Plot Synopsis

Hosted by comedians Tiffany Haddish, Chris Spencer and Ryan Davis, BLACK COMEDY IN AMERICA is a one-hour documentary series that chronicles the lore and legends of Black comedy and offers a definitive look at the history and impact of America's most prolific Black comedians. The series explores the comedic pioneers of film, television, and the standup scene, along with the humble beginnings and meteoric rises of the most powerful voices to ever enter Black comedy. The premiere begins with a rare sit-down reunion with "The Original Kings of Comedy: Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer and D.L. Hughley." The series also delves into the cultural impact of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "The Best Man," "Def Comedy Jam," the wave of memorable Black sitcoms from the '70s, and influential household names such as Richard Pryor and Dave Chappelle. In addition, the show features a raw exploration of Jim Crow segregation with a nostalgic look at the foundations of the Chitlin' Circuit, where Black comedy got its roots. A cultural time capsule, the 10-episode series brings together icons and respected figures for deep dives into what and who have shaped comedy and American culture over the past century, including many who have used their comedic visions to push boundaries in the face of controversies in an ever-changing society. Each episode includes in-depth interviews with a who's who of entertainers, including Shaquille O'Neal, Marla Gibbs, Tracy Morgan, Craig Robinson, Coco Jones, George Lopez, Luenell, Rachel Lindsay, Taye Diggs, W. Kamau Bell, B. Simone, and many more.