The CBC, a major broadcaster of Just For Laughs gala shows from Montreal, unveiled its talent lineup for this year’s 29th edition of the Canadian comedy festival.
The top headliner for the pubcaster is homegrown comic sensation Russell Peters, who will host the Russell Peters: Best Night Ever gala, to include the best seven minutes by fellow Canuck and special guest Jeremy Hotz, along with Jimmy Carr, Dom Irrera, Sebastian Maniscalco and Nick Thune.
The CBC has also jumped on board the Modern Love: The Relationship Show gala, to be hosted by Modern Family‘s Eric Stonestreet, and featuring performances by Canadian comic Debra DiGiovanni, Robert Kelly and Aussie comic Tim Minchin.
The pipeline also includes The Daily Show’s John Oliver hosting the Decline of the American Empire?! gala, with routines by Colin Quinn, Marc Maron and Alonzo Bodden.
Fest organizers on Tuesday also unveiled a fourth gala to be hosted by Craig Ferguson, Craig Ferguson’s International House of Comedy, to feature stand-up performances by international comedy talent.
This latest gala lineup follows the Montreal festival hiring Anton Leo away from the CBC TV comedy department earlier this year to oversee the Just For Laughs TV series, among other spin-off TV projects.