NBC is set to honor comedy legend Joan Rivers with a special tribute featuring an impressive lineup of today's top comedic talents. "Joan Rivers: A Dead Funny All-Star Tribute" will air on May 13 at 10pm ET/PT on NBC, with an extended uncensored version available the following day on Peacock.
The special, filmed at Harlem's historic Apollo Theater during the 2024 New York Comedy Festival, brings together an extraordinary roster of performers including Rachel Brosnahan, Tiffany Haddish, Chelsea Handler, Neil Patrick Harris, Tracy Morgan, Aubrey Plaza, and Sarah Silverman, among many others.
In a touching revelation, Joan Rivers herself had anticipated such a tribute in a letter left for her daughter Melissa, writing with her characteristic wit: "Given that I'm dead, I assume someone will finally decide to honor me. Well, it's about time."
Melissa Rivers, who serves as executive producer, shared that the tribute embodies everything her mother would have wanted - combining unfiltered humor with appearances by performers she both respected and famously roasted. "This is more than a tribute. It's a reminder of the trail she blazed and the joy she brought to so many," Melissa noted.
The special will feature a mix of musical performances, stand-up comedy, and appearances celebrating Rivers' pioneering career and lasting impact on comedy. The event also benefits God's Love We Deliver, an organization close to Joan's heart, where she served on the Board of Directors.
The tribute not only celebrates Rivers' comedic genius but also acknowledges her role in paving the way for future generations of comedians, particularly women in the industry. The extended version on Peacock will offer viewers additional uncensored content, staying true to Rivers' boundary-pushing comedic style.
Joan Rivers passed away in 2014 at age 81, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence comedy and pop culture today. This star-studded celebration serves as a testament to her enduring impact on the entertainment industry.