at what life on the South Side is all about.
Made by Diallo Riddle, Bashir Salahuddin and Sultan Salahuddin, the comedy stars Sultan Salahuddin, Kareme Young, Chandra Russell and Lil Rel Howery. Executive producers include Michael Blieden, Diallo Riddle and Bashir Salahuddin. Produced by Comedy Central Productions.
AWKWAFINA IS NORA OF KINGS
Awkwafina (Nora Lum) stars as Nora Lin in this scripted series based on her real life in Queens, NY. Nora is raised next to her cousin by her parents, and leans on her family as she navigates young adulthood in the New York City suburb.
Made by Awkwafina and Teresa Hsiao, the series also stars Lori Tan Chinn and BD Wong. Awkwafina is Nora from Queens is executive produced by Nora Lum, Karey Dornetto, Lucia Aniello, Teresa Hsiao, and Peter Principato and Itay Reiss of Artists First.
