<P> The series had its original run from July 1 , 1992 to January 1 , 1997 . Simmons was inspired to make Def Comedy Jam by Jerry Lewis ' movie The Nutty Professor . The show returned on HBO 's fall lineup in 2006 . Def Comedy Jam helped to launch the careers of several African - American stand - up comedians . </P>
<P> The series had its original run from July 1 , 1992 to January 1 , 1997 . Simmons was inspired to make Def Comedy Jam by Jerry Lewis ' movie The Nutty Professor . The show returned on HBO 's fall lineup in 2006 . Def Comedy Jam helped to launch the careers of several African - American stand - up comedians . </P>
how long was def comedy jam on the air
how long was def comedy jam on the air
July 1 , 1992 to January 1 , 1997
July 1 , 1992 to January 1 , 1997