Comedy Central teams up with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for new specials
July 13, 2020 Andrew Buss News
Every single year, comedians, artists, and fans alike all head to Edinburgh for the Annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Since it’s inception in 1947, it has gone onto become the largest arts festival in the world, with comedy being a major part of the annual fest. It typically runs throughout the entire month of August, with comics generally mounting their show throughout the month.
As one could gather, however, the festival was cancelled this year (along with practically every other event) due to the pandemic. However, Comedy Central International has now partnered with the festival to host virtual specials.
Comedy Central at the Edinburgh Fringe will consist of ten 7-minute specials that will be broadcast on Comedy Central International’s Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram beginning August 17th. The episodes will feature routines from 10 up and coming stand-ups as well as a yet-to-be-announced host. Highlights from
the specials will then air on Comedy Central UK beginning on August 28th.
“The Fringe is an incredible platform for creative freedom, and emerging comedic talent is the heart of Comedy Central International, making this a perfect partnership,” Kerry Taylor, executive VP of ViacomCBS Networks International Youth & Entertainment Brands, said in a statement. “This series gives rising comedians a chance to perform as part of the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe, despite the circumstances this year, and a massive international platform to spotlight their talent and reach new fans around the globe.”
Shona McCarthy, the CEO of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, added “The Fringe has always been an important platform for emerging comedians. It is a place for talent to grow an audience and connect with the industry, and we’re so pleased that initiatives like this are there to ensure that doesn’t get lost in 2020. Now more than ever, we need to make sure our artists aren’t falling through the cracks, and are still getting as much support as we can offer.”
And while we know all too well that these virtual events are not a replacement of the feeling of live comedy, it is certainly helpful when you’re in need of a laugh.
