List of Black Comedians on Comic View

Comic View is a long running comedic entertainment show that showcases black comedians on the BET cable network. Many well known comedians have graced the Comic View stage, such as Cedric the Entertainer and D.L. Hughley. The show currently has a long roster of new and established black comics.

Comic View debuted on BET in 1992. Before this time, the only other show that focused on black comedians was HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, which produced infamous comedians Chris Tucker and Martin Lawrence. The show’s original format aired short stand-up segments of various comedians on each episode. In September 2008, the show evolved into a spin-off titled, Comic View: One Mic Stand. The new show, taped in Hollywood, provides a more intimate, ethnically diverse setting, and showcases longer segments of a few chosen comics every week.

Comic view has had several hosts over the years, some who went on to establish movie and television careers. D.L. Hughley, who headed his own television sitcom, The Hughleys, hosted the show from 1992 to 1993. Cedric the Entertainer, well known for his participation in the live stand-up movie, Kings of Comedy, hosted from 1993 to 1994. Sommore, a raunchy comedian who gained recognition on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam and the first female host, appeared during the 2005 to 2006 season. The current host is comedian Kevin Hart, known for his performances in feature films such as Scary Movie 3, Death at a Funeral and Little Fockers.

Not as many black female comedians appear on Comic View as males, but when they do get the spotlight they deliver memorable performances. Sheryl Underwood, whose credits include Def Comedy Jam and the movie, Beauty Shop, hosted the show during the 2005 to 2006 season. Mo’nique, an academy award winner who currently has her own talk show on BET, appeared on Comic View several times over the years.

Some comedians have become regulars who have showcased their work on many previous episodes of Comic View. Eric Blake, who was included in The Best Of Comic View specials for four consecutive years, headlines nationally at comedy clubs such as The Comedy Store and The Punchline. Dante Carter, who has appeared in over 40 TV shows and movies, has won more Comic View awards than any other comedian who has appeared on the show. Other regulars include Shang Forbes, a Brooklyn native known for his edgy political routines, and Tony Roberts, a Detroit native who received a BET award in the name of the famed deceased comedian, Robin Harris, for Most Original Comic.