All Episodes of The History of Comedy

CNN

Browse all episodes of The History of Comedy

Documentary•

Comedy

All Episodes of The History of Comedy

CNN

Browse all episodes of The History of Comedy

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

Select Season:

Season 1

7.9/1094 votes
F***ing Funny
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 2/9/2017
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.
Director: Unknown
Writer: Unknown
7.7/1080 votes
The Funnier Sex
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 2/16/2017
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.
Director: Unknown
Writer: Unknown
8.0/1072 votes
The Comedy of Real Life
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 2/23/2017
A look at how comedians find humor in the simple, daily experiences most people share.
Director: Unknown
Writer: Unknown
7.8/1062 votes
One Nation, Under Comedy
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 7/16/2017
The evolution of racial humor and how comedy about shared experiences can cross cultural barriers to unite people in laughter are explored.
Director: Unknown
Writer: Unknown
8.0/1056 votes
Ripped from the Headlines
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 7/23/2017
The origins of topical humor are traced, from the invention of the monologue to the "fake news" shows of today.
Director: Unknown
Writer: Unknown
8.0/1062 votes
The Spark of Madness
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 7/30/2017
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.
Director: Unknown
Writer: Unknown
8.3/1057 votes
On Parody and Satire
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 8/6/2017
Demonstrating how effective and funny it can be when you look at something serious and just twist it ever so slightly.
Director: Unknown
Writer: Unknown
8.1/1060 votes
Politics Aside
Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 8/13/2017
A look at the many different ways that comedy has lampooned and influenced politics over the years.
Director: Unknown
Writer: Unknown