EPIX Unites All-Star Cast for Sam Kinison Tribute

Sam Kinison: Back From Hell Ignites EPIX

NEW YORK -- An all-star cast is gathering on the new premium channel EPIX� to celebrate the hard-living and outspoken late comedian, Sam Kinison. This dynamic special event weaves interviews and performances by stars Chris Rock, Kathy Griffin, Jay Leno, George Lopez, Ice-T and Denis Leary, and many others, with a filmed tribute at the comedian's old stomping ground, The Comedy Store.

Frequent appearances on "Saturday Night Live" and "Late Show with David Letterman," drove Kinison to heights of success usually reserved for rock bands. His brash performances and over-the-top style attracted huge audiences and sold-out massive arenas. A cult following and rave reviews made him one of the most promising comedians of his generation until his life was cut short by a drunk driver in 1992.

"I don't think there's a bit that you could find of Sam's that doesn't reflect the absolute truth of the situation," says comedian Denis Leary.

"We're excited to bring together some of today's most talented artists to pay homage to Kinison. He was a groundbreaker whose performances inspired so many," said Mark Greenberg, EPIX President.

Sam Kinison: Back From Hell will air on EPIX in February 2010. It is the third comedy event announced by EPIX, joining Eddie Izzard Live from Wembley which will run during EPIX's October launch weekend and Lewis Black: Stark Raving Black which will air in December 2009.

About EPIX

EPIX, a joint venture between Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), is a next-generation multiplatform premium entertainment channel, video-on-demand and online service launching on October 30, 2009. EPIX will be distributed by Verizon FiOS and other partners. With access to more than 15,000 motion pictures spanning the vast libraries of the partner studios, EPIX will deliver films from Paramount, Paramount Vantage, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies released theatrically on or after January 1, 2008 and MGM, United Artists and Lionsgate titles released theatrically on or after January 1, 2009, which will be available exclusively to its subscribers.

Providing a powerful entertainment experience with more feature films on demand and online and more HD movies than any other service, EPIX will air new Hollywood titles plus classic feature films, original series, and music and comedy specials. It is the only premium service providing its entire monthly line-up on video-on-demand, online and on the linear channel. Further, EPIX has made the commitment to deliver the industry's most expansive online collection of movies, making more than 3,000 titles available online to subscribers via its enhanced service EPIX Megaplex.

The joint venture controls all rights to EPIX's programming and Viacom provides operational support, including marketing and affiliate services through its MTV Networks division.

Follow the EPIX twitter feed at http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD.