Los Angeles: NBC is expanding its Red Nose Day charity programming with help from Julia Roberts and other stars.
The network said Wednesday that its prime-time schedule on May 25 will be devoted to the Comic Relief fundraiser for children in need.
"Running Wild with Bear Grylls for Red Nose Day," with Roberts joining the host in Africa, will air at 9 p.m. EDT. A celebrity edition of "American Ninja Warrior" with Derek Hough, Natalie Morales and others will precede it at 8 p.m. EDT.
The night will be capped by NBC's third annual "The Red Nose Day Special," hosted from 10-11 p.m. EDT by Chris Hardwick (
Curtis, writer-director of the 2003 movie "Love Actually," created a short reunion film that will air as part of "The Red Nose Day Special." Cast members revisiting their roles from the romantic comedy include Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, Andrew Lincoln, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Bill Nighy and Rowan Atkinson.
Beneficiaries of Red Nose Day grants include charity organisations such as Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Save the Children and the Children's Health Fund.
Britain's Red Nose Day, which took place last month, brought in more than $90 million, according to Comic Relief Inc. The campaign has raised more than $1 billion worldwide since its origin in 1988.