EPIX CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF THE IMPROV IN THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY "THE IMPROV: 50 YEARS BEHIND THE BRICK WALL" World Premiere Friday, December 6, 2013 at 10PM ET

History of America's First Comedy Club, Features Interviews with Jerry Seinfeld, Jimmy Fallon, Judd Apatow, Sarah Silverman, Kathy Griffin, Russell Brand and more

New York, NY, October 31, 2013 - Premium entertainment network EPIX, announced today that it has set Friday, December 6, at 10 PM ET, as the premiere date for the Original Documentary The Improv: 50 Years Behind the Brick Wall. In this one-hour special, narrated by Adam Sandler, the biggest names in stand-up comedy reveal the role the storied comedy club, the Improv, played in their road to stardom. At times poignant, insightful and always funny, the special uses comics' personal stories, home movies, photographs, and archival footage to weave a story fifty years in the making.

"I can't think of a better way to showcase EPIX's commitment to comedy than providing a stage for today's greatest comedians to talk about their experiences performing at the renowned Improv," said Mark Greenberg, EPIX President and CEO. "Part celebration, part master class, this documentary offers an unprecedented look into this art form and the artists who make us laugh."

Comedians featured in the documentary 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. Improv founder Budd Friedman and general partner Mark Lonow are also interviewed.

Considered the first comedy club in America, the original Improv in New York City was the place Richard Pryor, George Carlin and Andy Kaufman developed their legendary acts. Other budding comedians flocked to the small club, hoping to follow in their idols' footsteps. The Improv Comedy Clubs are now in 26 cities across the country, including the famous Hollywood Improv.

The EPIX Original Documentary, The Improv: 50 Years Behind the Brick Wall is a Spotted Dog Entertainment production in association with Improv West Associates. The special is co-produced with Comedy Central. Executive producers are Judy Pastore, Monica Bautista, Budd Friedman, Mark Lonow and Zoe Friedman; and the co-executive producer is Michael Rowe. Ross Bernard is executive-in-charge of production for EPIX.

For more information about the special, go to http://press.epixhd.com/programming/the-improv-50-years-behind-the-brick-wall/

About EPIX

EPIX(R) is the newest premium entertainment network delivering the latest movie releases, classic library titles, plus original films, comedy, music and sports events on TV, on demand, online and on devices. Launched October 2009 as the first multiplatform premium network with online accessibility for subscribers through EpixHD.com, EPIX pioneered the development and proliferation of TV Everywhere for American consumers. EPIX was the first premium network to launch on Xbox 360(R)consoles, first on Android(TM) tablets and phones, first on Roku(R) players and first to launch in the U.S. on PlayStation(R)3 (PS3(TM)) system. EPIX is available to authenticated subscribers on hundreds of devices including Apple(R) iPads(R), iPhones(R), Kindle Fire tablets, Samsung(R) Smart TVs and Blu-ray(TM) players and more. Today EPIX remains the only premium service providing its entire monthly line-up from new Hollywood hits to original programs on all platforms and provides more movies than any other premium network.

EPIX is a joint venture between Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA and VIA.B), its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), available to over 30 million homes nationwide through distribution partners including Charter Communications, Cox Communications, DISH Network, Mediacom Communications, NCTC, Suddenlink Communications and Verizon FiOS.

For more information about EPIX, go to www.EPIX.com. Follow EPIX on Twitter @EpixHD and on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/EPIX.