Shaquille O'Neal launches 'Comedy Jam'

Creating series in collaboration with Codeblack

By Nellie Andreeva

June 16, 2009, 08:25 PM ET

Following their collaboration on a standup comedy special headlined by Cedric the Entertainer, basketball star Shaquille O'Neal and Jeff Clanagan, producer and CEO of Codeblack Entertainment, are expanding the special into an "All-Star Comedy Jam" series.

At the inaugural show, filmed in Phoenix the night before this year's NBA All-Star Game, Cedric performs in between comedy sets by fellow comedians such as Tommy Davidson, Kevin Hart, Aries Spears, and DeRay Davis.

Directed by Leslie Smalls, the "All-Star Comedy Jam" series premieres on Showtime June 17 as part of the network's Laugh Out Loud comedy initiative.

The second installment of the series, hosted by D.L. Hughley, will be filmed live at the 13th annual American Black Film Festival on June 26 in Miami and premiere on Showtime in January 2010. Also set to appear are Earthquake, Arnez J, Lavell Crawford and Mealaine Comarcho.

Shaquille O'Neal launches 'Comedy Jam'

Creating series in collaboration with Codeblack

By Nellie Andreeva

June 16, 2009, 08:25 PM ET