Logo acquires promising comedy lineup

Daily Variety reports that MTV's gay-oriented cable network Logo has ordered six episodes of the stand-up comedy series Wisecrack, which features performances from Judy Gold, Vicki Shaw, Miss Coco Peru, Doug Holsclaw, Page Hurwitz, and Advocate columnist Alec Mapa. Shows were taped at the Abbey, a West Hollywood, Calif., bar-restaurant. Logo has also picked up three shows starring British comedian Graham Norton: Graham Norton in New York and V Graham Norton, both of which were originally produced for and aired on the United Kingdom's Channel 4; and Norton's 13-episode Comedy Central talk show, The Graham Norton Effect. Logo president Brian Graden says comedy is a major initiative for the network, which is slated to launch in about 10 million homes on June 30. "Humor connects people to one another by shining a light on our common experiences, idiosyncrasies, frustrations, and triumphs. These new comedy series signal Logo's commitment to showcasing a complete range of the important voices and perspectives found within the LGBT community," he said. Logo also acquired performance specials from Margaret Cho and Suzanne Westenhoefer and several episodes of the stand-up showcase Comedy Central Presents. Original programming debuting on the network includes the Los Angeles drama Noah's Arc, reality show Open Bar, and travelogue Out and About. Logo will also air the first-ever telecast of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Media Awards on July 24.