Comedy Central is taking one of its biggest digital hits to the small screen. The network, which operates a standalone channel on Snapchat’s invite-only Discover page, will develop its most-watched original series, titled Swag-A-Saurus With James Davis, into a television show.
Comedy Central premiered the Snapchat exclusive last September, in which host Davis attempts to explain slang terms like ‘Bye, Felicia’ and ‘Looking Friday’. The weekly television show will debut in January 2017, according to The Hollywood Reporter, and will feature the same premise — bridging both “urban and mainstream comedy.”
“I’ve dreamed about this moment since I fell in love with comedy,” Davis, who has also written for The Late Late Show With James Corden and appeared on Chelsea Lately, said in a statement. “I’m excited to work with a network that embraces my point-of-view and purpose-driven comedy. I look forward to leaving my imprint on Comedy Central’s already legendary catalogue of great shows. I promise this show will be LIT!” Added Comedy Central president Kent Alterman: “James is the real deal — smart, funny, and immensely likable. He will be a great addition to our diverse talent roster.”
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News of Davis’ show arrives on the heels of several high-profile departures at Comedy Central. Earlier this month, for instance, the network cancelled The Nightly Show With Larry Wilmore, which replaced the Colbert Report — and which also featured contributions from YouTube creator Franchesca Ramsey. And last week, Amy Schumer tweeted that her hit show, Inside Amy Schumer, was not slated to return “in the foreseeable future.”
