Seeso, the new ad-free streaming comedy channel from NBCUniversal Digital Enterprises, today announced the start date for the month-long web-only, free Beta period, beginning December 3. Comedy fans who want a sneak peek of Seeso's unique, artisanal mix of new comedies, exclusive shows, curated films and classic stand-up performances are invited to go to www.seeso.com now and enter a valid email address, absolutely no credit card required. The number of Seeso Beta Memberships will be limited, and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sneak Peek at What's Ahead on Seeso:
"It's like the soft-opening of a restaurant," said Evan Shapiro, EVP of NBCUniversal Digital Enterprises. "Everything is free, while you try out Seeso, sample our great classic comedy and get a taste of our exclusive original series. We think our stuff can help you laugh better, and we want you to Seeso for yourself. But, just like the soft-opening of any new neighborhood club, space is limited and we might ask for your patience while we work out our service."
Seeso's Beta Members will preview a wide range of content, including first looks at Seeso's exclusive original series: "The UCB Show," from hosts, creators and Upright Citizens Brigade founders Amy Poehler, Matt Walsh, Ian Roberts and Matt Besser; Dating/Sketch show "Dave & Ethan: Lovemakers, from Broadway Video's Above Average Productions;" "Sammy J & Randy in Ricketts Lane," a musical comedy about mismatched housemates - one attorney, one puppet; "Before the Morning After," featuring the world's best comedians, drunk in a diner at 2 a.m. at The Edinburgh FRINGE Festival; and animated sketch series "The Cyanide & Happiness Show," based on the popular web comic.
Beta Members also will get a sampling of Seeso's stand-up comedy, including an OTT first - the live stand-up special "The Guest List: Live From The Barrel House." The show will be streamed live from San Francisco, exclusively on Seeso, Tuesday, December 8 at 10pm ET/7pm PT, featuring comics from the last season of "Last Comic Standing," finalists Ian Bagg, Andy Erikson and Michael Palascak, and winner Clayton English.
During Beta, Seeso's staff of comedy nerds also will unveil an exclusive slew of Monty Python, including the first batch of newly minted HD editions of "The Flying Circus" and Python classics "The Meaning of Life," "Holy Grail," and "Life of Brian." Seeso's Beta sampling also includes fan favorites like "30 Rock," "Fawlty Towers," "Parks and Recreation," "Saved By the Bell," "The IT Crowd," "The Mighty Boosh," both the US and UK versions of "The Office, " and every season of "The Kids in the Hall," remastered into HD. Additionally, next day, full length episodes of "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," "Late Night with Seth Meyers" and 40 plus years of "Saturday Night Live" will be available during the Beta preview.
While the bulk of Seeso's Beta content will be live on December 3, numerous offerings will be added to the channel during December, including the December 8 live show, "The Guest List," the December 17 premieres of "Dave & Ethan: Lovemakers" and "Sammy J & Randy in Ricketts Lane," and "Monty Python's Flying Circus," each week of the month.
Seeso also will also introduce a wide range of user-friendly SVOD innovations, including an autoplay function, which provides immediate viewing satisfaction, and a "hunt while you watch" function, allowing members to continue viewing while they look for what to watch next. The channel, which strives to combine the immediacy of TV viewing with the best in OTT technology, will be available in full on streaming platforms, connected devices and other distribution partners for $3.99 per month beginning in January 2016.
Original Series and Specials Available during Beta and Full Launch: (Alphabetical)
Before the Morning After - Available in Beta beginning December 17
A late night comedy entertainment show featuring the world's best comedians getting drunk in a diner at 2 a.m. at the world's largest festival. Hosts include Jena Friedman, Alex Edelman, Greg Proops, and more. Executive Produced by Gary Reich for Brown Eyed Boy.
Dave & Ethan: Lovemakers - Available in Beta beginning December 17
A comedic sketch and gameshow that makes impromptu love connections between contestants plucked off the streets of New York City. Starring and Executive Produced by Dave Ahdoot and Ethan Fixell. Executive Produced by Jen Danielson, Ashley Bearden and Josh Poole for Above Average.
Sammy J & Randy in Ricketts Lane- Available in Beta beginning December 3
A musical comedy about two mismatched housemates from the acclaimed comedic duo, Sammy J - a human - and Randy - a purple puppet. Starring Sammy J and Randy. Created and written by Sammy J & Randy. Produced by Donna Andrews, Co-Producer Chris McDonald, Directed by Jonathan Brough, Sticky Pictures Executive Producers Donna Andrews & Stu Connolly ABC Executive Producers Rick Kalowski & Brett Sleigh. A Sticky Pictures Production in association with the ABC TV, Screen Australia and Film Victoria.
The Cyanide & Happiness Show - Available in Beta beginning December 3
An animated comedy series based on the popular web comic, which has cultivated a passionate online following with more than 4.9 million Youtube subscribers and 821 million views, including a record 117 million monthly views this past August. Created and Executive Produced by Rob DenBleyker, Kris Wilson and Dave McElfatrick of ExplosmEntertainment, and Executive Produced by Collective Digital Studio.
The Guest List: Live From The Barrel House- Airs LIVE and Available in Beta
Comedy fans get exclusive access to hottest up-and-coming standup comics in an intimate former speakeasy. This isn't open to the public. The only way in the door is to get on The Guest List.The inaugural show features, from this year's season of "Last Comic Standing," Clayton English, Andy Erikson, Michael Palascak, Ian Bagg and special guests. Executive Produced by Rooftop Comedy.
The UCB Show - Available in Beta beginning December 3
A weekly variety showcase for the best sketch, characters and stand-up homegrown at the UCB Theatres in LA and NYC. Hosted by Upright Citizens Brigade co-founders Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh and filmed with a live audience at UCB Sunset in Hollywood. Executive Produced by Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts, Matt Walsh, Bart Coleman, and Lou Wallach.