NEW YORK, NY — August 20, 2012 — IFC has launched an “Adopt-A-Comic” program to help spotlight the standout work of one comedian in line with the network’s own “Slightly Off” sensibilities. The network’s first adoptee is comedian Chris Gethard (The Chris Gethard Show, The Other Guys, This American Life) who will host on-air programming, create exclusive content for IFC.com and more. He is also developing his very own comedy series for IFC based on his recent book, A Bad Idea I’m About To Do: True Tales of Seriously Poor Judgment and Stunningly Awkward Adventure. IFC has ordered a pilot script of the project.
Gethard’s book is a compilation of his own experiences navigating adolescence and young adulthood mired in ill-fated nerdom, such as studying to become an ultimate fighter and volunteering to accompany a gang of local juvenile delinquents during their very necessary trip to the legendary Scared Straight program. Coming in 2013, Chris can be seen in Iron Man 3 and is currently shooting Paul Feig’s The Heat starring Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy for 20th Century Fox.
“This program is IFC’s way of spotlighting comedians we admire,” said Jennifer Caserta, president and general manager of IFC. “We’re extremely grateful to Chris and his family for allowing us this special opportunity.” Commented Gethard: “When I told my parents I was being adopted by a television station, they said ‘Why do you need to be adopted? You are 32 years old. We gave you a pretty good, easy suburban life.’ They don’t get how much of an opportunity it is for me that a hip cable network wants to raise me like a human baby.” As IFC’s inaugural adoptee, Gethard will host movie blocks, special programming stunts, and be featured in network promos for IFC. He will also create original content for IFC.com and be involved in key IFC events with partners such as SXSW and BAM. In addition, IFC will spotlight Gethard’s comedy work, including his cable access show, podcast, book and stand-up through on-air, online and live events. IFC’s dedicated web page for the adoption will showcase Gethard’s previous work and ongoing IFC activities. Please visit https://www.ifc.com/adopt-a-comic.
Gethard has made audiences crack up at the Just for Laughs festivals, UCB, SXSW, Bonnaroo, colleges and theaters throughout the country, and has told his stories on This American Life. His humor caught the attention of Variety, which named him among Ten Comics to Watch in 2010. But he’s more than a funnyman delivering one-liners. Gethard played the lead in the Comedy Central sitcom Big Lake and appeared in The Other Guys starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg. He’s made appearances on MTV’s Human Giant, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, hewas a guest writer on Saturday Night Live and an original writer on The Onion News Network. The Chris Gethard Show—a live variety & talk show—began on stage at UCB, until its popularity pushed it on to television last summer. Gethard is the author of the book Weird NY, and the co-author of Weird NJ volumes one and two, Weird US, and Weird VA.
About IFC
IFC creates and champions authentic, original content that is “Always On. Slightly Off.“ Since 1994, IFC has cultivated television programming that challenges the conventions of storytelling. Today, IFC continues to embrace content with an indie perspective. Original series -headlined by brand-defining scripted and sketch comedy – air alongside an extraordinary collection of films and cult TV shows. Long and short-form original content inspired by music, web, gaming, animation, news, and culture is available on multiple platforms. IFC provides viewers access to must-see festivals and events around the country, like the Film Independent’s Spirit Awards and SXSW. IFC.com features exclusive video, podcasts, blogs, news and reviews cultivated and written by industry experts. The network’s On Demand offering, IFC Free, gives fans the opportunity to watch select content from IFC whenever they want. IFC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc.
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Chris Gethard is available for interviews. Please contact us to schedule. For images please visit press.ifc.com.