Monday nights on Comedy Central will never be the same again. Viewers can strap in for original one-liners, abominable insults and jokes from some of the country’s most creative comedians in the Comedy Central Roast Battle.
Roast master John Vlismas will host the six-part series that gets under way tonight at 9pm.
“It’s different from a ‘normal’ roast in which one celebrity is roasted by a panel of celebrities, friends and enemies,” says Vlismas.
“In a roast battle, the six come- dians roast each other, with each heat winner going on to roast two other comedians, and then a final battle between the top two. The format is more combative and a winner is appointed at the end.
The show is a “lite” speed version of a roast, he says, and features come- dians coming up with stinging gags, humorous criticism aimed at out- joking fellow contestants and ultimately winning a trip to New York at the end of the series.
There are no rules about what jokes can and can’t be made, but physical attacks are not permitted, Vlismis says.
Each week the show will feature one guest celebrity judge and one industry judge.
Familiar faces include DJ Fresh, Joey Rasdien, Poppy Ntshongwana, Darren “Whackhead” Simpson, Khaya Dlanga and Anele Mdoda.
Some of the qualities that Vlismas will be looking for in contestants are speed in coming up with one-liners and an ability to remain tough skinned.
Asked what it takes to be a good host, he says it is to not take jokes personally and to remain impartial.
“The show is not about me but rather the contestants, judges, studio audiences and the viewers at home. I can’t hold any joke against any of the comedians and contestants.
“My job is to co-ordinate the show and keep the flow going, even if I’m the one being roasted, which I could be,” he says.
l Catch Comedy Central Roast Battle on Comedy Central tonight at 9pm.
l To join the conversation on social media, use the hashtag #RoastBattleSA.