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{{Short description|American digital multicast television network}}
{{Infobox broadcasting network
{{for|the Luxor African Film festival (LAFF)|Luxor African Film Festival}}
{{Infobox television channel
| name = Laff
| logo = [[File:LAFF (network logo).jpg|200px]]png
| logo_size = 200px
| type = [[Digital subchannel|Digital multicast]] [[television network]] ([[Comedy]])
| country = [[United States]]
| available = Nationwide via [[digital terrestrial television|Over the air digital TV]] (covering 85% of the U.S.)<ref>{{cite news|last1=Buckman|first1=Adam |title=Diginets Keep Growing, Despite Auction Cloud|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/96496/diginets-keep-growing-despite-auction-cloud|work=TVNewsCheck|publisher=NewsCheck Media|date= July 26, 2016 |accessdate=November 7, 2016}}</ref>
| founded = {{Start date and age|2015|1|18}}
| founder = Jonathan Katz
| headquarters = [[Atlanta, Georgia]]▼
| slogan = ''You know you want to.''
| Picture formatpicture_format = [[480i]] ([[Standard-definition television|SDTV]]) [[16:9]] [[widescreen]]▼
▲| headquarters =
| owner = Laff[[E. Media,W. LLCScripps Company]]
| parent = [[KatzScripps BroadcastingNetworks|KatzScripps BroadcastingNetworks, LLC]]<br>([[E. W. Scripps Company]])
| key_people = {{ubl|Jonathan Katz|(president/[[chief executive officer|CEO]],|Katz Broadcasting)}}
| foundation =
| launch_date = {{Start date and age|2015|4|15}}
| affiliates = [[#AffiliatesList of Laff affiliates|see list]]▼
| dissolved =
| replaced =
| replaced_by =
| former_names =
▲| Picture format = [[480i]] ([[Standard-definition television|SDTV]])
▲| affiliates = [[#Affiliates|see list]]
| website = {{URL|laff.com|Laff.com}}
}}
 
'''Laff''' (legal name: '''Laff Media, [[Limited liability company|LLC]]''') is an [[United States|American]] [[digital subchannel|digital multicast]] [[television network]] thatheadquartered in [[Atlanta, Georgia]] and is owned by the [[KatzScripps BroadcastingNetworks]] subsidiary of the [[E. W. Scripps Company]]. The network specializes in [[comedy]] programming, featuring a mix of [[feature film]]s and archivedmainly [[sitcom]]s. Lafffrom isthe targeted1990s at adults betweenthrough the ages of 18 and 49 years old2020s.<ref name=ct/>
 
Originally, Katz sold the network to affiliated TV stations via ad split but by October 2015 had moved to a carriage fees in exchange for the network get the ad inventory due to greater inventory with stations adding a third or fourth subchannel.<ref name=tnc>{{cite news|last1=Jessell|first1=Harry A.|title=OTA The Bedrock of Katz's Growing Diginets|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/89135/ota-the-bedrock-of-katzs-growing-diginets/page/1|accessdate=October 15, 2015|work=TVNewsCheck|date=October 13, 2015}}</ref><sup>1</sup> Laff used [[direct response]] advertising as a meter of viewers before switching to [[Nielsen ratings#Commercial ratings|Nielsen rating C-3]] in late 2015.<ref name=tnc/><sup>3</sup>
 
{{TOC limit|2}}
 
==History==
Laff's launch was announced by [[Katz Broadcasting]] in January 2015 as having a scheduled launch date of {{dts|2015|04|15}}, which coincidescoinciding with [[Tax Day]] in the [[United States]],; whenthe [[Taxexplanation returnby (UnitedKatz States)|taxis returns]]that arepeople dueneeded and,"something asto ''[[Broadcastinglaugh &to" Cable]]''on writerwhat Jonthey Lafayettedeemed notedone inof anthe articlemost onstressful Laff'sdays launch,of "peoplethe willyear. needThe somethingnetwork tolaunched makeat themNoon smilethat day; the first program was the film ''[[My Mom's New Boyfriend]]''."<ref name="bc0">{{cite news |last=Lafayette |first=Jon |date=January 18, 2015 |title=Exclusive: Comedy Multicast Net Launching on ABC, Scripps |periodical=[[Broadcasting & Cable]] |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/currency/exclusive-comedy-multicast-net-launching-abc-scripps/137199|author=Jon Lafayette|periodicalaccess-date=[[BroadcastingJanuary &28, Cable]]|publisher=[[NewBay2015 Media]]|archive-date=January 1821, 2015 |accessdatearchive-url=Januaryhttps://web.archive.org/web/20150121000314/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/currency/exclusive-comedy-multicast-net-launching-abc-scripps/137199 28,|url-status=live 2015}}</ref>
 
