Watch Def Comedy Jam

Def Comedy Jam was a popular stand-up comedy television series that aired on HBO from 1992 to 2008. The show was created by Russell Simmons and hosted by a rotating cast of comedians, including Kid Capri, Martin Lawrence, and D.L. Hughley. The series was designed to showcase some of the top up-and-coming comedians in the industry, with a focus on African-American performers. Many of the comedians featured on the show went on to become major stars in their own right, thanks to the visibility and exposure that Def Comedy Jam provided.

The format of the show was relatively simple. Each episode featured several comedians performing their routines in front of a live studio audience. Some of the performers were veterans of the comedy scene, while others were new faces making their mark on the industry.

The material on the show was often edgy and controversial, with many comedians touching on topics that were considered taboo at the time. Topics like race, sex, and politics were fair game, and the performers often used explicit language and sexual content in their routines.

Despite the controversial material, Def Comedy Jam quickly became a hit with audiences, thanks to the talent and charisma of the comedians featured on the show. Kid Capri, Martin Lawrence, and D.L. Hughley were all popular hosts, with their own unique styles and personalities.

Kid Capri was one of the original hosts of the show, and his energetic performances and infectious enthusiasm helped to set the tone for the series. His love of hip-hop and music was evident in his comedy, and he often incorporated music into his routines.

Martin Lawrence was another popular host of the show, known for his larger-than-life personality and physical comedy. Lawrence was already a well-known comedian when he joined the show, thanks to his work on the TV show Martin and in films like House Party.

D.L. Hughley was the final host of Def Comedy Jam, taking over from Martin Lawrence in the later seasons of the show. Hughley was known for his sharp wit and commentary on social issues, and he brought a more mature perspective to the series.

In addition to the hosts, Def Comedy Jam featured dozens of talented comedians over its 16-year run. Some of the most notable performers on the show included Bernie Mac, Dave Chappelle, Tracy Morgan, Mo'Nique, and Chris Rock.

Many of these performers went on to become major stars in their own right, thanks in part to their exposure on Def Comedy Jam. Dave Chappelle, in particular, has cited the show as a major influence on his own comedic style and career trajectory.

Overall, Def Comedy Jam was an important and influential series in the world of stand-up comedy. It helped to launch the careers of many talented performers, and pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in mainstream entertainment. Despite its controversial material, the show remains a beloved classic among fans of comedy and pop culture.

Def Comedy Jam is a series that is currently running and has 11 seasons (68 episodes). The series first aired on March 21, 1992.