EPIX Celebrates Sly Wit and Deadpan Humor in the Original Comedy Event "Michael Ian Black: Noted Expert" Airing Friday, May 13 at 10pm ET/PT, 9C

Black Delivers His Comedic Expertise on Topics Ranging from Parenting to Gender Roles During EPIX Free Preview Weekend May 12 - 15

NEW YORK -- Premium TV network EPIX(R) announced today that it will bring viewers the satirically honest humor of veteran sketch, television and film actor Michael Ian Black, in the one-hour Original Comedy Event Michael Ian Black: Noted Expert. Known for his co-starring roles in current television shows "The Gaffigan Show" and "Another Period," as well as his work on cult classics Wet Hot American Summer, "The State" and "Stella," Black's first comedy special for the network will make its World Television Premiere Friday, May 13, at 10pm ET/PT, 9C as part of the EPIX Free Preview Weekend airing May 12-15.

Michael Ian Black: Noted Expert shines the spotlight on Black's master delivery that is equal parts dapper and deadpan, whether he's discussing the pro-choice debate or the Tilt-A-Whirl. Taped at John Jay College in New York City, the comedy event offers viewers front-row access to the comic's wry take on the human experience, from parenting and gender roles to guilty pleasures of all shapes and sizes. Join the conversation about Michael Ian Black: Noted Expert on Twitter with #NotedExpert. For more information visit: http://www.epix.com/movie/michael-ian-black-noted-expert/

Michael Ian Black said: "I'm thrilled to present my special the way God intended - free of charge during the EPIX Free Preview, and with all the curse words."

Mark S. Greenberg, President & CEO, EPIX said: "I've followed Michael's career for a long time and he is a great comic. His smart, emotional, observational humor appeals to people of all ages and I am excited to bring his comedy to EPIX."

Michael Ian Black is a multi-media talent who's starred in numerous films and TV series, written and/or directed two films, is a published author and commentator, and regularly tours the country performing his ribald brand of jokes and observations. He's currently starring in TV Land's "The Gaffigan Show" and Comedy Central's "Another Period," and can be seen hosting "Easiest Game Show Ever" on Pop TV. Last summer, he reprised his iconic film role in the satirical comedy television series "Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp."

Sketch comedy fans know Black's work on "The State," "Viva Variety," "Stella" and "Michael and Michael Have Issues," all of which he co-created, wrote and starred in. Other TV credits include quirky bowling alley manager 'Phil' on the NBC series "Ed," and his witty commentary on cable's "I Love the..." series. He recently starred in two hit web series that migrated to cable TV: "Burning Love" on E! and "You're Whole" on Adult Swim.

Black's movie roles include Smosh: The Movie, They Came Together, Hell Baby, This is 40, Wet Hot American Summer, Take Me Home Tonight, Reno 911!: Miami, The Ten and The Baxter. Black wrote and directed the film Wedding Daze, starring Jason Biggs and Isla Fisher. He also co-wrote the comedy Run, Fatboy, Run, directed by David Schwimmer and starring Simon Pegg, Hank Azaria and Thandie Newton.

Last month Black released his well-reviewed second memoir, Navel Gazing: True Tales of Bodies, Mostly Mine (but also my mom's, which I know sounds weird), which followed 2012's You're Not Doing It Right: Tales of Marriage, Sex, Death and Other Humiliations. Also in 2012, he collaborated with conservative Meghan McCain on America, You Sexy Bitch: A Love Letter to Freedom. He's the author of My Custom Van (and 50 Other Mind-Blowing Essays That Will Blow Your Mind All Over Your Face), and children's books Cock-a-Doodle-Doo-Boop!, Naked, Chicken Cheeks, The Purple Kangaroo, A Pig Parade Is A Terrible Idea and I'm Bored. Black also writes book reviews for The New York Times.

Previously, Black released two stand-up specials, Very Famous and I Am A Wonderful Man. He and Tom Cavanagh host the popular podcast, "Mike and Tom Eat Snacks." He also writes and hosts a podcast with Michael Showalter, "Topics," and has his own interview podcast, "How To Be Amazing."

Michael Ian Black: Noted Expert is an EPIX Original Comedy Event produced by Comedy Dynamics, directed by Ryan Polito, and written and performed by Michael Ian Black. The executive producers are Brian Volk-Weiss, Cisco Henson, Ted Schachter, and Mike Berkowitz. Ross Bernard is the executive producer for EPIX and Valerie Bishop is the producer for EPIX.

EPIX is known for its all-star roster of stand-up specials. Previous featured headliners include: Russell Brand, Craig Ferguson, Marc Maron, Lewis Black, Patton Oswalt, Louis C.K., Jenny McCarthy, Dennis Miller, Jim Norton, Lisa Lampanelli, Jim Breuer, Tom Papa, Jim Jefferies, Sherri Shepherd and Eddie Izzard. EPIX's commitment to the craft of comedy also includes the EPIX Original Documentary "The Improv: 50 Years Behind the Brick Wall," a revealing special that brings together the biggest names in comedy to tell the inside story of America's first comedy club.

About EPIX

EPIX is a premium entertainment network delivering the latest movie releases and biggest classic film franchises, plus original programming including series, documentaries, comedy and music specials - all available on TV, on demand, online and across devices. Launched in October 2009, EPIX has pioneered the development and proliferation of "TV Everywhere." It was the first premium network to provide multi-platform access to its content online at EPIX.com and to launch on Xbox, PlayStation(R), Android phones and tablets, and Roku(R) players. EPIX is also available across Chromecast, Apple(R) iPhones(R) and iPads(R), Android TV and more and is the only premium service providing all its programming on all platforms, delivering more movies than any other premium network, with thousands of titles available for streaming.

EPIX is a joint venture between Viacom Inc., its Paramount Pictures unit, Lionsgate and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM). Through relationships with cable, satellite and telco partners, EPIX is available to over 50 million homes nationwide. For more information about EPIX, go towww.EPIX.com. Follow EPIX on Twitter @EpixHD (http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EPIX), YouTube (http://youtube.com/EPIX), Instagram (http://instagram.com/EPIX), Google+ (http://plus.google.com/+EPIX), Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/EPIX) and Vine (https://vine.co/EPIX).