The Apollo Comedy Hour | |
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Genre | |
Directed by |
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Starring |
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Country of origin | United States |
Original language | English |
No. of seasons | 3 |
No. of episodes | 78 |
Production | |
Executive producer | Moses Edinborough |
Producer | Ben Hill |
Camera setup | Multi-camera |
Running time | 60 |
Production company | Apollo Theatre Productions |
Original release | |
Network | Syndication |
Release | September 27, 1992 January 1, 1995 | –
Related | |
It's Showtime at the Apollo |
The Apollo Comedy Hour is a sketch-comedy that aired in first-run syndication[2][3][4] from 1992-1995. The series was filmed the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. It was produced by the same people who produced It's Showtime at the Apollo.[5]
Like a similar syndicated show from around the same time period, Uptown Comedy Club and the Fox series In Living Color, Apollo Comedy Hour featured a cast of young hopeful comedians, guest stars and a new musical act for each episode.
The cast was primarily black[6] and Hispanic, with sketches primarily written around their personal experiences and observations. Series regulars included Paula Jai Parker,[7] Grace Garland, Lisa Nicole Carson,[8] Debra Wilson, and Ian Edwards. Randl Ask and later Ilan Kwittken were the only white cast members. The show was hosted by Phyllis Stickney.[9] Mary Flowers[10] served as music talent executive.
Meanwhile, Patrice O'Neal's first television appearance was on The Apollo Comedy Hour.[11] Other performers featured included Derrick Fox, Yusuf Lamont, Kool Bubba Ice,[12] Gil T,[13] A.G. White,[14] Deirdre Boddie-Henderson,[15] Mike Yard,[16] John Henton,[17] Charles Walden,[18] Damon Rozier, Freddie Ricks,[19] Darryl Littleton,[20] Daran Howard,[21] Tony Woods,[22] and Alonzo Bodden.[23]