Comedy

The Refreshing Friendship-ification of the Will-They-Won’t-They Trope in ‘Abbott Elementary’

Going against audience expectations for the Janine-Gregory relationship, the new season has invested time and narrative weight into emerging friendships between Janine and Ava and Gregory and Jacob.…

May 29, 2024

Against a dark purple background, a woman with short hair and glasses speaks into a microphone with her finger pointed up, with a #MeToo button pinned to her purple blazer.

Hannah Gadsby’s ‘Nanette’ Changed Comedy Post #MeToo

Emma Troise, Manhattan College

Looking at Comedic Techniques and Comedy in Hannah Gadsby's "Nanette" Special Through the Post #MeToo Lens.…

December 7, 2023

In an article about the irreverent animated series "South Park," an image of the series' cast surrounded by caution tape reading "controversy."

‘South Park’ and the Art of Not Caring

Dominic Catalano, Arizona State University

This notoriously irreverent series is unstoppable in its brutally pointed and cancellable satire.…

August 18, 2023

In an article about female-led comedies, a projection of a woman holding a comedy mask appears on a yellow wall.

The Most Underrated Female-Led Comedies

Olivia Madrid, Florida State University

While men are often the protagonists of funny movies, here are our favorites female-led comedies.…

June 1, 2023

In an article about Chelsea Handler’s recent Netflix special “Revolution,” is an image of Handler on a stage, facing a crowd of people in a dark room.

It’s a Revolution

Sarah Deavers, University of Virginia

Chelsea Handler’s recent Netflix special embraces taboo concepts, all while supplying a consistent stream of comically candid jokes.…

March 16, 2023

An illustration of a computer monitor displaying the YouTube web interface.

Smaller YouTube Channels To Watch in 2023

Andrea Cepeda, University of North Texas

The social media platform now has over 51 million users; here are some creators worth watching!…

February 21, 2023

Tumblr Introduces the ‘Important Blue Internet Checkmark’

Shawna Smith, University of Phoenix

Yes, you can buy this one too.…

January 30, 2023

An illustration of Del Griffith and Neal Page from Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

‘Planes, Trains, and Automobiles’: Going the Right Way

Paul Hoskin, Weber State University

The holiday classic starring Steve Martin and John Candy set the standard for countless adult comedies to follow.…

November 24, 2022

an illustration of george carlin and the drama masks

‘George Carlin’s American Dream’ and the Science of Comedy

Niall Calvert, Wesleyan University

Comedian George Carlin spent 50 years making audiences laugh. A new documentary looks at how he made them think.…

September 15, 2022

Gervais performing in SuperNature special

What Is the Meaning of Comedy Today?

Liana Sameth, Pace University

Ricky Gervais’ most recent Netflix special has received a lot of backlash.…

July 27, 2022

In an article about the show "Atlanta", a screencap of the show's main character Earn,

How ‘Atlanta’ Sets Itself Apart in Modern Television

Kwami Maranga, Binghamton University

The FX show successfully brings together aspects of humor, drama and social commentary in a beautiful package.…

June 17, 2022

An illustration of Gilbert Gottfried and Iago, the talking parrot from 'Aladdin,' sitting in the movie theater.

Gilbert Gottfried Is Gone, but His Voice and Penchant for Controversy Will Never Be Forgotten

Alyssa Griffin, Molloy College

Fans everywhere are mourning the loss of the comedian, but in the wake of his passing, he leaves a lifetime of joy and laughter…

April 27, 2022

Sebastian Maniscalco Is Scheduled to Spend 2022 Making the World Laugh

Jenna Amore, Oakland University

The famous comedian’s expressive and physical humor calls attention to the annoying things that people do — or don’t do — in public.…

January 17, 2022

Photo of Daniel Tosh from his show Tosh.0

Comedy Central Cancels All Live-Action Series, Including the Fan Favorite ‘Tosh.0’

Megan Heenan, Nevada State College

The classic show isn’t taking the split from the network too hard; instead, its host is using this opportunity to go back to his stand-up roots.…

November 30, 2021

Characters from the show Succession sitting together

‘Succession’ Is Already Renewed for a Fourth Season Just 3 Episodes Into the Third

Tori Walz, Eastern Michigan University

Fans are obviously eager to see more of the HBO Max show and the drama that its dysfunctional, upper-class family brings.…

November 10, 2021

Influencers HeyKimAndTyler pose for an Instagram photo, Kim smiling and Tyler throwing up a peace sign.

