Showtime Premieres Trifecta Of Stand Up Specials From Comedy Powerhouses

Some of the biggest names in stand-up comedy — Cedric “The Entertainer,” Margaret Cho and WEEDS star Kevin Nealon — will each premiere their latest stand-up specials for the first time ever on SHOWTIME. SHAQ AND CEDRIC “THE ENTERTAINER”‘s ALL-STAR COMEDY JAM kicks off the triple-threat lineup on Wednesday, June 17th at 10pm ET/PT.

The specials fall under the network’s LAUGH OUT LOUD comedy initiative that has become a hub for diverse, no-holds-barred comedy for premium television audiences.

Following is a brief description of each special:

SHAQ AND CEDRIC “THE ENTERTAINER”‘s ALL-STAR COMEDY JAM – Wednesday, June 17 at 10 PM ET/PT

Filmed before a spirited crowd in Phoenix, AZ., the night before this year’s NBA All-Star Game, The Original King of Comedy Cedric “The Entertainer” performs 30 minutes of his latest material in between comedy sets by fellow comedians Tommy Davidson (“In Living Color”); Kevin Hart (“Soul Plane”); Aries Spears (“Mad TV”); and DeRay Davis, while celebrities Shaquille O’Neal, Katt Williams and Nelly crack up in the audience. Executive produced by Shaquille O Neal, Mike Parris, Eric Rhone, Cedric “The Entertainer” and produced by Jeff Clanagan along with Codeblack Entertainment presents a Stage One / Bird and a Bear Productions and directed by Leslie Small.

MARGARET CHO: BEAUTIFUL – Friday, July 3rd at 11 PM ET/PT

Returning to her stand-up roots, Cho’s latest, “Beautiful,” examines the nature of beauty and the importance society has placed on appearance. “I want everyone to feel beautiful and I want to do it with laughter,” she says. “Why not feel good about ourselves?” Executive produced by Cho, Lorene Machado and Keri Smith Esguia; produced by Clownery Productions, Inc.; and directed by Lorene Machado.

KEVIN NEALON: NOW HEAR ME OUT – September TBD

Kevin Nealon gives his comedic take on stupid phrases, talking on the phone in your car, and being a first-time father. Nealon serves as executive producer and it is produced by Gary Binkow and Salient Media and directed by Brent Carpenter.