Katz announced that television stations owned by [[ABC Owned Television Stations]] and 13 [[E. W. Scripps Company]] would serve as the network's charter affiliates; the former serving as a replacement for the standard definition feed of the [[Localish|Live Well Network]], which with Laff's announcement also began to roll-back to only being carried by ABCOTS stations.<ref name="ABCSticksLWN">{{cite news|last1=Littleton|first1=Cynthia|title=ABC Sticks with Live Well Digital Channel, Adds Comedy Net|url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/abc-sticks-with-live-well-digital-channel-adds-comedy-net-1201408301/|accessdateaccess-date=January 28, 2015|work=Variety|date=January 18, 2015|archive-date=January 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122225649/http://variety.com/2015/tv/news/abc-sticks-with-live-well-digital-channel-adds-comedy-net-1201408301/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=bn>{{cite news|last1=Pergament|first1=Alan|title=Ch.7 to add comedy network called LAFF in mid-April on sub-channel|url=http://talkintv.buffalonews.com/2015/01/20/ch-7-add-comedy-network-called-laffLaff-midMid-aprilApril-sub-channel/|accessdateaccess-date=January 28, 2015|work=Talkin' TV|publisher=Buffalo News|date=January 20, 2015|archive-date=January 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150125003127/http://talkintv.buffalonews.com/2015/01/20/ch-7-add-comedy-network-called-laff-mid-april-sub-channel/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On March 13, 2015, Katz Broadcasting announced an affiliation deal with the [[Cox Media Group]] to carry Laff on the subchannels of seven of its stations expanding its initial reach to 47% of the country.<ref name="BC03132015">{{cite web |last=Lafayette |first=Jon |date=March 13, 2015 |title=Cox Gets Joke And Gives Viewers LAFF |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/programming/exclusive-cox-gets-joke-and-gives-viewers-laff/138771|author=Jon Lafayette|periodical=Broadcasting & Cable |publisheraccess-date=NewBayMarch 14, 2015 Media|archive-date=March 1315, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315072602/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/programming/exclusive-cox-gets-joke-and-gives-viewers-laff/138771 |url-status=live }}</ref> The following week on March 20, as part of a multi-network affiliation agreement with Katz, the [[Meredith Corporation]] announced that it would carry the network on two of its stations.<ref name=TVNewsCheck03202015>{{cite news|title=Meredith To Add Three Katz Diginets|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/83908/meredithMeredith-to-add-three-katz-diginets|website=TVNewsCheck|publisherdate=NewsCheckMarch Media20, 2015|access-date=MarchNovember 2024, 2020|archive-date=May 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525012629/http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/83908/meredith-to-add-three-katz-diginets|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Jon Lafayette">{{cite news|title=Meredith To Carry Grit, Escape, LAFF Networks|url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/programming/meredith-carry-grit-escape-laff-networks/138986|author=Jon Lafayette|periodical=Broadcasting & Cable|publisher=NewBay Media|date=March 20, 2015|accessdateaccess-date=April 14, 2015|archive-date=April 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402102540/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/programming/meredith-carry-grit-escape-laff-networks/138986|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
On February 13, 2015, Laff acquired the [[Broadcast syndication|syndication]] rights to five sitcoms.<ref name=tnc0>{{cite news|title=LAFF Comedy Diginet Lands Five Sitcoms|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/82990/laff-comedy-diginet-lands-five-sitcoms|website=TVNewsCheck|publisherdate=NewsCheckFebruary Media13, 2015|access-date=February 1316, 2015|archive-date=February 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216154641/http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/82990/laff-comedy-diginet-lands-five-sitcoms|url-status=live}}</ref> Laff followed that deal for film licensing with [[Disney–ABC Domestic Television]], [[Miramax]], and [[Sony Pictures Television]] by March 17.<ref name=bc1>{{cite news|title=LAFF Makes Rights Deals to Air 250 Movie Comedies|url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/programming/laff-makes-rights-deals-air-250-movie-comedies/138853|author=Jon Lafayette|periodical=Broadcasting & Cable|date=March 17, 2015|access-date=April 14, 2015|archive-date=April 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416135329/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/programming/laff-makes-rights-deals-air-250-movie-comedies/138853|url-status=live}}</ref> Laff made a multi-year deal for five sitcoms with [[The Carsey-Werner Company|Carsey-Werner Productions]] in April 2016.<ref name="bc4">{{cite news |last1=Lafayette |first1=Jon |title=LAFF Grabs Top Sitcoms in Carsey-Werner Deal |url=https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/laff-grabs-top-sitcoms-carseyCarsey-wernerWerner-deal-155312 |accessdateaccess-date=September 7, 2018 |work=Broadcasting & Cable |date=April 7, 2016 |language=en-us |archive-date=September 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907183214/https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/laff-grabs-top-sitcoms-carsey-werner-deal-155312 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''[[Roseanne]]'' reruns were removed on May 29, 2018, followingafter ABC's[[Roseanne cancellationBarr]] ofwas fired from the show by ABC (which then continued on as 's'[[The revivalConners]]''); both decisions were based on [[Roseanne Barr#Valerie Jarrett tweetstweet and Roseanne cancellation|a Roseanne Barr tweet considered racist]].<ref name="dl0">{{cite news |last1=Petski |first1=Denise |title=‘Roseanne’'Roseanne' Dropped From Laff Schedule; "Disgusted" By Barr’sBarr's Racist Comments |url=https://deadline.com/2018/05/roseanne-dropped-laff-schedule-roseanne-barr-comments-1202399508/ |accessdateaccess-date=June 22, 2018 |work=Deadline |date=29 May 2018 |archive-date=22 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622220346/https://deadline.com/2018/05/roseanne-dropped-laff-schedule-roseanne-barr-comments-1202399508/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
A list of 2019 [[Nielsen Media Research|Nielsen]] ratings published by ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' indicated that Laff averaged 223,000 viewers in prime time, down 5% from the 2018 average.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schneider |first1=Michael |title=Most-Watched Television Networks: Ranking 2019's Winners and Losers |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/network-ratings-top-channels-Fox-News-ESPN-CNN-CBS-NBC-ABC-1203440870/ |access-date=March 6, 2020 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=26 Dec 2019 |archive-date=6 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106110035/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/network-ratings-top-channels-fox-news-espn-cnn-cbs-nbc-abc-1203440870/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Programming==▼
Laff's comedy-centered programming consists of a mix of theatrically released feature films, as well as [[broadcast syndication|off-network]] sitcoms.<ref name=ct>{{cite news|title=Laff comedy network to launch on WLS-Ch.7 digital subchannel|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/ct-laff-digital-network-wls-0120-biz-20150119-story.html|author=Robert Channick|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|publisher=[[Tribune Publishing]]|date=January 19, 2015|accessdate=January 28, 2015}}</ref> Laff would set itself apart from its multicast competitors by carrying more contemporary programming content, in contrast to the reruns of series from the 1980s and earlier commonly found on other over-the-air networks which rely on acquired content.<ref name="ABCSticksLWN"/> The network also provide additional content via the network's website and [[mobile app]].<ref>{{cite news|title=LAFF Comedy Broadcast Network To Launch April 15 in 21 Markets|url=http://deadline.com/2015/01/laff-network-launch-katz-broadcasting-abc-e-w-scripps-1201352773/|author=David Bloom|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|publisher=Penske Media Corporation|date=January 18, 2015|accessdate=January 28, 2015}}</ref>
 
