Jeff Ross ‘Roast Battle,’ ‘Police Roast’ Headed to Comedy Central
Roastmaster General Jeff Ross will bring a new roast competition and special to Comedy Central as part of the network’s 2016 – 2017 developmental slate.
The comedian will adapt his ongoing stage show, “Roast Battle,” for television and follow-up his 2015 special Jeff Ross Roasts Criminals — filmed live at the Brazos County Jail in Texas — with Jeff Ross Roasts Police.
In Jeff Ross Roasts Police, Ross will use his special brand of insult comedy to address controversial issues surrounding law enforcement, such as race, profiling and excessive force, while also looking at the myriad risks police officers face every day. Ross will reportedly meet with new and seasoned cops from around the country and partake in a ride-along; he’ll also speak with criminals and activists fighting police brutality.
Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle, meanwhile, will feature comedians trading jokes and insults in a bracket-style competition overseen by Ross and comedian/”referee” Brian Moses. The winner of each round will be chosen by a panel of celebrity judges.
Comedy Central has also given the green light to two Kevin Hart projects: Kevin Hart Presents: Hart of the City, an eight-episode series that will find the comedian exploring local comedy scenes in various U.S. cities; and an as-yet-untitled six-episode series that will highlight one up-and-coming stand-up per episode.
Daily Show correspondents Jordan Klepper and Jessica Williams have also inked development deals with the network. Klepper is set to star in his own comedy special and is developing a late-night talk show as well. Williams is penning a pilot for a half-hour show in which she’ll also star.
Premiere dates for all aforementioned programs have yet to be announced.