CNN will examine the historic influence of comedy in a new eight-part series set to debut in February, the news network announced Thursday.

"The History Of Comedy" will feature archival footage and interviews with big names in comedy to showcase how humor "has influenced the country’s social and political landscape throughout history," according to a CNN release.

Comedians who are outspoken on today's political scene will be featured in interviews, including Judd Apatow, Norman Lear, Sarah Silverman, Margaret Cho, Samantha Bee, Larry David, Kathy Griffin, George Lopez, Keegan-Michael Key, Patton Oswalt and W. Kamau Bell.

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The series will premiere Feb. 9 at 9 p.m.