HBO Max Adds Four New Comedy Specials to Streaming Lineup

HBO Max is launching four new stand-up comedy specials. As they bring in Tracy Morgan, John Early, Rose Matafeo and Ahir Shah to their ever-growing portfolio of originals, the WarnerMedia-owned service continues to build its slate of stand-up comedy and aims to catch up in the ever-competitive world of streaming.

“We are incredibly proud to showcase this expansive range of comedic talent on HBO MAX,” said Suzanna Makkos, HBO Max’s executive vice president of original programming, comedy and animation, in a statement. “From legends to newcomers, this impressive slate of specials will complement the library of premium stand-up specials that HBO has become known for.”

While Shah is a newbie to the world of televised specials—this being his first foray into TV stand-up—Morgan, Early and U.K. comedian Matafeo are already part of WarnerMedia’s talent pool.

Morgan, whose TBS show The Last O.G. returns for a third season in 2020, recently announced his 2020 comedy tour, No Disrespect, which follows his most recent special on Netflix, Staying Alive. Early, who played Elliot in the critically acclaimed TBS series Search Party, will be executive producing he one-hour television special (his first!) along with A24.

Following the success of worldwide hit Horndog, Matafeo’s first-ever comedy special is a continuation of her partnership with HBO Max following the recently announced Starstruck, a brand new comedy series written, created by and starring herself.

In addition to the four new shows, HBO Max recently announced a partnership with Conan O’Brien and Team Coco to bring more stand-up specials to the streamer. O’Brien, who is the longest-tenured host in late night, is slated to host two specials that feature short sets from multiple up-and-coming comics while also curating hourlong sets from three comedians. In addition to those five specials, HBO Max has purchased the rights to a one-hour special from comedian James Veitch, also produced by Team Coco.