The network moved off [[ABC Owned Television Stations]] at the beginning of 2021, in favor of new carriage on Scripps's recently acquired [[Ion Media]] stations in place of the now-defunct [[Qubo]], [[Ion Plus]] and Ion Shop networks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Balderston |first=Michael |date=2021-01-14 |title=Scripps Moving Multicast Networks onto Ion TV Stations |url=https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/scripps-moving-multicast-networks-onto-ion-tv-stations |website=TVTechnology |language=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114110509/https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/scripps-moving-multicast-networks-onto-ion-tv-stations |archive-date= Jan 14, 2024 }}</ref>
===Movies===▼
Laff's program schedule will have access to approximately 250 titles and films from the libraries of three film studios by virtue of multi-year program licensing agreements with [[Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures|Walt Disney Studios]], [[Miramax]], [[Paramount Pictures]], and [[Sony Pictures Entertainment]] (distributed by [[Sony Pictures Television]]).<ref name=bc1>{{cite news|title=LAFF Makes Rights Deals to Air 250 Movie Comedies|url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/programming/laff-makes-rights-deals-air-250-movie-comedies/138853|author=Jon Lafayette|periodical=Broadcasting & Cable|publisher=NewBay Media|date=March 17, 2015|accessdate=April 14, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=LAFF Announces First Film Licensing Agreements|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/83796/laff-announces-first-film-licensing-agreements|website=TVNewsCheck|publisher=NewsCheck Media|date=March 17, 2015}}</ref>
 
In July 2023, the managing company of Laff announced an [[Over-the-top media service|over-the-top]] streaming channel counterpart of Laff, called Laff More.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lafayette |first=Jon |date=2023-07-17 |title=Scripps Launching Streaming Court TV and Laff Channels |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/scripps-launching-streaming-court-tv-and-laff-channels |access-date=2023-08-27 |website=Broadcasting Cable |language=en |publisher=Next TV |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827014200/https://www.nexttv.com/news/scripps-launching-streaming-court-tv-and-laff-channels |archive-date=2023-08-27 }}</ref>
===Television series===
In addition to films, much of Laff's programming lineup consists of reruns of sitcoms spanning over 800 episodes.<ref name=bc1/>
 
▲==Programming==
*''[[According to Jim]]''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/laff-to-launch-according-to-jim-in-access|title=Laff to Launch 'According to Jim' in Access|last=Albiniak|first=Paige|website=Broadcasting & Cable|language=en-us|access-date=2019-04-18}}</ref>▼
Laff provides comedy programming to owned-and-operated and affiliated stations every day from 6:00&nbsp;a.m. to 3:00&nbsp;a.m. Eastern Time, with paid programming filling the remaining vacated hours. Laff's schedule mainly consists of 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s and 2020s [[broadcast syndication|off-network]] sitcoms.<ref name="ct">{{cite news |last=Channick |first=Robert |date=January 19, 2015 |title=Laff comedy network to launch on WLS-Ch.7 digital subchannel |newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]] |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/ct-laff-digital-network-wls-0120-biz-20150119-story.html |access-date=January 28, 2015 |archive-date=January 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150127120130/http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/ct-laff-digital-network-wls-0120-biz-20150119-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ABCSticksLWN"/> On September 1, 2021, [[Nexstar Media Group|Nexstar]] launched a direct competitor to Laff, [[Rewind TV]], and the latter network replaced Laff on Nexstar stations (or will in the upcoming months if not immediately possible due to contractual obligations).
 
▲===Movies===
*''[[Cybill]]''<ref name="bc4"/>▼
Laff carries three to four comedic films throughout its weekend schedule. Laff also carries one movie throughout during early Monday through Friday Mornings.
*''[[Grace Under Fire]]''<ref name="dl0"/>▼
 
