CNN will profile the history and influence of comedy in a new limited series debuting Feb. 9, the news network announced Wednesday.

The eight-part The History of Comedy will feature archival footage and contemporary interviews with comedy legends, scholars and current stars to showcase how comedy has influenced the country’s social and political landscape throughout history, said network officials.

Sean Hayes, Todd Milliner, Mark Herzog and Christopher G. Cowen will serve as executive producers for the series, which will feature interviews with veteran and contemporary comedians and writers such as Norman Lear, Carol Burnett, Larry David, Betty White Judd Apatow, Sarah Silverman, George Lopez, Keegan-Michael Key and Conan O’Brien.

In support of the series launch, CNN will partner with National Comedy Center to present  “Stand-Up Live!” featuring comedy performances in several cities around the country, according to network officials.