The History of Comedy

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.

Genre: DocumentaryComedyHistory

Cast:Kliph NesteroffRobert B. WeideElayne BooslerPatton OswaltW. Kamau BellJudd ApatowConan O'BrienRob ReinerLarry CharlesKeegan-Michael KeyAli WongSarah SilvermanNeal BrennanLarry DavidCraig FergusonWayne FedermanBarry KatzKenya Barris


1Season 1

S1.E1 ∙ F***ing Funny

Thu, Feb 9, 2017

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.

2Season 1

S1.E2 ∙ The Funnier Sex

Thu, Feb 16, 2017

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.

3Season 1

S1.E3 ∙ The Comedy of Real Life

Thu, Feb 23, 2017

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

4Season 1

S1.E4 ∙ One Nation, Under Comedy

Sun, Jul 16, 2017

Exploring the evolution of racial humor; how comedy can cross cultural barriers to unite people.

5Season 1

S1.E5 ∙ Ripped From The Headlines

Sun, Jul 23, 2017

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

6Season 1

S1.E6 ∙ Spark Of Madness

Sun, Jul 30, 2017

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.

7Season 1

S1.E7 ∙ Making Fun

Thu, Mar 30, 2017

Exploring the history of Parody and Satire in films, television, print, radio and the internet.

8Season 1

S1.E8 ∙ Politics Aside

Sun, Aug 13, 2017

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