CHRIS HARDWICK RETURNS TO HOST NBC'S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED FOURTH ANNUAL "RED NOSE DAY SPECIAL"

The Red Nose Day Campaign Has Raised Over $100 Million Since 2015 to Help End Child Poverty

Red Nose Day-Themed Three-Hour Block Will Also Include the Return of "Celebrity Ninja Warrior for Red Nose Day" as well as a Special Episode of "Hollywood Game Night"

NEW YORK - March 8, 2018 - Two-time Emmy Award winner and comedian Chris Hardwick is back to host NBC's fourth annual "Red Nose Day Special" on Thursday, May 24 (10-11 p.m. ET/PT). To date, Red Nose Day has raised more than $100 million and has impacted the lives of over 8.3 million children here in America and around the world.

On an action-packed night of programming, some of the biggest names in entertainment will compete on "Celebrity Ninja Warrior for Red Nose Day," where they will be pushed to the limit in grueling physical challenges all to raise money to support the cause. Later, two teams of stars will face off on a special Red Nose Day edition of "Hollywood Game Night" where they will take on classic "HGN" party games that will test their pop culture IQ. Adding to the excitement, both shows will include live check-ins from Hardwick throughout the night as he gears up for the main event, broadcast live from New York. The evening will serve to entertain and educate viewers while providing many opportunities to support the charity through calls to donate, with money raised supporting millions of children in need in all 50 states and Puerto Rico and around the world.

"Chris' genuine compassion and good-hearted humor make him ideal to host our "Red Nose Day Special" and bridge the evening's exciting and purposeful three hours of programming," said Paul Telegdy President, Alternative and Reality Group, NBC Entertainment. "We are thrilled to once again bring humor and inspiration to our audience in our effort to raise awareness and funds for children in need around the world."

"We are so grateful to NBC and the entire Comcast NBCU family for their outstanding partnership. This year's special night of programming really delivers on Red Nose Day's signature rollercoaster of laughs and tears - shining a light on the children who need our help the most," said Janet Scardino, CEO, Comic Relief USA.

"Celebrity Ninja Warrior for Red Nose Day" at 8 p.m. will kick off the evening followed by a special edition of "Hollywood Game Night" at 9 p.m., featuring Emmy-winning host Jane Lynch and some of the biggest names in entertainment competing to raise money to ensure that children in need are safe, healthy and educated. "The Red Nose Day Special" hosted by Hardwick will close the night at 10 p.m. All three specials will work collaboratively to celebrate Red Nose Day while promoting donations to the cause throughout the night. Additional participating talent will be announced at a later date.

Red Nose Day is an annual event that harnesses the power of entertainment to raise money and awareness for children living in poverty in America and internationally. NBC's night of special Red Nose Day programming is a culmination of a seven-week fundraising campaign, which brings together millions of Americans around the country to have fun and make a difference. The campaign's iconic Red Noses will go on sale Monday, April 2, exclusively at Walgreens and Duane Reade locations nationwide. Talent who have supported the campaign include Julia Roberts, Ed Sheeran, Elton John and many more.

Red Nose Day was created by Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning writer-director Richard Curtis, ("Love Actually," "Four Weddings and a Funeral," "Notting Hill"). It has raised more than $1 billion globally since its launch in the U.K. in 1988.

About Red Nose Day USA

Red Nose Day USA is a fundraising campaign run by the non-profit organization Comic Relief USA. Red Nose Day started in the U.K., built on the foundation that the power of entertainment can drive positive change, and has raised over $1 billion since the campaign's founding in 1988. Since launching in the U.S. in 2015, Red Nose Day has raised over $100 million, which has positively impacted more than 8.3 million children, both in America and abroad. Money raised by Red Nose Day USA supports programs that keep children in need safe, healthy and educated. Red Nose Day USA has received generous support from millions of Americans, hundreds of celebrities and many outstanding partners, including Walgreens, NBC, Mars, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. For more information about Red Nose Day and its impact, visit rednoseday.org. Follow @RedNoseDayUSA on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About Comic Relief USA

Comic Relief USA, also known as Comic Relief Inc., is a registered U.S. 501(c)(3) public charity. It harnesses the power of entertainment to drive positive change to help those who need it most in America and around the world. Campaigns include Red Nose Day, Idol Gives Back, and Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief.

For more information on "The Red Nose Day Special," visit www.nbcumv.com/red-nose-day-special or the NBC Universal Media Village website at www.nbcumv.com.

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