In an effort to make its programming more accessible to an online audience, while also generating a revenue stream, Comedy Central is making “Tracy Morgan: Bona Fide” available for download via CC: Stand-Up Direct, a week before the stand-up special is scheduled to air on the network.
Although the comedian’s special will debut on Comedy Central on Sunday, April 20 at 10 p.m., Morgan’s hour-long episode will be available for download through Comedy Central’s website on April 12.
The network has been emphasizing this new form of distribution in recent months, offering fans unlimited streams and downloads of comedy specials across all devices. The site, which also features past specials that have aired on the network, is selling the videos for $5 apiece.
Comedy Central is scheduled to release six stand-up specials throughout the next four weeks, which the network is referring to as “Stand-Up Month.” Each of these specials will also be available for download via CC: Stand-Up Direct.
This programming kicked off on Saturday, March 29 with “Hannibal Buress Live From Chicago,” and continues through David Spade's return to the stage after over a decade-long absence on May 4.
Morgan’s special was taped in the comic’s hometown at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Harvey Theater. An extended and uncensored edition will be available on DVD and in digital stores, beginning April 22.
In addition to Morgan’s special, comedians Patton Oswalt, Dave Atell and Jim Gaffigan will air specials on Comedy Central and via CC: Stand-Up Direct in the coming months.
