• by Fern Siegel , April 7, 2009

Comedy Central has signed a multiyear, multiplatform deal with Levity Entertainment for a series of eight stand-up specials this year and next. DVDs of several of the specials, distributed by Comedy Central Home Entertainment, will also be released.

Seven comedians have been signed to the deal, including Christopher Titus, Gabriel Iglesias, Pablo Francisco, Jim Breuer, Mitch Fatel, Pete Correale and Jeff Dunham, whose recent stand-up special, "Jeff Dunham's Very Special Christmas Special," drew 6.6 million viewers on Comedy Central.

Levity is the largest booker of live comedy worldwide and a majority owner in the Improv comedy clubs. The company reps some of the top comics, including Titus, Dunham and Breuer.

David Bernath, senior vice president, programming, Comedy Central, says releasing the specials on DVD is going to "the next level. Stand-up specials have been an incredible success on our channel ... we look forward to giving our audience the first chance to see Levity's great product and amazing roster of comedians."

Stu Schreiberg, a senior partner at Levity, says his company is pleased to "accelerate development of comedians across all platforms."

The only all-comedy network, Comedy Central is owned by Viacom and is currently seen in more than 95 million homes nationwide.