The History of Comedy

Season 22017

Explore what makes us laugh, why, and how that's influenced our social and political landscape throughout history.

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8 Episodes

E01 F***ing Funny

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.

February 9, 2017

E02 The Funnier Sex

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.

February 16, 2017

E03 The Comedy of Real Life

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

February 23, 2017

E04 One Nation, Under Comedy

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

July 16, 2017

E05 Ripped from the Headlines

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

July 23, 2017

E06 The Spark of Madness

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.

July 30, 2017

E07 On Parody and Satire

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

August 6, 2017

E08 Politics Aside

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

August 13, 2017

The History of Comedy

E01 F***ing Funny

E02 The Funnier Sex

E03 The Comedy of Real Life

E04 One Nation, Under Comedy

E05 Ripped from the Headlines

E06 The Spark of Madness

E07 On Parody and Satire

E08 Politics Aside

Crashing

Project Blue Book

Game of Thrones

Breaking Bad

Chernobyl

Friends

Stranger Things

The Simpsons

The Mandalorian

The Flash

The Walking Dead

Arcane

Sherlock

The IT Crowd

Secret Invasion

The Expanse

3 Body Problem

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Planet Earth

Silicon Valley

E01 F***ing Funny

E02 The Funnier Sex

E03 The Comedy of Real Life

E04 One Nation, Under Comedy

E05 Ripped from the Headlines

E06 The Spark of Madness

E07 On Parody and Satire

E08 Politics Aside