The History of Comedy

45min

Documentary

Comedy

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

Episodes

Cast

F***ing Funny

1. F***ing Funny

45min

9th Feb 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.

The Funnier Sex

2. The Funnier Sex

45min

16th Feb 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.

The Comedy of Real Life

3. The Comedy of Real Life

45min

23rd Feb 2017

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

One Nation, Under Comedy

4. One Nation, Under Comedy

45min

16th Jul 2017

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

Ripped from the Headlines

5. Ripped from the Headlines

45min

23rd Jul 2017

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

The Spark of Madness

6. The Spark of Madness

45min

30th Jul 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.

On Parody and Satire

7. On Parody and Satire

45min

6th Aug 2017

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

Politics Aside

8. Politics Aside

45min

13th Aug 2017

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

First air date

9th Feb 2017

Last air date

19th Aug 2018

Status

Returning Series

Type

Miniseries

Original language

en

Networks