The History of Comedy (2017)
Explore what makes us laugh, why, and how that's influenced our social and political landscape throughout history.
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Episode 1 - F***ing Funny
Release Date: 2017-02-09The 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.
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Episode 2 - The Funnier Sex
Release Date: 2017-02-16A 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.
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Episode 3 - The Comedy of Real Life
Release Date: 2017-02-23A look at how comedians find humor in the simple, daily experiences most people share.
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Episode 4 - One Nation, Under Comedy
Release Date: 2017-07-16The evolution of racial humor and how comedy about shared experiences can cross cultural barriers to unite people in laughter are explored.
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Episode 5 - Ripped from the Headlines
Release Date: 2017-07-23The origins of topical humor are traced, from the invention of the monologue to the "fake news" shows of today.
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Episode 6 - The Spark of Madness
Release Date: 2017-07-30The 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.
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Episode 7 - On Parody and Satire
Release Date: 2017-08-06Demonstrating how effective and funny it can be when you look at something serious and just twist it ever so slightly.
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Episode 8 - Politics Aside
Release Date: 2017-08-13A look at the many different ways that comedy has lampooned and influenced politics over the years.