Times have changed in the comedy roasting business. It was only 20 years ago, in November of 1988, that women were allowed into the New York Friars Club before 4 PM, when the Club would host its roasts. Before then, Phyllis Diller once had to sneak onto the premises in drag to see a show.

Now Comedy Central has taken over the roasting business, or at least theirs are the most high-profile regular comedy roasts. And they announced today that they will be roasting one of the first seven women admitted to the Friars in 1988 - Joan Rivers. The Roast will take place July 26 and air Sunday, August 9 at 10 PM.