Strangers with Candy (film)

Strangers with Candy is a 2005 American comedy film directed by Paul Dinello, written by Dinello, Stephen Colbert and Amy Sedaris, and serves as a prequel to their 1999–2000 Comedy Central television series of the same name. Set in the fictional city of Flatpoint, Strangers with Candy tells the story of 46-year-old former high school dropout and self-described "junkie whore" Jerri Blank (Sedaris), who, after being released from prison, returns to her childhood home and discovers her father (Dan Hedaya) is in a "stress-induced coma". Taking the suggestion of the family doctor (Ian Holm) literally, Jerri decides to pick her life back up where she left it, and starts again as a freshman at Flatpoint High. The film also stars Colbert, Dinello, Deborah Rush, Gregory Hollimon, and Maria Thayer reprising their original roles, and Joseph Cross and Carlo Alban joining the cast. The film was produced by Roberts/David Films and David Letterman's Worldwide Pants, with Colbert serving as co-producer.

Warner Independent Productions initially acquired the North American distribution rights to Strangers with Candy following its premiere at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2005, but release of the film was delayed due to legal clearance issues. The rights reverted to the producers and were bought by THINKFilm in early 2006. The film began a limited release in the United States on June 28, 2006, and went on general release on July 7, 2006. It received a mixed critical response. The film grossed $2.3 million.