Original Cast Member Jason Gray Returns to BYUtv's "Studio C"

He rejoins viral sketch comedy series in 2021

PROVO, Utah, Oct. 20, 2020 -- Family entertainment network BYUtv today announced that original "Studio C" cast member Jason Gray will return to the fan-favorite sketch comedy show in fall 2021. A viral phenom with more than two billion views on YouTube and past guest stars including Emmy winner Kenan Thompson, "Studio C" derives universally loved humor from everyday life through endlessly watchable and shareable sketches that offer comic perspective on commonplace scenarios and pop culture commentary.

"With more than 2.2 billion YouTube views, 'Studio C' is arguably one of our most-loved legacy shows," said Michael Dunn, managing director of BYUtv. "And Jason was one of the most versatile and formidable talents in that original cast. So to have him joining forces with our equally-talented new cast members is a major coup for sketch comedy fans. All I can say is buckle up and brace yourself for what will undoubtably be a hilarious season."

"I'm thrilled to be returning to 'Studio C' again," said Jason Gray. "Sketch comedy is part of my DNA as an actor and writer, and it will be an exciting adventure to work with mostly new faces! 'Studio C' has the best fan base, and I think they will really enjoy all the fun things we have cooking. I can't wait to bring back some of my old impressions - Batman, Snape and The Emperor - while introducing some new characters I've been working on as well. I'm also very excited to be performing in front of live audiences again once it's safe. Nothing beats the magic of live comedy, and (fingers crossed) we should have plenty of it!"

Jason Gray is one of the original creators of "Studio C" and played such memorable characters as the British announcer on "Top Soccer Shootout Ever with Scott Sterling" (nearly 79 million views) and the recurring role of Severus Snape. Following season 9 of "Studio C" in 2018, he joined with the other original cast members to create comedy network JK! Studios and reached the semifinals of NBC competition show "Bring the Funny."

"We've loved working with Jason at JK! Studios, and we're excited to support him in his next endeavor," said Matt Meese of JK! Studios.

Jason Gray returns immediately behind the scenes and in the writers' room to prepare for taping next year and will debut on-screen in fall 2021. "Studio C" is produced by BYUtv with Kaleidoscope Pictures ("Show Offs," "Christmas Under the Stars").

"As the 'Studio C' cast family continues to grow, we're excited to be able to start inviting previous family members back to play," said Micah Merrill, executive producer of "Studio C" at Kaleidoscope Pictures. "Keep watching for more fun surprises as the show continues to evolve to reach even more audiences to experience 'Studio C''s unique brand of hilarious and uplifting comedy."

In addition to "Studio C," BYUtv's original programming slate includes teen comedy bootcamp "Wayne Brady's Comedy IQ," created and hosted by the Emmy-winning star; "Dwight in Shining Armor," a scripted adventure comedy in which the Middle Ages meets Middle America; new family survival competition "Survivalists"; and "All-Round Champion," with outstanding young athletes competing in each other's sports. BYUtv is available across the country via cable, satellite and multiple digital media platforms.

For a complete listing of BYUtv's programming and to view full episodes, visit www.byutv.org or download the app. BYUtv streams for free with no subscriptions, in-app purchases or ads. The network is always streaming live, and past and current seasons are all available to binge. Press access to video, photo and other assets is available at www.byutv.org/pressinfo.

About BYUtv

BYUtv provides families more than 1,700 hours of entertaining and compelling programming they can enjoy together. The network's content is trusted, contemporary and clean, yet clever and sophisticated enough to inspire children and parents alike. BYUtv's diverse portfolio of original, co-produced and acquired content includes scripted and unscripted dramas and comedies, 700+ hours of live HD collegiate sports, game shows, and holiday special made-for-tv movies, docudramas and concerts. BYUtv is available in 50 million homes in every state of the country on DISH Network, DirecTV and 146 other major cable systems. A digital pioneer, BYUtv was the first U.S. television network to stream all of its content live and unencrypted over the internet. Today, BYUtv has more than two million YouTube subscribers and two billion views and is available live and on-demand on multiple digital platforms free of charge, including Apple TV, YouTube, Roku, Amazon Fire, Chromecast, Xbox One, Windows Media, digital apps for iOS and Android, and BYUtv.org. Based in Provo, Utah, BYUtv is part of BYU Broadcasting, which is owned by Brigham Young University.

About Kaleidoscope Pictures

Kaleidoscope Pictures is a full-service production and creative entity. Founded in 2002 by Micah Merrill, Adam Anderegg and Russ Kendall to inspire positive change in people's lives through the artistic expression of hope, Kaleidoscope has produced entertainment and media from short form branded content to Emmy(R) award-winning film and television programing. Recent work includes the holiday film, "Winter Thaw," which the New York Times dubbed "best serious Christmas film of the year," the award-winning music doc "Man in The Camo Jacket," which Billboard Magazine called "an inspiring film," and the half-hour musical improv comedy series "Show Offs."