The experiment that began in 1990s Los Angeles is now a riveting docuseries.
Phat Tuesdays: The Era of Hip Hop Comedy will tell the story of Guy Torry, who fought to start an all-Black comedy night at a club called The Comedy Store. The venue and event helped jumpstart the careers of several prominent, Black comedians.
“I can’t wait for the world to experience the story of Phat Tuesdays. It was more than a night of laughter—it was a movement. Phat Tuesdays was Black, bold, and brilliant. It was the best damn comedy show, period," Torry said.
Following the 1992 Rodney King riots, Phat Tuesdays was created to help performers and create a stronger sense of community. People from all walks of life were united under one shared interested -- comedy.
Director Reginald Hudlin shared his excitement for the project.
“Phat Tuesdays tells that story and much more. It’s the funniest people on Earth explaining comedy from every perspective as an art form, as a business and as a force for social change," Hudlin said.
The series will reportedly feature interviews and performances from several famous comics including Anthony Anderson, Nick Cannon, Dave Chappelle, Snoop Dogg, Cedric the Entertainer, Tiffany Haddish, Steve Harvey and more. It will also feature never before seen footage of live performances from decades ago.
Vernon Sanders, head of television at Amazon Studios, celebrated the series launch.
“We are proud to celebrate the legacy of Phat Tuesdays and shine the spotlight on Guy Torry for his trailblazing efforts to give Black comedians their turn on stage in ‘90s Hollywood. The stories and first-person accounts that Reggie Hudlin and Guy help showcase in this docuseries are not only hilarious and entertaining, but powerful as well, and celebrate how the Black community came together to evolve comedy and entertainment.”
Phat Tuesdays: The Era of Hip Hop Comedy will premiere exclusively on Prime Video Friday, February 4th. Check out the trailer below!
