Jack Black, Sarah Silverman in History comedy first

US cable channel History is moving into comedy with a new late-night block and three new shows featuring, among others, Jack Black and Sarah Silverman.

The new late night comedy block starts on February 25. Dubbed ‘Night Class’ the initial comedy line-up will span three short-form series: Great Minds with Dan Harmon, Crossroads of History, and How to Lose the Presidency.

Great Minds with Dan Harmon, which was created by the Community star Richard Korson (The Daily Show), follows Harmon as he invests in a time machine and is subsequently visited by history’s greatest minds.

Jack Black (School of Rock) will play Ludwig Van Beethoven in the series, which will also star Sarah Silverman and Jason Sudeikis. Matador Content is producing.

Crossroads of History, from Trium Entertainment, will examine fascinating and largely unknown moments in history that have shaped the world. It will star Lou Diamond Phillips (Blindspot) and US Office stars Brian Baumgartner and Angela Kinsey.

The third show, How to Lose the Presidency, will take use clips to give a comedic look at presidential hopeful’s embarrassing faux pas, and slip-ups. Red Marble Media is making the series.

Paul Cabana, executive VP and head of programming of History, said: “History is excited to forge new territory in the late-night landscape with compelling and bold content that will speak to a new audience. Night Class is rooted in real fact, yet full of razor sharp humor and wit.