“It doesn’t matter how you feel about [Justin] Bieber, this is going to be must-watch TV,” comic Jeff Ross promised The Oakland Press , one day after comic-actor Kevin Hart was unveiled as the Roast Master of the superstar’s upcoming public skewering.
As announced, “Comedy Central’s Roast of Justin Bieber” tapes March 14 and airs on the network on March 30. Anticipation for some kind of apocalyptic humbling of the polarizing 20-year-old is presently a hot topic on forums, blogs and media reports, and it’s a safe bet the singer’s many “haters” are counting (muttering) down the days.
Whether the growing hype matches up to what actually happens on the show for viewers, or provides the line-drawing and “therapy” that Team Bieber are hoping for, remains to be seen. But, whatever happens, it won’t be for lack of effort by the comics involved.
Shortly after Hart was unveiled as the Roast Master , a statement from the Ride Along star emerged, in which Hart vowed, “I don’t normally do roasts but I had to step out for my guy Biebs… It’s his big 21. It’s about to be ‘operation roast everyone’s ass.’”
Comedy Central’s president of original programming, Kent Alterman, chimed in,
“They say only a good friend would verbally eviscerate another good friend for all his vulnerabilities. Kevin Hart is a very good friend.”
The Oakland Press writes Jeff Ross can’t wait to take down the Biebs.
Dubbed The Roast Master General (although Ross won’t be for the Canadian’s roast, he is one of the comics who will be taking shots at the singer), the 49-year-old is reportedly known for his “biting sarcasm and rapid retorts” and is said to be itching to be unleashed on the R&B/pop icon.
“I can hardly believe this is going to happen,” Ross revealed. Oakland Press notes he was on hand to roast the late Joan Rivers, Donald Trump, and more. The rest of the comic line-up for the Biebs’ denouement isn’t yet known.
Of Bieber’s past missteps and basic-perfect-for-roasting material, Ross says, “it’s pouring out of me.”
He adds, “I’m doing this vicariously for America. It’s too good to be true.”
Referring to Bieber’s reported view of his looming roast as “therapy,” Ross went to say he recently spent time with the singer and found “he has thick skin.”
He continued, “He’s obviously masochistic, which is a good boost for someone about to be roasted.”
Musing, Ross added, “I think he’s looking at this at a reset for the last couple of years that he’s gone through as he is now entering manhood.”
“I think he’ll come out of it feeling refreshed,” he concludes.
That’s potentially one word for it.
This is gonna be good. #neverscared #kindascared lol @KevinHart4real @ComedyCentral #BieberRoast pic.twitter.com/E3xWXVYEuS
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) February 9, 2015
@ComedyCentral @KevinHart4real haha. Yes!!! Only person that made sense. Ok Kev…bring it! Lol #BieberRoast
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) February 9, 2015
Oh don’t you worry @justinbieber it will be brought….. #BieberRoast ….Good luck my friend
— Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) February 9, 2015
[Images via The Wall Group /Fahlo]