Sundance launches comedy block

'Ab Fab's' Saunders stars in 'Vivienne Vyle'

Sundance Channel is launching a Sunday-night comedy block, with new series “The Life and Times of Vivienne Vyle” serving as an anchor.

Half-hour skein from BBC America stars “Absolutely Fabulous” thesp Jennifer Saunders as a daytime talkshow host with unflinching honesty. The six-part series premieres begin Sept. 7 and will air at 9 p.m.

Following “Vivienne Vyle,” net will air Australian sketch show “Big Girl’s Blouse,” followed by a theatrical release. Films scheduled include “Sarah Silverman: Jesus Is Magic,” “Safe Men” and “Adaptation.”

Net also announced that talkshow “Spectacle: Elvis Costello With …” will preem on Dec. 3. Guests already lined up include Bill Clinton, Tony Bennett, Lou Reed, Julian Schnabel and Elton John, who also acts as a producer.

“This is an intelligent show hosted by an extremely intelligent man, and to get this on tape is important,” John said.

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