NBC Airs Star-Studded Joan Rivers Tribute From New York Comedy Festival

NBC will air a star-studded tribute special titled "Joan Rivers: A Dead Funny All-Star Tribute" on May 13, 2025, with an extended uncensored version streaming on Peacock the following day. The special, filmed at the Apollo Theater during the 2024 New York Comedy Festival, features numerous renowned comedians paying homage to Joan Rivers by revisiting her classic jokes with a modern twist, alongside original comedic and musical performances. Joan Rivers, a pioneering female comedian known for her blunt style and groundbreaking career including being the first woman to host a late-night network talk show, faced a notable career setback after a feud with Johnny Carson and a brief, ill-fated stint on FOX. Rivers’ daughter, Melissa Rivers, who is an executive producer of the special, highlighted the gathering of comedians who both respected and playfully roasted Joan, emphasizing the tribute as a celebration of her legacy and the doors she opened for women in comedy. The special includes performances from stars like Nikki Glaser, Tiffany Haddish, Chelsea Handler, and Jeff Ross, among others, and aims to showcase Rivers as still "the funniest person in the room." Despite past tensions with NBC, the tribute marks Joan Rivers’ return to the network and honors her lasting impact on comedy.