LEARN THE INSIDE STORY OF A FAMED COMEDY INSTITUTION IN THE UNCENSORED NETWORK TELEVISION PREMIERE OF "THE IMPROV: 50 YEARS BEHIND THE BRICK WALL" ON COMEDY CENTRAL(R) ON FRIDAY, MAY 2 AT MIDNIGHT ET/PT

Adam Sandler Narrates and Comedians Interviewed Include Judd Apatow, Lewis Black, Russell Brand, Larry David, Jimmy Fallon, Kathy Griffin, Jay Leno, Richard Lewis, Bill Maher, Ray Romano, Jerry Seinfeld, Sarah Silverman, Damon Wayans, Keenan Ivory Wayans, Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans, As Well As Improv Founder Budd Friedman and General Partner Mark Lonow

"The Improv: 50 Years Behind the Brick Wall" Available Day after Air on the Comedy Central App

NEW YORK, April 14, 2014 - Go behind the scenes of America's first comedy club in the uncensored network television premiere of the documentary "The Improv: 50 Years Behind the Brick Wall," debuting on Comedy Central on Friday, May 2 at Midnight ET/PT.

From its humble beginnings in New York's theater district as a hangout for singers in the early 60s, to the stage that launched legends like Richard Pryor and Andy Kaufman, the most famous wall in entertainment has been the backdrop to tales that are poignant, insightful, and always funny. "The Improv: 50 Years Behind the Brick Wall," brings together the biggest names in comedy to tell the inside story of the historic institution.

Through private photographs, archival footage, and never-before-seen clips, comedians from Jerry Seinfeld to Sarah Silverman take us on their own personal journeys from New York to Los Angeles, as the club rises, sparks a comedy boom and a long-running television series and then eventually pays the price in the 90s. Without intending to, the Improv revolutionized the comedy business, created life-long friendships, and allowed comedic stars from Jimmy Fallon to Judd Apatow a place to dream, work and get discovered.

Comedians sharing their memories of the storied venue include Judd Apatow, Lewis Black, Russell Brand, Larry David, Jimmy Fallon, Kathy Griffin, Jay Leno, Richard Lewis, Bill Maher, Ray Romano, Jerry Seinfeld, Sarah Silverman, Damon Wayans, Keenan Ivory Wayans, Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans, as well as Improv founder Budd Friedman and general partner Mark Lonow.

The Comedy Central App will offer fans who sign in via their cable or satellite provider the special the day after air. They will also have access to a treasure trove of additional content from the #1 brand in comedy. The Comedy Central app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch is available for free on the App Store or at AppStore.com/cc.

Leading up to the on-air premiere, Comedy Central Stand-Up will feature preview clips from the documentary.

"The Improv: 50 Years Behind the Brick Wall," a Spotted Dog Entertainment production in association with Improv West Associates, is executive produced by Judy Pastore and Monica Bautista (2012 Nantucket Film Festival's Comedy Roundtable Presented by Ben Stiller); Budd Friedman and Mark Lonow; Zoe Friedman; and co-executive producer Michael Rowe (Family Guy and Futurama).

Comedy Central, the #1 brand in comedy, is the home for the biggest names in stand-up including recent one-hour specials from Daniel Tosh, Kevin Hart, Jeff Dunham, Gabriel Iglesias, DL Hughley, Amy Schumer, Anthony Jeselnik, Aziz Ansari, Chris Hardwick, Hannibal Buress, John Mulaney, Al Madrigal, Demetri Martin, Pete Holmes, Bill Cosby, Jeff Ross, Nick Kroll, Patton Oswalt and more.

In addition to its specials, Comedy Central stand-up series include "John Oliver's New York Stand-Up Show," "Gabriel Iglesias Presents Stand-Up Revolution," "Mash Up," "The Half Hour," "Adam Devine's House Party," and "Comedy Underground with Dave Attell."

For clips, trailers, and other behind-the-scenes content visit www.cc.com/stand-up or the CC: Stand-Up Facebook page, download the CC: Stand-Up app for iOS devices and Xbox Live, follow @ccstandup on Twitter and listen to Comedy Central Radio, exclusively on SiriusXM.