BET is returning to its stand-up comedy roots.
Today, the network announced the greenlight and premiere of “ComicView: Rooftop Series,” a 10-episode revival of the landmark stand-up franchise, hosted by comedian Chris “CP” Powell and premiering Tuesday, June 30 at 9:30 pm ET / 8:30 pm CT on BET.
Each episode spotlights three of the funniest comics delivering sharp, unfiltered takes on culture, family, and real life – from a Hollywood rooftop.
The result is a charged, anything-can-happen atmosphere of crowd interactions, celebrity drop-ins, and organic viral moments: a throwback with a fresh point of view, elevating the next wave of comedic voices under the lights of Hollywood.
Originally premiering in 1992 as a nationally broadcast showcase for up-and-coming comedians, ComicView became a launchpad for some of the biggest names in comedy – including D.L. Hughley, Sommore, Cedric the Entertainer, and Bruce Bruce – cementing itself as a cultural pillar in Black comedy and entertainment across its 30-plus year history. ComicView: Rooftop Series carries that legacy forward, turning the spotlight on the next generation of comedic talent and giving today’s sharpest emerging voices the same stage that broke the greats.
Leading them is host Chris “CP” Powell. Named to Vulture’s “The Comedians You Should and Will Know of 2025,” Comedian CP is one of stand-up’s fastest-rising voices. His debut special, SUNDAY AFTER SIX, was named one of The 33 Best Comedy Specials of 2025 by the Los Angeles Times.
“I’m super excited to be a part of this iconic brand. It’s an honor to put my name in history as one of the few hosts of ComicView,” said Chris “CP” Powell. “Growing up in Detroit, we didn’t always have cable, so ComicView was my go-to as an aspiring comic. It was my daily chance to experience the greats. And here I am…”.
Representing diverse comedy scenes from across the country, the line-up of comedians featured in the series includes Tony Roberts (Detroit), Ryan Davis (Concord, NC), Darren Fleet (Baltimore), Shuler King (Charlotte), Ian Lara (New York), D’Lai (New Orleans), Amir K (Los Angeles), Tacarra Williams (New York City), Barry Brewer (Chicago), Learnmore (Zimbabwe), Sidney Castillo (Fort Worth), Lance Woods (Bay Area), Ocean Glapion (Los Angeles), Just Nesh (Chicago), Henry Coleman (Memphis), Mario Hodge (Oakland), TBarb (Detroit), Leonard Ouzts (Charlotte), Sweet Baby Kita (Atlanta), Kevin Tate (Detroit), Precious Hall (Dallas), Kelly Kellz (Milwaukee), Michael Turner (Cincinnati), Dominique (DC), Skeet Carter (Philadelphia), Cousin Tierra (Chicago), Blaq Ron (Houston), Darrius Bennet (Austin), Correy Bell (Chicago), and Kalea McNeil (Bay Area).
In 2024, after a nine-year absence, BET and Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat partnered to bring ComicView to Hartbeat Weekend in Las Vegas as a limited, four-episode series taped in front of a live audience and hosted by Mike Epps.
“BET has always been home for comedy that speaks directly to our audience,” said Aisha Summers-Burke, EVP, Head of Creative, BET Studios. “ComicView was a cornerstone of that legacy and with this rooftop series, we’re reviving that tradition and putting a spotlight on this sharp, deliberate lineup, giving them the platform to claim their moment.”
“The creative mandate for ComicView: Rooftop Series was simple: honor the legacy and let these comedians show exactly what they’ve got,” said Angela Aguilera, SVP, Unscripted Programming and Development, BET. “Chris ‘CP’ Powell sets the tone from a Hollywood rooftop, and the result is stand-up from comedians that earns every laugh.”
“ComicView: Rooftop Series” is executive produced by Jeru Tillman for Southfield Village Entertainment and Producer Royale Watkins.
“ComicView: Rooftop Series” is one of several series featured in Comedy Fun Night on BET, a curated weekly comedy destination built around one simple promise: one night, all kinds of funny. Bringing together fan-favorite talent, familiar hits, and bold comedic voices, the lineup delivers a full spectrum of comedy, from easy, feel-good laughs to sharper late-night edge, giving viewers one place to unwind and laugh every Tuesday beginning June 30.
