Comedy Central Resurrects 'The Gong Show'

Dave Attell will host. But will he also moonlight as a hitman for the CIA?

Zap2It.com

May 8, 2008

Dave Attell

Comedy Central has ordered up a new incarnation of "The Gong Show," to be hosted by Dave Attell.

The updated "The Gong Show With Dave Attell" will premiere on the cable network on July 17.

The series will retain the basic premise of the classic NBC variety show, which was hosted by Chuck Barris and premiered in the summer of 1976. Every episode will feature eight-to-10 off-beat acts performing for a revolving panel of three celebrity judges. Good acts will receive high scores from the judges. Dismal acts will receive the gong.

"We are very excited to welcome Dave Attell back to the network and put the Comedy Central touch on such a classic game/variety show," says Lauren Corrao, Comedy Central's president of original programming and development. "Dave is the perfect guy to host this series. His dry, comedic wit paired with the outspoken personalities of our celebrity judges and the outrageous acts will create a fresh, new take on the famed series."

Attell spent four seasons looking for late-night activities on Comedy Central's "Insomniac with Dave Attell." A veteran of several comedy specials on the network, Attell's most recent stand-up special, "Captain Miserable," aired on HBO in December.

The comic shows trademark enthusiasm for the new "Gong Show," raving, "Stars will be made, feelings will be hurt."

Adam Sandler's Happy Madison Productions and Andrew Golder ("Win Ben Stein's Money") will executive produce the Sony Pictures Television offering.