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Already famous for his ensemble work on FOX's satirical series Mad TV and as commercial spokesman for 7 Up, Orlando Jones added to his impressive resumé with this nightly, half-hour variety program. According to some observers, Jones was making a bid to be "the black dude who dominates the late night show talk circuit" in the tradition of Arsenio Hall. However, he boldly broke from standard chatfest tradition by eliminating the desk, the co-host, and the band. He also distanced himself from Hall by including a regular animated cartoon feature, "Chico and Guapo." Even so, the series still bowed to the genre by loading up with the usual celebrity guests, comedy skits, and audience participation stunts. The Orlando Jones Show made its FX Network debut on June 9, 2003.