HeyKimAndTyler Improve Their Audience’s Moods Through TikToks

Angelica Rovinski, Arcadia University

When you’re having a bad day, check out this Irish couple and enjoy some laughs from their prank-based short video content.…

October 31, 2021

A photo of Dave Chappelle from his Netflix special The Closer

Dave Chappelle Is Unhinged and Unbothered in ‘The Closer’

Re’nesia Mills, University of Tampa

The Emmy- and Grammy-winning stand-up comedian has faced a lot of criticism following the release of his latest Netflix special.…

October 28, 2021

Influencer Gregisms poses for a thumbnail.

TikToker Gregisms Entertains Fans With His Hilarious Reactions to Everyday Life

Angelica Rovinski, Arcadia University

The trained actor and social media star brightens viewers' days with comedic content based on his reactions to the world.…

October 24, 2021

The Ig Nobel Prize Makes People Both Laugh and Think

Amy Harris, Utah State University

The awards, a parody of the Nobel Prize, lampoon the inane, but will oftentimes find little moments of genius as well.…

August 30, 2021

Caitlin Reilly enjoying a well-deserved beach break

Caitlin Reilly’s Hysterical TikToks Sets Her Apart From Other Creators

Ariana Quijano, Georgia State University

Her Instagram bio reads, ‘multi-hyphenate powerhouse,’ and that title fits her perfectly. The comedian has made waves on TikTok with PG-13 comedy that doesn't use marginalized communities or awkward faces as her punchlines.…

August 11, 2021

In an article about We Are Lady Parts, a number of women in hijab climb and sit on a giant guitar.

‘We Are Lady Parts’ Radically Represents but Conventionally Entertains

Anna Hupp, University of Wyoming

Nida Manzoor’s Peacock sitcom follows five Muslim women and their punk rock band while advocating that 'music is about representation.’…

August 2, 2021

A picture of comedian Conan O'Brien against a dark red curtain.

Conan O’Brien Bids Farewell to Late-Night Television

Mai Senser, Virginia Commonwealth University

It's time to reflect on this American media personality's run on talk shows, as well as his distinct comedic style, evolving format and plans for the future.…

July 10, 2021

In an article about HINDZ, an illustration of a teapot and tea

HINDZ Is Filled With Good Vibes And Self-Reflection

Lauren Koop, London School of Economics - Peking University

The YouTuber and mindfulness educator invites his listeners to join him for a chat over a cup of tea, creating a safe space online to discuss mental health.…

June 30, 2021

Schlock Mercenary celebrates twenty years of sci-fi comedy and fun

‘Schlock Mercenary’ Is Both a Fun Space Opera and an Example of Artistic Growth

Amy Harris, Utah State University

It can be intimidating putting art into the world but Howard Tayler, the creator of this strip, is living proof that you don't need to be extremely well-versed in the arts to make something that…

June 25, 2021

A screenshot from Bo Burnham's recent comedy special, "Inside"

‘Inside’ by Bo Burnham Is a Comedy of Catastrophe

Darby Williams, University of Michigan

The comedian's new special, which recently premiered on Netflix, is an ambitious mix of social commentary, comedy, isolation and self-reflection. …

June 16, 2021

Netflix’s Family Comedy ‘Yes Day’ Predicts the Future of Parenting

Arianna Taylor, University of Rochester

The streaming service's new film shows what it’s like to be a “fun” parent and how child care could change. …

May 12, 2021

Illustration by Sonja Vasiljeva for an article on Arrested Development and The Office

‘Arrested Development’ and ‘The Office’ Show the Versatility of Comedy

Amiri Rivers-David, Pomona College

Consisting of very different comedic structures, the two shows are great examples of how to keep comedy from being one-note.…

May 1, 2021

Illustration by Alicia Paauwe for an article on comedy in college

College Can Offer Some Advantages for the Budding Comedian

Drew Goretzka, Michigan State University

It's not easy being funny, especially when you're a student looking to break into the comedy industry. Luckily, there are some resources you can turn to.…

March 29, 2021

In ‘Jigsaw,’ Daniel Sloss Teaches Us How To Maintain Our Relationships

Arianna Taylor, University of Rochester

In this Netflix comedy special, a not-so-qualified relationship guru gives us the rules to love using dark humor and an interesting puzzle analogy.…

March 6, 2021

Micarah Tewers Revolutionizes DIY Fashion Tutorials

Arianna Taylor, University of Rochester

Her comedic how-to videos aim to entertain as well as inform, and audiences just can’t decide which one is better — especially when she can make a dress out of adult diapers.…

January 7, 2021