The History of Comedy

Utilizing archival footage punctuated by contemporary interviews with comedy legends and scholars, this is the history of not only what makes us laugh, but how comedy has affected the social and political landscape throughout history.

2017 HD 45min United States English

Ali Wong Larry David Rain Pryor Gilbert Gottfried David Zucker Rob Reiner Kent Alterman Anne Beatts Todd Boyd Betty White

Comedy Documentary

S1E1 - F***ing Funny 2017-02-09

The evolution of inappropriate humor throughout history is traced, showcasing the work from groundbreaking comedians who risked their careers, prison sentences and even their lives as they fought against censorship.

S1E2 - The Funnier Sex 2017-02-16

A look at the greatest female comedians and how they were able to succeed in every genre where humor is found despite rampant sexism and prejudice.

S1E3 - The Comedy of Real Life 2017-02-23

A look at how comedians find humor in the simple, daily experiences most people share.

S1E4 - One Nation, Under Comedy 2017-07-16

The evolution of racial humor and how comedy about shared experiences can cross cultural barriers to unite people in laughter are explored.

S1E5 - Ripped from the Headlines 2017-07-23

The origins of topical humor are traced, from the invention of the monologue to the "fake news" shows of today.

S1E6 - The Spark of Madness 2017-07-30

The mind of the comedian is explored, as well as the difficult road that many seem destined to take where mental illness and substance abuse are remarkably common.

S1E7 - On Parody and Satire 2017-08-06

Demonstrating how effective and funny it can be when you look at something serious and just twist it ever so slightly.

S1E8 - Politics Aside 2017-08-13

A look at the many different ways that comedy has lampooned and influenced politics over the years.

S2E1 - Carnal Knowledge 2018-07-15

How sexual humor, one of the oldest forms of comedy, pushes the limits of both comfort and political correctness.

S2E2 - Sketch & Improv 2018-07-22

Exploring the history of sketch and improv comedy and how it evolved into a significant part of comedic talent today.

S2E3 - Drawn To Be Funny 2018-07-29

The history between animation and comedy.

S2E4 - Gone Too Soon 2018-08-05

Exploring the passing of comedic legends and how the connection with their audiences make the loss more significant.

S2E5 - In It Together 2018-08-12

The history of comedic duos and the evolution of comedy teams.

S2E6 - No Offense 2018-08-19

Exploring family-friendly comedy and the struggles of abiding by strict network censors.

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