MTV to Launch Comedy Series ‘SafeWord’ From ‘Lip Sync Battle’ Producers (Exclusive)
Kevin Hart, Ludacris and other stars will appear on the show that premieres July 13
Ryan Gajewski | June 26, 2017 @ 9:00 AM
Last Updated: June 26, 2017 @ 9:39 AM
Celebrities and comedians are going head-to-head on MTV’s new comedy series “SafeWord,” TheWrap can exclusively announce.
Kevin Hart, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Marlon Wayans, Drake Bell and Amber Rose are among the stars who will appear on “SafeWord,” which is hosted by Terrence J and hails from producers of “Lip Sync Battle.” The premiere episode airs on July 13 as part of the network’s “Throwdown Thursdays” comedy block.
Based off the British format that ran on ITV2, MTV has picked up the show for an eight-episode first season that features celebrity guests partnering with comedians to play games in front of a live audience. Over multiple rounds, the teams will face off in numerous challenges, including social media games that are designed to cause drama.
The show will have the spirit of a friendly comedy roast, with the celebs put in uncomfortable situations but allowed to escape by saying their “safeword.”
Other celebs who will appear include Damien Dante Wayans, Kelly Rowland, Nelly, LaLa Anthony, Charlamagne Tha God, Lil Rel Howery, Jermaine Fowler and “13 Reasons Why” cast members Ross Butler and Justin Prentice.
Among the participating comedians are Carly Aquilino, Sam Jay, Ricky Velez, Leonard Ouzts, Taylor Tomlinson, Akaash Singh, Matt Pavich and Sherry Cola.
An exclusive clip from the series can be seen above, which shows Rose’s Twitter account getting commandeered to provide the world with a shocking message about Beyoncé.
Executive producers for “SafeWord” are Jay Peterson, Todd Lubin and Jerry Carita for Matador. Candida Boyette-Clemons and Paul Ricci executive produce for MTV. James Sunderland is the showrunner, and Michael Simon directs. Terrence Jenkins hosts and executive produces.
The original U.K. version was developed and produced by STV and Motion Content Group.
“SafeWord” premieres on Thursday, July 13, at 11:30 p.m. ET on MTV.
'Big Brother' 19: Meet the Houseguests (Photos)
Here are all the houseguests for Season 19 of "Big Brother," including one choice quote from their cast bios.
CBS
Ramses Soto, 21 Occupation: Cosplay artist "For some reason, people automatically like me as soon as they meet me."
CBS
Jessica Graf, 26 Occupation: VIP concierge "I'm going to find the best male competitor in the game and the two of us are going to clean house!"
CBS
Dominique Cooper, 30 Occupation: Government engineer "My hair and my skin means nearly everything to me."
CBS
Josh Martinez, 23 Occupation: Haircare sales "[I will] lie and deceive all these meatballs (aka losers) into doing what I want."
CBS
Alex Ow, 28 Occupation: Eco-friendly marketing rep "My spirit animal is a sloth. LOL."
CBS
Elena Davies, 26 Occupation: Radio personality "[I would bring] my phone, because of Instagram and I'll miss my mom"
CBS
Christmas Abbott, 33 Occupation: Fitness superstar "I love being creepy."
CBS
Raven Walton, 23 Occupation: Dance teacher "If I had been on [Frankie Grande's] season, I swear we would have been two peas in a pod."
CBS
Jillian Parker, 24 Occupation: Timeshare sales rep "Every time I break my phone, I win over a thousand dollars when I go to the casino. It's a weird gift."
CBS
Cody Nickson, 32 Occupation: Construction sales rep "I want to face warriors and champions to the end, not some tagalong."
CBS
Megan Lowder, 28 Occupation: Dog walker "There is always that whiny, crying girl that just can't handle the pressures of the house. I would make her my friend and my secret ally."
CBS
Matthew Clines, 33 Occupation: Renovation consultant "I can't really live life without tweezers."
CBS
Cameron Heard, 24 Occupation: Microbiologist "I had no idea what [the series] was and my Mom told me to start watching BB14 because it's like Survivor in a house."
CBS
Mark Jansen, 26 Occupation: Personal trainer "I love chess and I'm real good."
CBS
Kevin Schlehuber, 55 Occupation: Stay-at-home dad "I was on The Geraldo Rivera Show and won a hunk contest."
CBS
Jason Dent, 37 Occupation: Rodeo clown "I'm a storyteller extraordinaire. My stories are true, very handy, very creative, and infectious."
CBS
1 of 17
Season 19 of the CBS’s flagship summer reality show premieres Wednesday, June 28
Here are all the houseguests for Season 19 of "Big Brother," including one choice quote from their cast bios.