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Meet the newest member of the Frat House.

COMEDY CENTRAL October 2009

AUCKLAND, Monday 21 September, 2009 – He’s become the latest member of Hollywood’s ever-popular “frat pack”, having appeared with the core members in 2008’s ensemble piece Tropic Thunder and gone on to co-star with Will Ferrell in 2009’s Land of The Lost and opposite Seth Rogan in Pineapple Express. Danny McBride’s rise to fame continues, as Comedy Central New Zealand premiere Eastbound & Down this October.

Created by McBride and executively-produced by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay through Ferrell’s production company, Eastbound and Down sees former pro-baseball pitcher Kenny Powers return to his hometown to become a substitute P.E teacher. McBride, no stranger to playing cringe-worthy characters (after writing and starring in the low-budget hit The Foot Fist Way) takes on the lead character Kenny, who has already been compared to The Office’s David Brent as a potentially outstanding character in television history.  Eastbound and Down has also achieved critical acclaim from Entertainment Weekly and The New Yorker and has just been renewed for a 2010 season.

They are a tradition amongst the comedy circuit – sometimes hallowed and behind closed doors; Comedy Central though are throwing those doors open with their season of Comedy Central Roast’s as the Emmy-nominated franchise debuts on New Zealand television exclusive to Comedy Central. Sometimes edgy, sometimes controversial but always funny, this month sees Joan Rivers and Larry The Cable Guy get torn into by a cavalcade of celebrities and admirers, not just restricted to the comedy world – even Pamela Anderson, who is coming over as part of NZ Fashion Week, gets the royal roasting treatment!

Vincent Chase is on the cusp on being Hollywood A-List material; his movie with James Cameron, Aquaman is about to be released and his buddies “E”, Turtle and brother Drama are living the high life, making sure Vince enjoys a long-lasting career in the fickle world of fame. The popular Entourage, produced and semi-based on the experiences of Mark Whalberg, returns for it’s third season on Comedy Central and further showcases the talent of Jeremy Piven as super-agent Ari Gold – a role which has earned him Emmy award in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Before the phenomenal Kath and Kim, Magda Szubandski, Glenn Robbins, Gina Riley and Jane Turner became household names through the popular and highly influential sketch show Fast Forward. Akin to channel surfing, each sketch is segued by television static with the cast sending up pop culture from their day (the show was screened in the mid 80’s to early 90’s), so expect not only a great deal of laughs but a great deal of nostalgia also.

Plus, continuing throughout October as part of Saturday Night Stand Up is Comedy Central Presents; the place to catch some of the finest stand up routines from the comedy industries biggest and most promising performers. This month, catch Comedy Central favorite and current darling on the comedy circuit Demitri Martin (US), Whose Line Is It Anyway star Greg Proops (US), the ever acerbic and deadpan Jimmy Carr (UK) and one of the stars of The Sarah Silverman Program Brian Posehn (US)

Eastbound & Down. Tuesdays 9:30pm. Season premiere Tuesday October 27
Comedy Central Roast. Fridays 8:30pm. Season premiere Friday October 9th
(Roast of ‘Larry the Cable Guy’ Friday October 9, Roast of Joan Rivers Friday October 23)

Entourage – Season 3. Mondays 10pm. Season premiere Monday October 5
Fast Forward. Fridays 10pm. Premiere show Friday October 2
Comedy Central Presents. New shows premiere every Saturday throughout October
For media enquiries regarding Comedy Central New Zealand’s October Programme highlights please contact:

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