Comedy special ‘Laughs on Lockdown’ brings quarantined humor to IG Live

Comedians Aida Rodriguez and Gary G. Thang Johnson will perform on AMC’s digital streaming channel Urban Movie Channel

Mar 27, 2020

Aida Rodriguez and Gary G. Thang Johnson will be performing on Instagram Live for "Laughs on Lockdown" on AMC’s digital streaming channel Urban Movie Channel (UMC). (Photo: Getty Images)

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to force everyone to practice social distancing amid countless closures and self-isolation at home, many entertainers and creatives have had to tap into the digital space more than ever.

From Instagram Live seminars, online concerts, and even an explosion of TikTok challenges – people all over the world are figuring out ways to keep their relationships and social life alive.

As we adjust to this new norm, in-person social gatherings have quickly turned virtual thanks to technology and social media.

As #QuarantineAndChill continues through the week, AMC’s digital streaming channel Urban Movie Channel (UMC) will be lightening moods as they host their virtual comedy special “Laughs on Lockdown” on their Instagram Live Friday (March 27) starting at 4 p.m. PT/ 7 p.m. ET.

View this post on Instagram

‪We’re bringing the comedy club to your couch THIS FRIDAY, March 27th at 4PM PST/ 7 PM EST.‬ ‪Get ready for LAUGHS ON LOCKDOWN with @FunnyAida on UMC’s Instagram Live. ???? ‬ ‪Tell allllll your friends, family, co-workers, EVERYONE!!! ‬ . . . . #LaughsOnLockdown #LOL #aidarodriguez #comedy #comedian #watchumc #comedyclub #iglive

A post shared by UMC-Urban Movie Channel (@watchumc) on Mar 25, 2020 at 1:35pm PDT

“As the recent coronavirus pandemic has forced audiences nationwide to remain indoors and confined to their homes, the need to evolve and determine new ways to provide entertainment that’s easily viewable and affordable is evident now more than ever,” UMC’s Chief Content Officer, Brett Dismuke said in a statement to theGrio.

“In these challenging times, our hope is that this special Instagram live event will uplift spirits and provide the laughter that many of us could use right now.”

The first comedy act will feature comedienne Aida Rodriguez of Last Comic Standing and Tiffany Haddish Presents: They Ready on Netflix, following with comedian Gary G. Thang Johnson of Disaster Movie and Moneyball, at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET.

View this post on Instagram

‪Y’all thought we were finished?? THIS FRIDAY, March 27th at 5PM PST/ 8 PM EST.‬ ‪ Get ready for LAUGHS ON LOCKDOWN with @garygthangjohnson on UMC’s Instagram Live. ???? ‬ ‪ Tell allllll your friends, family, co-workers, EVERYONE!!! ‬ . . . . . #LaughsOnLockdown #LOL #garygthangjohnson #gthang #comedy #comedian #comedyclub #watchumc

A post shared by UMC-Urban Movie Channel (@watchumc) on Mar 25, 2020 at 1:40pm PDT

Some celebrities who have also tapped into their Instagram Live and IGTV to bring people all over the world together include: DJ D-Nice, John Legend, Debbie Allen, Cardi B, Timbaland and more.

UMC is the first and largest subscription streaming service dedicated to Black film and television from AMC Networks. UMC displays fresh original series, feature films, documentaries, stage plays and other popular Black entertainment with new and exclusive content added every week.

To tune into “Laughs on Lockdown” make sure to follow @WatchUMC on Instagram.