TVSquad

For thirteen years, Lewis Black has been ranting and raving as a correspondent for The Daily Show, venting about all things political and pop cultural. For much longer than that, he's been a an actor, a playwright, and stand-up comedian, playing clubs and theaters everywhere around the country.

He taped his latest special, Stark Raving Black, earlier this month in Detroit for a fall release in theaters October 8th before it heads to a new premium HB cable channel called Epix, where it will debut December 5. (Black also filmed a documentary about his transition from a writer to a comedian - he's unsure where that will end up). And Big Bang Theory fans will be happy to know he'll be doing a cameo on the show September 28. I spoke with him by phone last week.

Why release the new special theatrically?

In order to... I think... I've got no idea. Everyone around me seemed to think it was a smart idea. Why not? I'm interested in seeing how that works and if it does work. It's another way to reach people.

Lewis Black's second season of Root of All Evil is back next week. And the topics on the premiere are close to my heart: Ultimate Fighting Vs. Bloggers. Because I am both a blogger and an ultimate fighter (okay, maybe not the second one), I will definitely be tuning in to see Patton Oswalt and Andrew Daly argue the case for each and hear Black's final judgment on which is more evil. I have a sinking feeling it's going to be bloggers.

The show is also getting a few new comedians. Jerry Minor and Andrea Savage will join Daly, Oswalt, Greg Giraldo, Andy Kindler, Kathleen Madigan, and Paul F.Thompkins. And here's some of the other topics: Steriods Vs. Boob Jobs, Disney Vs. Scientology, Strip Clubs Vs. Sororities, Olympic Games Vs. Drinking Games, NRA Vs. PETA, and The Hills Vs. Rocket Scientists. I think the Disney Vs. Scientology episode is going to be especially funny. Which debate do you think will be good?

Root of All Evil premieres on July 30th at 10:30 p.m. ET on Comedy Central.

"Total (Lack of) Recall": Either the House Judiciary Committee loves talking about torture or they haven't been getting any answers during their hearings. Last week, they managed to pull John Ashcroft in for questioning, but they might as well have stayed at home. I can't look at John Ashcroft without thinking of "Let the eagle sooooar", so I'm glad that Jon Stewart brought it up. No mention of Robert Wexler's fantastic "I enjoy cocaine because it's a fun thing to do" from The Colbert Report, but we know everyone was thinking it.

Comedy Central has ordered a second season of the weekly series Lewis Black's Root of All Evil. Lauren Carrao, the president of original programming and development, made the announcement today adding that she was thrilled the second season could begin as early as this summer. Of the show's renewal, the comedian joked, "I am conflicted. I am thrilled it's been picked up but it means I have to go back to work."

For those of you unfamiliar with Black's show, it features a rotating set of comedians at a round table discussion of various pop culture topics. The press release gives "Dick Cheney Vs. Paris Hilton" and "beer vs. weed" as examples of past topics. The comedians argue who or what is the most evil and Lewis Black gives the final verdict. He also opens each show with one of his fiery monologues. Lewis Black also talked to TV Squad after the first season began.

Here are some of the comedians who have appeared on the show: Andrew Daly, Greg Giraldo, Andy Kindler, Kathleen Madigan, Patton Oswalt, and Paul F. Tompkins. The show returns on Wednesday July 30th at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Well, I told you about the pilot taping of The Root of All Evil and Julia actually went to the taping, but now it's official: Comedy Central has picked up the pilot, so keep your eyes peeled so you can judge the show for yourself.

Actually, don't keep your eyes peeled, because peeling your eyes actually makes your vision worse. Many people have experienced irreversible ocular damage because of that metaphor. Nasty business.