Comedy Central to make Middle East originals

Ali Al Sayed

Viacom’s fledgling Comedy Central channel in the Middle East is moving into original production with a new stand up comedy series for the regional net.

The local Comedy Central Presents is being filmed in Dubai and will be a showcase for local comedy talent.

It will feature 30 up and coming and established Arab comedians from across the Middle East with performances in English and Arabic and drawing in Middle Eastern tradition and culture. Viacom said it is committed to developing the stand-up scene in the Middle East.

Well-known comics Ali Al Sayed, who has performed around the world, and Mo Amer, who has supported Dave Chappelle, are the presenting duo.

Comedy Central is carried on OSN in the region, launching on the pay TV platform last year. It carries Viacom and Comedy Central shows including Lip Sync Battle and The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. Comedy Central Presents marks a shift into original programming for the channel in the region.

“VIMN is committed to growing our business and investing in new projects in the Middle East,” said Raffaele Annecchino, president and managing director of VIMN Southern & Western Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

“CC Presents is the first local production for Comedy Central in MENA since we launched the channel less than a year ago. This is a great achievement for the brand and we look forward to continued success, with the goal to make Comedy Central the home of standup in the region.”