Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham has inked a multi-part deal with Comedy Central, that includes a series order, a standup special, a DVD release and merchandising.

According to Variety, Dunham's 2008 Christmas special on Comedy Central drew 6.6 million viewers upon its initial run, and his touring business took in $19.2 million last year, making the 46-year-old comic the highest-grossing standup in North America, according to Pollstar.

Comedy Central has ordered six episodes of a new series starring the puppet-toting comic with plans to start production this summer and air the show early next year.

"The concept of the show will allow Jeff to appear onstage with his characters, similar to what you see in his standup, but it will also get him out in the field where he can interact with people," prexy of original programming and development Lauren Corrao said.

A one-hour standup special is slated to air in fall 2010, around the same time that a tour and consumer products push are launched. A DVD release will also be coordinated around these events.