Thursday 10 June 1999
By eBroadcast Staff and agencies.

The US cable network TBS will launch The Chimp Channel this Thursday, a half-hour show that will take viewers behind the scenes at a fictional all ape channel run by primates

'Hi. I'm a top executive at TBS.'

Imagine. A television show controlled and run by hairy banana gobbling primates. Yeah, we have a really tough time imagining it, too. But for those born without sarcasm, it all seemed like a dream until TBS went ape **** less than a year ago and greenlighted Monkey-ed Movies, a series of vignettes from famous films such as Titanic, Good Will Hunting, and As Good As It Gets. The shorts became popular instantly.

The all-ape series will take the concept a bit further by utilizing original material and making the leap to a full half-hour with the Monkey-ed inspired Chimp Channel.

According to the NY Daily News, shows that will appear on The Chimp Channel will include "NYPD Zoo," a cop show set at the Bronx Zoo; The Murray Price Show," an interview series with celebrity chimps, and "News at Night," featuring the "world's most arrogant anchor."

Anticipating concern from animal rights groups and other tree huggers, TBS plans for the show to carry the following disclaimer: "(The animals) used in Monkey-ed Business and The Chimp Channel are treated with great care, and that no animals involved in these short films have been injured, hurt or abused in any way."

The Chimp Channel debuts Thursday on TBS at 10:05 p.m. We'll be watching, provided we can fix the leak in our water bong, and dig up the cash for a case of cheap beer.