Comedy Central to bring big laughs to small screen in MENA

JEDDAH: Further strengthening its roster of world-class and exclusive comedy content, OSN, the region’s leading pay-TV network, has signed an agreement with Viacom International Media Networks to add the number one global comedy brand, Comedy Central, to its offering of entertainment channels.

Comedy Central HD is the third brand for VIMN in the region, complementing the existing presence of MTV and Nickelodeon/NickJr.
From May 7, Comedy Central HD (OSN Channel No. 207) will be available exclusively on OSN in the Middle East and North Africa region, adding to the distinctive ‘nowhere else’ value proposition that the network provides to its subscribers. To effectively satisfy local appetites for comedic entertainment, 100 percent of the content premiering in the region on Comedy Central HD, including animated programs, will be subtitled in Arabic.
Comedy Central is the undisputed leader in funny around the globe with a presence in more than 120 countries, a deep library of international content and an increasing commitment to local productions. Among the popular programs the brand will be airing in the region are The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Comedy Central Presents…, Inside Amy Schumer, Lip Sync Battle and the animated hit, South Park.
Emad Morcos, SVP Media Partners & Digital at OSN, said: “Everybody loves a good laugh and OSN is offering great value with the addition of Comedy Central HD, a perfect fit to the entertainment preferences of people in the region. We are confident that the wide range of comic series, sitcoms and reality-competitions will appeal to all. Comedy Central contributes to the diversity of exclusive entertainment choices we have added to OSN this year.
Complemented with a host of edgy programs from Spike, Comedy Central is also creating the opportunity for local talent to showcase their skills through our planned local programming.”
Fans of talk show TV will be delighted to learn that The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, currently on OSN Play, will also be featured on the new channel. The Emmy-Award winning show hosts a star-studded line-up of celebrities including actors, authors, singers and presidential hopefuls as guests under the sharp comic wit and smart observations of South African host Trevor Noah.
Finally, the all-new Comedy Central HD exclusively on OSN will include domestically produced programs that will lend a crucial and authentic local feel to the channel. Comedy lovers will enjoy a mix of popular international comedy series and docu-reality programs, as well as join Comedy Central in celebrating the thriving local stand-up comedy circuit on Comedy Central Presents.