Starz Acquires 'Take My Wife,' 'Night Train with Wyatt Cenac' and the 'Sklar Brothers: Hipster Ghosts' Stand-Up Special

Starz, a Lionsgate company (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B), today announced the acquisition of several series and features that initially debuted on Seeso, the former comedy subscription streaming service, including "Take My Wife" seasons 1 and 2, "Night Train with Wyatt Cenac" and the "Sklar Brothers: Hipster Ghosts" stand-up special.

Also included in Starz's acquisition are "The UCB Show," "New York's Funniest," "Brian Posehn: Criminally Posehn" and "Lachlan Patterson Live from Venice Beach," which will be available beginning Tuesday, May 1st for download or streaming via the Starz App and Starz ON DEMAND. Also recently acquired, "The Pistol Shrimps" documentary will be available June 1 and "Andy Richter's Home for the Holidays" will be available October 1 via the app and on demand. The Starz App offers subscribers access to more than 7,000 movie and television series selections including Starz Originals "Power," "Counterpart," and "Outlander," among others

"We are excited to address the uncertain fate of several Seeso series, including the beloved 'Take My Wife,' by providing a new home for these programs and their fans at Starz," said C. Brett Marottoli, Head of Program Acquisitions for Starz. "These comedies align strategically with many Starz Original series and will appeal to our audiences as we continue featuring diverse casts and storylines across the Starz platforms."

The critically-acclaimed, GLAAD award-nominated "Take My Wife" is a half-hour, single-camera original series that follows real-life couple Cameron Esposito and Rhea Butcher as they share their lives as stand-up comedians who are balancing work, relationships, and the breaking down of gender barriers. "Take My Wife" is one of the few scripted series to specifically focus on queer women and the first scripted series co-created by and co-starring a queer married couple.

"The fan response to 'Take My Wife' has been so positive and overwhelming and we're BEYOND excited that Starz will bring the show to even more people," said Rhea Butcher.

Added Cameron Esposito, "I mean, we're stars so it's perfect that we're gonna be on STARZ."

Starz acquired the content in a licensing agreement with NBCUniversal Television and New Media Distribution.

Series descriptions below:

New York's Funniest - Season 1

Hundreds of hopeful comics who think they have what it takes to be "New York's Funniest," come to the famed Caroline's in New York City, where they perform sets for a panel of judges. Semifinals and finals are hosted by "Saturday Night Live" stars Leslie Jones and Michael Che.

Night Train with Wyatt Cenac - Seasons 1 & 2

A freewheeling mix of stand up, music and other surprises, where anything can happen and anything is welcome, "Night Train with Wyatt Cenac" stand-up comedy show is hosted by former Daily Show correspondent Wyatt Cenac. Executive produced by Wyatt Cenac and Marianne Ways. Includes appearances by comedians Janeane Garofalo, Chris Gethard, John Hodgman, Eugene Mirman, Seaton Smith, Melissa Villasenor and more.

Take My Wife - Seasons 1 & 2

In "Take My Wife," Cameron Esposito and Rhea Butcher find that daily struggles make for good comedy--and stand-up makes for good COUPLES THERAPY --in this charming and personal show created, starring and produced by an actually gay, actually married couple. Includes appearances by comedians Maria Bamford, Matt Braunger, Ron Funches, Jen Kirkman, Jonah Ray, Paul F. Tompkins and LGBTQ actors Gaby Dunn, Clea Duvall, Solomon Georgio, Brittani Nichols, Jen Richards, and indie pop duo Tegan and Sara.

The UCB Show - Seasons 1 & 2

A weekly variety showcase for the best sketch, characters and stand-up talent homegrown at the UCB Theatres in Los Angeles and New York City. 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. Includes appearances by comedians James Adomian, Scott Aukerman, Kate Berlant, Andy Daly, Rich Fulcher, Mary Holland, Lauren Lapkus and more.

Features descriptions below:

Andy Richter's Home for the Holidays - available October 1

Andy Richter is inviting you to celebrate the Holiday Season the right way with his family and all his important celebrity friends including Bob Ducca (Seth Morris), Andy's Wife (Lauren Lapkus), Andy's Mom (Betsy Sodaro), Andy's Son (Mookie Blaiklock), Andy's Sister (Diona Reasonover), Sappity Tappity the Talking Christmas Tree (Jon Daly), Bjork (Matt Besser), Piano Playing Uncle (Mike Cassady), Red Sandwich (Eric Hoffman), Santa (Eddie Pepitone), Michelle Obama (Ego Nwodim) and Talking Gift (Allan Mcleod).

Brian Posehn: Criminally Posehn

Brian Posehn brings his signature style to Comic-Con in San Diego and rocks the House of Blues in this new hour featuring hilarious stand-up and some over-the-top surprises.

Lachlan Patterson Live from Venice Beach

Lachlan Patterson, known for his scalpel-sharp wit, shares his musings about make-up, mugshots & more. He brings his hour to the town he loves and calls home: Venice Beach.

Sklar Brothers: Hipster Ghosts

Comedy is a family affair for brothers and comedy duo Randy and Jason Sklar ("Entourage," "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," "Maron," "Curb Your Enthusiasm"). Their brotherly chemistry, unique team delivery and complementary styles contribute to the incomparable energy of their shows. Filmed at the Lincoln Hall theater in Chicago, this all-new stand-up special from the Sklar Brothers tackle topics such as politics, parenting, canine racism and who might haunt us in the afterlife.

The Pistol Shrimps - available June 1

This documentary focuses on an eclectic group of actresses, musicians, writers, comedians, and moms who compete in the Los Angeles women's recreational basketball league. The team that started it all is the Pistol Shrimps, whose lineup includes Aubrey Plaza ("Parks & Recreation"). From inspiring a podcast to creating their own merchandise, this group of exceptional women proves that organized sports can be enjoyed at any age and any skill level.

About Starz

Starz (www.starz.com) a Lionsgate company (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B), is a leading global media and entertainment company that provides premium subscription video programming on domestic U.S. pay television networks and produces and distributes content for worldwide audiences, including its investment in the Starz PLAY Arabia OTT service. Starz is home to the flagship STARZ(R) brand and Starz ENCORE channels and provides high-quality, entertaining premium subscription video programming with 17 premium pay TV channels and associated on-demand and online services, including the Starz app. Sold through U.S. multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, telecommunications companies, and other online and digital platforms, Starz offers subscribers more than 5,000 distinct premium television episodes and feature films every year and up to 1,500 every month, including Starz Original series, first-run movies and other popular movie and television programming.

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