“Roots of Comedy with Jesus Trejo,” a new comedy-documentary series hailing from PBS SoCal, is slated to start streaming for free on the PBS app and PBS.org on May 24.
The series follows Mexican American comedian and host Jesus Trejo as he embarks on a journey to tell the “stories behind the laughs,” revealing how comedy traces back to the roots of community.
Trejo visits six U.S. regions including Los Angeles, Denver and Portland, where he meets with six rising comedians. The series is co-produced for PBS by PBS SoCal, CALICO and the National Multicultural Alliance. Trejo and Juan Devis executive produce along with CALICO’s Danny Lee and Justin Yungfleisch as well as PBS SoCal chief content officer Tamara Gould.
The series is directed by Donny Jackson. Wendy Llinás is the executive in charge for PBS.
“Our hope is that ‘Roots of Comedy with Jesus Trejo’ will spark conversation and inspire viewers,” Gould said in a statement. “With the series’ unique ability to blend levity, reality and education on multiple platforms, our goal is that viewers will find some of the nation’s toughest challenges a little more accessible, allowing audiences to connect more deeply with their own communities.”
Comedians that will join Trejo in the series include Vanessa Gonzalez, Sierra Katow, Tatanka Means, Adam Pasi, Eeland Stribling and Ali Sultan.
“No matter where you live or what your beliefs are, our love of laughter is something we all have in common,” Trejo said in a press release. “Laughter opens our ears and our hearts–and once people are listening, who knows what they might be inspired to do?
Trejo’s first hour stand up special, “Stay at Home Son,” recently premiered on Showtime. He is also currently a staff writer on Hulu’s “This Fool” and also the host of “Tacos Con Todo,” a web series in which he navigates the Los Angeles taco scene with celebrity guests. Trejo was also named one of Variety’s “Top 10 Comics to Watch” in 2017.
A special early release of all six episodes of the series will stream starting May 24. The series will also be available to stream on the PBS YouTube channel, following the television broadcast premiere on PBS stations across the country on June 21 at 10 p.m. ET.
