Starz Acquires Ex-Seeso Comedy Series & Specials Including ‘Take My Wife’ & ‘Night Train With Wyatt Cenac’
Starz has acquired a slew of comedy series, specials and films that launched on Seeso, the NBCUniversal-owned SVOD service that shuttered last year.
Among the series in the deal are Take My Wife, Night Train with Wyatt Cenac and The UCB Show. It also includes stand-up specials from the Sklar Brothers, Brian Posehn and Lachlan Patterson, along with The Pistol Shrimps, the documentary about a group of showbiz folks including Aubrey Plaza who play in a women’s recreational basketball league in L.A.
“We are excited to address the uncertain fate of several Seeso series, including the beloved Take My Wife series, by providing a new home for these programs and their fans at Starz,” said C. Brett Marottoli, Head of Program Acquisitions for Starz. “These comedies align strategically with many Starz Original series and will appeal to our audiences as we continue featuring more diverse casts and storylines across the Starz platforms.”
Starz acquired the content in a licensing agreement with NBCUniversal Television and New Media Distribution. Here is the full list of series and specials the Lionsgate-owned premium cable service acquired in the deal. Shows will launch May 1 on the Starz app and on-deman service unless otherwise noted:
New York’s Funniest – Season 1
Hundreds of hopeful comics who think they have what it takes to be “New York’s Funniest,” come to the famed Caroline’s in New York City, where they perform sets for a panel of judges. Semifinals and finals are hosted by “Saturday Night Live” stars Leslie Jones and Michael Che.
Night Train with Wyatt Cenac – Seasons 1 & 2
A freewheeling mix of stand up, music and other surprises, where anything can happen and anything is welcome, “Night Train with Wyatt Cenac” stand-up comedy show is hosted by former Daily Show correspondent Wyatt Cenac. Executive produced by Wyatt Cenac and Marianne Ways. Includes appearances by comedians Janeane Garofalo, Chris Gethard, John Hodgman, Eugene Mirman, Seaton Smith, Melissa Villasenor and more.
Take My Wife – Seasons 1 & 2
In “Take My Wife,” Cameron Esposito and Rhea Butcher find that daily struggles make for good comedy–and stand-up makes for good couples therapy –in this charming and personal show created, starring and produced by an actually gay, actually married couple. Includes appearances by comedians Maria Bamford, Matt Braunger, Ron Funches, Jen Kirkman, Jonah Ray, Paul F. Tompkins and LGBTQ actors Gaby Dunn, Clea Duvall, Solomon Georgio, Brittani Nichols, Jen Richards, and indie pop duo Tegan and Sara.
The UCB Show – Seasons 1 & 2
A weekly variety showcase for the best sketch, characters and stand-up talent homegrown at the UCB Theatres in Los Angeles and New York City. Hosted by Upright Citizens Brigade co-founders Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh and filmed with a live audience at UCB Sunset in Hollywood. Includes appearances by comedians James Adomian, Scott Aukerman, Kate Berlant, Andy Daly, Rich Fulcher, Mary Holland, Lauren Lapkus and more.
Andy Richter’s Home for the Holidays – available October 1
Andy Richter is inviting you to celebrate the Holiday Season the right way with his family and all his important celebrity friends including Bob Ducca (Seth Morris), Andy’s Wife (Lauren Lapkus), Andy’s Mom (Betsy Sodaro), Andy’s Son (Mookie Blaiklock), Andy’s Sister (Diona Reasonover), Sappity Tappity the Talking Christmas Tree (Jon Daly), Bjork (Matt Besser), Piano Playing Uncle (Mike Cassady), Red Sandwich (Eric Hoffman), Santa (Eddie Pepitone), Michelle Obama (Ego Nwodim) and Talking Gift (Allan Mcleod).
Brian Posehn: Criminally Posehn
Brian Posehn brings his signature style to Comic-Con in San Diego and rocks the House of Blues in this new hour featuring hilarious stand-up and some over-the-top surprises.
Lachlan Patterson Live from Venice Beach
Lachlan Patterson, known for his scalpel-sharp wit, shares his musings about make-up, mugshots & more. He brings his hour to the town he loves and calls home: Venice Beach.
Sklar Brothers: Hipster Ghosts
Comedy is a family affair for brothers and comedy duo Randy and Jason Sklar (“Entourage,” “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” “Maron,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm”). Their brotherly chemistry, unique team delivery and complementary styles contribute to the incomparable energy of their shows. Filmed at the Lincoln Hall theater in Chicago, this all-new stand-up special from the Sklar Brothers tackle topics such as politics, parenting, canine racism and who might haunt us in the afterlife.
The Pistol Shrimps – available June 1
This documentary focuses on an eclectic group of actresses, musicians, writers, comedians, and moms who compete in the Los Angeles women’s recreational basketball league. The team that started it all is the Pistol Shrimps, whose lineup includes Aubrey Plaza (“Parks & Recreation”). From inspiring a podcast to creating their own merchandise, this group of exceptional women proves that organized sports can be enjoyed at any age and any skill level.
Related‘The Pistol Shrimps’ Tribeca Trailer: These Women Are Ballers On And Off The Court
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