Last episode
No Offense (Going Clean/Flipping Funny)
s02e06 · 2018-08-20
Ended · US
The History of Comedy
CNN Documentary
What it is
The History of Comedy explores what makes people laugh – from the Ancient Greeks to Shakespeare, Vaudeville to the biggest contemporary comedians, movies, and TV shows. It digs deep into topics like political humor and slapstick, featuring the voices that have made us laugh over the generations. The series showcases how the art form has evolved over the years using archival footage, original comedic material, interviews with comedy legends, and luminaries.Season 2 is a six-part CNN Original Series executive produced by Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner (Hazy Mills) and Emmy Award winners Mark Herzog and Christopher G. Cowen (Herzog & Company). Using archival footage punctuated by contemporary interviews with comedy legends, scholars, and current stars, The History of Comedy explores the spinning gears that make the comedic mind tick. From teams & duos, animation to improv & sketch, the series examines not only what makes us laugh but how comedy has affected the social and political landscape throughout history.
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Episode guide
8 this season · 14 totals01e01 F***ing Funny 2017-02-10 03:00
F***ing Funny
The evolution of inappropriate humor throughout history is traced, showcasing the work of groundbreaking comics, including George Carlin, Dick Gregory, and Lenny Bruce, who embraced the risqué side of comedy and risked careers, prison, and even their lives to fight censorship.
s01e02 The Funnier Sex 2017-02-17 03:00
The Funnier Sex
Exploring and celebrating the greatest female comedians of all time and how they were able to succeed in every genre where humor is found despite rampant sexism and prejudice.
s01e03 Comedy in Real Life 2017-02-24 03:00
Comedy in Real Life
Examining how comedians find humor in the simple daily experiences we all share to make us laugh.
s01e04 One Nation, Under Comedy 2017-07-17 02:00
One Nation, Under Comedy
An exploration of the evolution of racial humor and how comedy about shared experiences can cross cultural barriers to unite people in laughter.
s01e05 Ripped from the Headlines 2017-07-24 02:00
Ripped from the Headlines
Tracing the origins of topical humor from the invention of the monologue to the 'fake news' shows of today.
s01e06 The Spark of Madness 2017-07-31 02:00
The Spark of Madness
Exploring the fascinating mind of the comedian and the difficult road that many seem destined to take -- where mental illness and substance abuse are remarkably common.
s01e07 Making Fun 2017-08-07 02:00
Making Fun
Demonstrating how effective and funny it can be when you look at something serious and just twist it ever so slightly.
s01e08 Politics Aside 2017-08-14 02:00
Politics Aside
Examining the many different ways that comedy has lampooned and influenced politics over the years.