The History of Comedy

6.6/10201745mReturning Series2 Seasons · 14 Episodes

DocumentaryComedy

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

Released: Feb 9, 2017

Watch Now

Seasons

Season 1

8 episodes

Season 2

6 episodes

Top Cast

Ali Wong

Self

Larry David

Self - Creator, Seinfeld

Rain Pryor

Self

More Like This

6.7

Brainiac: Science Abuse

Brainiac is The Alternative science series that shows you the experiments you were never allowed to do in school. Richard Hammond aims to answer the scientific questions that have been bothering us all such as what you shouldn't put in a microwave and Do mobile phones really cause explosions in petrol stations.

Brainiac: Science Abuse

2003 · TV

7.6

Tyler Perry's House of Payne

A multigenerational, working-class family experience life's struggles with faith, love and, most importantly, humor. Curtis, aka 'Pops', the uncle and head of the household, has house and home turned upside down when an unexpected event forces his nephew, CJ, and CJ’s kids to move in, putting three generations under one roof. This chaotic living situation takes its toll on cranky Pops, who is reluctant to have his routine disturbed. In addition to CJ’s family, Pops and Ella’s son, Calvin, a wise-cracking, broke college student, hangs out at home, making it impossible for any peace and quiet. It soon becomes evident just how wide the gap is, as the family tries to find a way to coexist through all of life’s hilarious ups and downs.

Tyler Perry's House of Payne

2007 · TV

7.8

Penn & Teller: Bull!

This daring original series stars postmodern bad boys of magic Penn & Teller as they question many of our culture's most cherished and widely held beliefs. From the truth about palm readings and TV psychics to the reality behind Feng Shui and Ouija boards, the archly comic masters of misdirection host this eye-opening analysis of the middle-ground between perception and reality.

Penn & Teller: Bull!

2003 · TV

8.1

Chappelle's Show

Dave Chappelle's singular point of view is unleashed through a combination of laidback stand-up and street-smart sketches.

Chappelle's Show

2003 · TV

8.1

Nick Cannon Presents: Wild 'N Out

Nick Cannon and an A-list celebrity lead a team of improv comedians as they compete against each other.

Nick Cannon Presents: Wild 'N Out

2005 · TV

6.4

'Til Death

A comedy about the triumphs and tribulations of marriage and friendship from very different perspectives. It's about the funny – and sometimes annoying – things that happen between husbands, wives, parents, children, neighbors and friends day after day after day. The show focuses on Eddie and Joy Stark, a couple married for 23 years who live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

'Til Death

2006 · TV

6.1

Carpool Karaoke: The Series

Celebrity pairings ride along in a car together as they sing tunes from their personal playlists and surprise fans who don't expect to see big stars belting out tunes one lane over.

Carpool Karaoke: The Series

2017 · TV

7.4

Who Is America?

A satirical half-hour series from comedian Sacha Baron Cohen exploring the diverse individuals, from the infamous to the unknown across the political and cultural spectrum, who populate our unique nation.

Who Is America?

2018 · TV

7.4

Adam Ruins Everything

Host Adam Conover employs a combination of comedy, history and science to dispel widespread misconceptions about everything we take for granted.

Adam Ruins Everything

2015 · TV

8.2

Nathan for You

Self-proclaimed business expert, writer, director and comedian Nathan Fielder helps real small businesses turn a profit with marketing tactics that no ordinary consultant would dare to attempt. From driving foot traffic to an off-the-strip souvenir shop by using Hollywood flair and a Johnny Depp impersonator, to creating a rebate that can only be redeemed by climbing a mountain, to founding a coffee shop called "Dumb Starbucks,” Nathan has always gone to the limit to make his ideas come to life. With his unorthodox approach to problem solving, Nathan’s genuine efforts to do good often draw the real people he encounters into an experience far beyond what they signed up for.

Nathan for You

2013 · TV

5.8

Tosh.0

A weekly topical series hosted by comedian Daniel Tosh that delves into all aspects of the Internet, from the ingenious to the absurd to the medically inadvisable.

Tosh.0

2009 · TV

7.1

A Black Lady Sketch Show

A narrative series set in a limitless magical reality full of dynamic, hilarious characters and celebrity guests presenting sketches performed by a core cast of black women.

A Black Lady Sketch Show

2019 · TV

7.6

Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut)

A 2009 television documentary series in six parts that covers 40 years of the surreal comedy group Monty Python, from Flying Circus to present day projects such as the musical Spamalot. The series highlights their childhood, schooling and university life, and pre-Python work. The series featured new interviews with surviving members John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin, alongside archive interview footage of Graham Chapman and interviews with several associates of the Pythons, including Carol Cleveland, Neil Innes and Chapman's partner David Sherlock, along with commentary from modern comedians.

Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut)

2009 · TV

6.4

Travel Man: 48 Hours in...

British comedian Richard Ayoade (later taken over by Joe Lycett), accompanied by a celebrity guest, takes a ruthlessly efficient approach to travel, covering everything top tourist destinations have to offer in just 48 hours.

Travel Man: 48 Hours in...

2015 · TV

8.4

Animaniacs

Yakko, Wakko and Dot return for all-new big laughs and the occasional epic takedown of authority figures in serious need of an ego check. Joining the Warners are Starbox & Cindy on their latest play date while Pinky and the Brain's ideas for world domination lead them to all new adventures.

Animaniacs

2020 · TV

7.7

The Larry Sanders Show

Comic Garry Shandling draws upon his own talk show experiences to create the character of Larry Sanders, a paranoid, insecure host of a late night talk show. Larry, along with his obsequious TV sidekick Hank Kingsley and his fiercely protective producer Artie, allows Garry Shandling and his talented writers to look behind the scenes and to show us a convincing slice of behind the camera life.

The Larry Sanders Show

1992 · TV

7.1

History 101

Infographics and archival footage deliver bite-size history lessons on scientific breakthroughs, social movements and world-changing discoveries.

History 101

2020 · TV

5.9

The Awful Truth

The Awful Truth is a satirical television show that was directed, written, and hosted by filmmaker Michael Moore, and funded by the British broadcaster Channel 4.

The Awful Truth

1999 · TV

7.9

Horrible Histories

Based on the best-selling children's books and liberally splattered with guts, blood and poo, a group of British comedians offer an anarchic and unconventional take on some of history's most gruesome and funny moments, with topics including the Stone Age, the Middle Ages, the Egyptians and the Romans, among others.

Horrible Histories

2009 · TV

6.7

Jackass

Join sadomasochistic superheroes Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, and the rest of the Jackass crew as they terrorize your TV screens and everyone that gets in their way (especially themselves) with their own sick and twisted interpretation of physical entertainment. Their brand of pranks, goofball antics, and unabashed brutal comedy are sure to bring new meaning to the phrase "Don't Try This At Home!"

Jackass

2000 · TV