FX expands late-night slate with order for W. Kamau Bell

FX continues to dip its toes into the late-night TV waters, green-lighting a six-episode order for a talk show hosted by W. Kamau Bell and executive produced by Chris Rock.

It follows an order earlier this year for six late-night shows hosted by Russell Brand.

As for Bell’s show, he told The Comic’s Comic that the deal just came together this week. The show doesn’t have a title yet or a staff. “Much to figure out,” Bell said.

What is known?

The weekly half-hour series will have Bell dissecting politics, pop culture, race, religion, the media and sex. So. Everything, then.

“The presentation pilot that Chris and Kamau shot was terrific,” said FX’s Nick Grad. “Kamau is a tremendous young comedian who has a very smart and sharp take on life. Working with Chris will only bring out the best of his talents. This series, along with Russell Brand’s Strangely Uplifting, puts FX on really solid footing in the late-night arena.”

The series is produced by FX Productions. Chris Rock, Chuck Sklar, and W. Kamau Bell are Executive Producers.

“I think Kamau is one of the funniest guys out there and I can’t wait to work with the good people at FX,” said Rock.

Bell added, “Clearly this is a great opportunity. I’m going to do my best to make the most of it. I feel lucky to be working with one of the greatest comedians of all time, Chris Rock, and the most forward-thinking network, FX.”

Sean L. McCarthy

Editor and publisher since 2007, when he was named New York's Funniest Reporter. Former newspaper reporter at the New York Daily News, Boston Herald and smaller dailies and community papers across America. Loves comedy so much he founded this site.

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