FOX Acquires Comedy Central's Sketch Comedy TOSH.O; Show to Air Fall 2015

By: Mar. 05, 2015
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Debmar-Mercury and the FOX Television Stations today announced that FOX, which operates one of the nation's largest owned-and-operated network broadcast groups, has acquired Comedy Central's highly popular "Tosh.0" starting in fall 2015.

The clip/sketch comedy series, known as cable TV's most trusted source for all things Web, will air on FOX stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Houston, Charlotte and Minneapolis.

Reruns of the long-running and widely popular weekly clip/sketch comedy series feature the piercing humor and biting commentary of comedian Daniel Tosh. More than 120 episodes will be available for syndication to broadcast stations nationally as a late night strip or stacked on weekends.

Each episode includes Tosh giving subjects of notorious viral videos a second chance to redeem themselves from the embarrassment with which they have become synonymous, getting their very own "Web Redemption."

"'Tosh.0' is a terrific show, marketed creatively," said Frank Cicha, SVP, Programming, FOX Television Stations. "I love the scheduling flexibility this deal brings."

Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein, co-presidents of Lionsgate-owned producer-distributor Debmar-Mercury, commented, "We're excited to have the FOX Television Stations on board as the anchor broadcast group and to once again team with our "South Park" partners at Comedy Central on another absurd, incredibly ingenious series that has such a loyal fan base. Daniel Tosh is one of the funniest and most talented comedians on television today, and we believe his highly rated 'Tosh.0' will provide the perfect companion to sitcoms."

Daniel Tosh adds, "This is a huge win for America. It is exciting to know that people who can't afford cable or the internet will finally be able to laugh with us."

"Tosh.0," which launched on Comedy Central in June 2009, ranked as the No. 1 comedy series on all of television Tuesday nights this past fall among young men. It continued its breakout ratings success for Comedy Central, averaging 2.1 million total viewers and a 1.6 rating among adults 18-49.

As one of the most-requested comic headliners in the country, as well as one of its most popular and successful college acts, Daniel Tosh's casual style and sharp material have proven to be greatly appreciated by his audiences. An actor, host and writer, he has been a regular on the late night network talk show circuit, numerous cable comedy shows, specials and a familiar presence on Comedy Central, which released his 2005 debut CD, "True Stories I Made Up" (Comedy Central Records) and premiered Tosh's two hour-long stand-up specials, "Completely Serious" (2007) and "Happy Thoughts" (2011). Both specials were also released as combination DVD/CDs by Comedy Central Records with "Happy Thoughts" receiving Platinum® certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

About Debmar-Mercury

Debmar-Mercury, a leading media company specializing in syndication, network, cable and ancillary markets, produces and distributes THE WENDY WILLIAMS SHOW and the Craig Ferguson-hosted CELEBRITY NAME GAME (renewed for a second season starting in fall 2015) with co-producer FremantleMedia North America; has U.S. distribution rights to FremantleMedia North America's Steve Harvey-hosted Family Feud; distributes Tyler Perry sitcoms House of Payne and spinoff Meet the Browns, as well as Revolution/CubeVision's ARE WE THERE YET? (starring Ice Cube); and, for FX, sitcoms including Lionsgate Television's ANGER MANAGEMENT (starring Charlie Sheen and now also airing in national off-network syndication); and has U.S. TV distribution rights to South Park, Hell's Kitchen and a movie library featuring titles from Revolution Studios. Debmar-Mercury is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), a leading global entertainment company.

About FOX Television Stations

FOX Television Stations is one of the nation's largest owned-and-operated network broadcast groups, comprising 28 stations in 17 markets and covering over 37% of U.S. television homes. This includes seven duopolies in the top 10 markets: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and Houston; as well as duopolies in Minneapolis, Phoenix, Orlando and Charlotte.

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