*''[[Grounded for Life]]''<ref name="bc4"/>▼
===Current programming===
*''[[Home Improvement (TV series)|Home Improvement]]''<ref name=bc1/>▼
*''[[SpinThat City'70s Show]]''<ref name=bc1/>
▲*''[[According to Jim]]''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/laff-to-launch-according-to-jim-in-access|title=Laff to Launch 'According to Jim' in Access|last=Albiniak|first=Paige|website=Broadcasting & Cable|date=March 1, 2019|publisher=Next TV|language=en-us|access-date=2019-04-18|archive-date=2019-04-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418194834/https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/laff-to-launch-according-to-jim-in-access|url-status=live}}</ref>
*''[[That '70s Show]]''<ref name=bc1/>▼
*''[[TheALF Drew(TV Carey Showseries)|ALF]]''<ref name=bc1/>
*''[[3rdBob RockHearts from the SunAbishola]]''<ref name=bc1/>
*''[[NightThe CourtConners]]''<ref name=bc1/>
*''Funniest Pets & People'' (also aired on [[Qubo]] until it ceased operations on February 28, 2021. Also on Laff More.)
▲*''[[Grounded for Life]]''<ref name="bc4" />
*''[[Home Improvement (TV series)|Home Improvement]]''<ref>{{Cite press release |last=Laff |title=Laff Lands Home Improvement in Multi-Year Licensing Agreement With The Disney/ABC Television Group, To Debut Hit Comedy This Fall |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/laff-lands-home-improvement-in-multi-year-licensing-agreement-with-the-disneyabc-television-group-to-debut-hit-comedy-this-fall-300610132.html |date=March 7, 2018 |website=PR Newswire |language=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116033333/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/laff-lands-home-improvement-in-multi-year-licensing-agreement-with-the-disneyabc-television-group-to-debut-hit-comedy-this-fall-300610132.html |archive-date= Nov 16, 2023 }}</ref>
*''[[Just for Laughs Gags]]''
*''[[Last Man Standing (American TV series)|Last Man Standing]]''
*''[[Man with a Plan (TV series)|Man with a Plan]]''
*''World's Funniest Videos: Top 10 Countdown''<ref name=bc1 />
 
====Former Programmingprogramming====
*''[[EllenA (TVDifferent series)|EllenWorld]]''<ref name="dl0bc4" />
*''[[Empty NestCybill]]''<ref name="dl0bc4" />
*''[[RoseanneDrew Carey's Improv-A-Ganza]]''<ref name="dl0" />
▲*''[[Home ImprovementEllen (TV series)|Home ImprovementEllen]]''<ref name=bc1"dl0" />
*''[[Empty Nest]]''<ref name="dl0" />
*''[[Everybody Hates Chris]]''
▲*''[[Grace Under Fire]]''<ref name="dl0" />
*''[[How I Met Your Mother]]''<ref name=bc1 />
*''Life's Funniest Moments''
*''[[The Millers]]''
*''[[Night Court]]''<ref name=bc1 />
*''[[The Odd Couple (2015 TV series)]]''
▲*''[[CybillRoseanne]]''<ref name="bc4dl0" />
*''Saturday Morning LaffBacks''
*''[[Spin City]]''<ref name=bc1 />
▲*''[[ThatThe '70sBernie Mac Show]]''<ref name=bc1 />
*''[[The Drew Carey Show]]''<ref name=bc1 />
*''[[3rd Rock from the Sun]]''<ref name=bc1 />
 
== Affiliates ==
{{main|List of Laff affiliates}}
{{As of|2022|07|20}}, Laff has 425 current or pending affiliation agreements with television stations in 48 states, plus the [[Washington, D.C.|District of Columbia]], covering 91.3% of the United States.<ref name="AffiliatesforLaff">{{cite web|title=Stations for Network - Laff|url=http://www.rabbitears.info/search.php?request=network_search&network=Laff|website=[[RabbitEars]]|access-date=July 20, 2022|archive-date=November 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129001900/https://rabbitears.info/search.php?request=network_search&network=Laff|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
==References==
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{{EWS CORP}}
{{Broadcast Television}}
 
{{Commons category|Laff (TV network)}}
 
[[Category:2015 establishments in the United States]]
[[Category:American televisionTelevision networks in the United States]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 2015]]
[[Category:Comedy television networks]]
[[Category:Classic television networks]]
[[Category:Nostalgia television in the United States]]
[[Category:E. W. Scripps Company]]
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