Siriusxm Faces Pressure to Support Maniscalco After Controversy

WHO:

TMZ - Sebastian Maniscalco is a comedian taking over a SiriusXM comedy channel.

Deadline - Comedians are calling on Sebastian Maniscalco and SiriusXM to restore working-class comic airplay.

WHAT:

TMZ - SiriusXM is defending Sebastian Maniscalco amid backlash over his involvement with the Raw Comedy Channel.

Deadline - SiriusXM replaced its long-running Raw Comedy channel (Channel 99) with a 24/7 branded channel featuring Sebastian Maniscalco's comedy.

WHERE:

Deadline - The change occurred on SiriusXM, a satellite radio service.

WHY:

Deadline - The backlash stems from the perception that Maniscalco is not widely viewed as a controversial comic, leading to scrutiny over the channel's rebranding.

HOW:

Deadline - The rebranding involved replacing the existing Raw Comedy channel with a new format focused on Sebastian Maniscalco's comedy.

(UPDATED October 5, 2026 23:02 UTC)

Sebastian Maniscalco is set to take over a SiriusXM comedy channel, but the move has sparked backlash as comedians are urging the service to restore airplay for working-class comics. SiriusXM is defending Maniscalco after replacing its long-running Raw Comedy channel with a new format dedicated to his comedy, which has raised questions about the decision given that he is not typically seen as a controversial figure. The change has drawn scrutiny from fans and fellow comedians alike, highlighting the ongoing debate about representation in comedy on satellite radio.