by Peacock, NBCUniversal’s new streaming platform, has announced September premieres (no word yet on specific dates and timing) for two new weekly “late-night” comedy showcases, hosted individually by Amber Ruffin and Larry Wilmore.
Here are the specifics so far…
“The Amber Ruffin Show”
Each week will showcase Ruffin’s signature smart and silly take on the week’s news. No matter what’s happening in the world, Amber will respond to it with a charming mix of seriousness, nonsense, and evening gowns.
Peacock has ordered nine half-hour episodes to launch in September.
“Having a late-night show on Peacock is so exciting!” said Ruffin. “We can’t wait to write sketches, songs and jokes about this terrible time we call now!” She also plans to continue working as a writer/performer on Late Night with Seth Meyers.
Ruffin was the first African American female to write for a late-night network talk show in the U.S. She wrote and performed on Comedy Central’s Detroiters and is a regular narrator on the cabler’s Drunk History. Ruffin was previously a performer at Boom Chicago in Amsterdam, the iO Theater and the Second City in Chicago. In addition, she was a writer/performer for the 2018 and 2019 Golden Globe Awards and has written for the series A Black Lady Sketch Show.
Amber Ruffin, Jenny Hagel, Seth Meyers and Mike Shoemaker serve as executive producers. The series is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, and Sethmaker Shoemeyers Productions.
“Untitled Larry Wilmore Show” (w/t)
Emmy Award-winning producer, actor and comedian Larry Wilmore is bringing his distinct voice to streaming with a new weekly special series. Larry will have real discussions with high profile people from all different backgrounds including sports, politics and entertainment. Each episode will not only cover the election but will also engage in the important conversations of the week. It will be funny, sometimes serious, potentially awkward and most definitely honest.
Peacock has ordered 11 episodes to launch in September.
“I’m honored to have the chance to not only be back on television but to partner with the great team at Peacock,” said Wilmore. “Apparently there’s a lot going on in the world right now and a big election happening soon, so I’m happy to have a place in the conversation.”
Wilmore, of course, previously hosted a late-night talker for Comedy Central after several years as a correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Among his many other credits, he’s helped develop, pitch and bring black-ish to ABC and Insecure to HBO. Wilmore (who has an overall production deal with Universal TV), Jo Miller, Tony Hernandez, Brooke Posch, David Miner and Michael Rotenberg serve as executive producers. The series is produced by Jax Media and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.
