British comedian Russell Brand will star in an hour-long, New York City-based comedy special on the Comedy Central network in 2009.

“Russell Brand’s comedy is a perfect match for our audience. He’s a fresh new face with a rock-star aura and a unique and unpredictable act that pushes the envelope of comedy,” says Elizabeth Porter, Comedy Central’s senior vice president for specials and talent. “American audiences who have been exposed to Russell through ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ and the VMAs have seen just the tip of the iceberg.”

“Comedy Central is the home of ‘South Park,’ ‘The Daily Show,’ and ‘The Sarah Silverman Program,’” an excited Russell said in a press statement on Thursday. “I am thrilled to have such esteemed neighbors — particularly Sarah whom I shall be constantly troubling for cups of sugar and milk, breast milk.”