NBC Expands Red Nose Day Programming Block

Chris Hardwick will host 'The Red Nose Day Special' May 25 at 10 p.m. as NBC expands the celebration. The three-hour program block will feature top stars including Academy Award winner Julia Roberts.

Celebrating Red Nose Day for the third year in a row, NBC has anchored a special night of programming on Thursday, May 25 with Chris Hardwick set to host the The Red Nose Day Special at 10 p.m. In addition, Academy Award winner Julia Roberts and other stars will partake in Red Nose Day-themed programming throughout the night that will both entertain viewers and give them an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of kids in need.

Red Nose Day is an annual campaign that uses the power of entertainment to raise money and awareness for children living in poverty.

"Red Nose Day’s effort to lift children out of poverty is centered around heart and humanity, and we’re excited to create a night of programming that reflects this. From Julia Roberts and Bear Grylls showing viewers the impact of their donations, to celebrities challenging themselves on American Ninja Warrior to raise funds and awareness, this will be an incredible night," said Paul Telegdy, President, Alternative and Reality Group, NBC Entertainment. "We are thrilled to have Chris' wit and compassion championing the evening as our host for 'The Red Nose Day Special.'"

Celebrity Ninja Warrior for Red Nose Day at 8 p.m. ET/PT will be followed by a very special 9 p.m. episode of Running Wild with Bear Grylls for Red Nose Day with Roberts venturing to Kenya, leading up to NBC’s third annual The Red Nose Day Special hosted by Hardwick at 10 p.m. The three shows will be seamlessly tied together in celebration of Red Nose Day, with calls to action to donate through each of the three programs.

Throughout the night viewers will be entertained, learn about the programs supported by Red Nose Day that are helping to change the lives of children and have the opportunity to support the charity through calls to donate, making a real difference for kids in need here in the U.S. and around the world. This is the first time the night of programming for Red Nose Day has included special editions of existing NBC shows, which is evidence of the network’s deep partnership and commitment to this important initiative.

Red Nose Day is a fundraising campaign run by the non-profit organization Comic Relief Inc., a registered U.S. 501(c)(3) public charity.

Money raised supports programs that ensure children in need are safe, healthy and educated, both in the United States and in some of the poorest communities around the world.

Beneficiaries of Red Nose Day grants include charity organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs of America; charity:water; Children’s Health Fund, Feeding America; Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; National Council of La Raza; Save the Children; and the Global Fund.

Red Nose Day launched in America in 2015 and, with generous support from millions of Americans and many outstanding partners, has raised more than $60 million in its first two years in the U.S. People across the country are encouraged to support the cause by coming together and wearing their Red Noses, organizing fundraising events, and watching and donating during the night of Red Nose Day programming on NBC. The campaign’s iconic Red Noses will be sold exclusively at Walgreens and Duane Reade locations nationwide beginning later this month and are currently on sale at Walgreens.com in bulk quantities of 60 or more.