Netflix to Air ‘Def Comedy Jam 25′ Special Featuring Dave Chapelle, Kevin Hart and More

Twenty-five years ago, Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam debuted on HBO and became the beacon for grown-folks comedy. The series helped launch the careers of now established superstars like Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Cedric the Entertainer, Bill Bellamy, Chris Tucker, Tracy Morgan, Steve Harvey and the late Bernie Mac. Netflix will celebrate the iconic series’ 25th anniversary with a new special, Def Comedy Jam 25.

According to Netflix, the special will celebrate “the impact and legacy of the long-running comedy series with surprise guests, tributes, and performances in a can’t-miss evening of unbelievably funny and raw moments.” Along with the aforementioned funnymen, Mike Epps, Adele Givens, Eddie Griffin, Tiffany Haddish, D.L. Hughley, Kid Capri, Martin Lawrence, Craig Robinson, JB Smoove, Sommore, Joe Torry, Sheryl Underwood, and Katt Williams are scheduled to appear on the special, which has no airdate as of yet.

Def Comedy Jam first ran from 1992 to 1997 before returning from 2006 to 2008. Simmons recently announced that he’s bringing back his Def Comedy Jam reboot to HBO. The cable giant has picked up ​All Def Comedy for a six-series run in December.