Starz to add comedy series

Starz Entertainment, which operates 16 premium movie channels, announced Thursday that it also will offer original series programming next year, including a stand-up comedy showcase that will be hosted by Doug Williams and executive produced by Martin Lawrence.

“Martin Lawrence’s 1st Amendment Stand-Up” will premiere in the first quarter of 2007, Starz said, as will “Head Case,” a comedy about a therapist who works with Hollywood celebrities, which was co-created by and will star Alexandra Wentworth, and “The Bronx Bunny,” a comedy in which two puppets -- described by Starz as foul-mouthed -- interview such celebrities as Howie Mandel, Nick Cannon and Joely Fisher.