LOS ANGELES — He's played an out-of-control rocker in Hollywood movie “Get Him to the Greek” and a drunken playboy in “Arthur,” but in his first US television show, Americans will see raucous British comedian Russell Brand as they haven't before — doing stand-up. Brand returns to his roots in new show “Brand X,” a late-night, once-a-week program debuting on the FX network on Thursday. It shows off the comedian's brilliant humor, as well as his more serious take on spirituality, consumerism and celebrity culture in front of a live audience. “I love doing stand-up because you have a direct interaction with the audience. There is no mediation, no script, no direction. It is my great love. What is it other than telling the truth to human beings that are identical to me?” Brand told Reuters. Inspired by topical events and filmed in a small, nightclub-like studio north of Los Angeles four days ahead of broadcast, “Brand X” finds the ex-husband of pop singer Katy Perry in reflective and provocative form. — AP
