Whether you’re a sucker for all things humorous or have a stoic demeanour which refuses to budge, the variety of comedy explored in television these days is bound to have something catering to your taste.
Good Ol’ Slapstick
When we think of comedy, some of the first images that come into mind are flurries of physical activity characterised by an exaggerated punch or kick or a literal slap on the wrist. Originating from using a ‘slapstick’ referring to an object made of two wooden slats at an angle which would make a loud sound on striking anyone with little force, this style of comedy was used in Commedia dell’arte, a type of 16th-century Italian theatre. In this type of early comedy, the actors are often seen behaving silly, accompanied by comical violence to bring forth a hearty laugh.
As a relatively early form of comedy, slapstick comedy has been employed in the works of the illustrious Charlie Chaplin, whose iconic facial expressions and body movements made an indelible mark in the history of comedy. A nostalgic favourite is The Three Stooges, where Moe, Larry and Curly get into slapstick shenanigans to amuse fans. This knucklehead trio is the epitome of slapstick, with enough nose poking, ear pulling and ‘nyuk-nyuk-nuking’ for the whole family to enjoy.
The Amusing Criticism
Satire has prevailed for a long time in literature and various forms of entertainment, using irony and parody to take a subtle jab at multiple viewpoints and situations. While utilised in different platforms to unveil social issues and political concerns, satire is often teetering on the thin line between humour and offence when the prejudices of particular groups of people are the subject matter. Nevertheless, the mocking of specific figures or situations using exaggerated caricatures portrayed in a way as to invoke humour while opening our eyes to the underlying criticisms makes satire a well-rounded experience when in the right hands.
Globally acclaimed shows such as The Simpsons leverage humour in plenty of scenes to surreptitiously point the finger at a specific individual or event. Spanning a whopping 35 seasons of Homer Simpson’s buffoonish personality and his navigation of American life alongside his dysfunctionally dynamic family, The Simpsons satirises archetypal characters encountered in daily lives through the likes of infamous characters such as Mr Burns, depicted as an embodiment of greed and power.
In the Face of Tragedy
Ever joked about a tragic incident and gained a few scorns? Hardly everyone’s cup of tea, many deal with the tragic aftermath of unpleasant experiences using humour. Not only does it help make light of situations, but it also eases the burden of a particularly harrowing memory. This sort of humour in entertainment helps many identify with characters, facilitating a light-hearted view of the morbid and mundane. If you are an avid consumer of mainstream entertainment, chances are you’ve come across an astonishingly relatable horse with self-deprecating humour plenty of times. The plethora of memes that Bojack Horseman has gifted us with is commendable since he has experienced almost every stinging thought that has accompanied an existential crisis.
Deadpan Humour
Social awkwardness and ignorance of one’s embarrassment make for a comedy show evoking endless laughs. Cringe comedy is peak humour to many, as it generally comprises characters making the most dull-witted remarks under challenging situations with little to no acknowledgement of their perception by others. What makes these shows more amusing is the utter lack of expression shown by said characters, who seem to be living in their warped world, immune to conventional social and intellectual etiquette.
In the show Cunk on Earth, Philomena Cunk takes us on a historical journey of the entire planet while mocking all serious matters and emphasising the overblown importance of trivial events. What keeps the laughs coming is Cunk’s supposed obliviousness to how her comments and questions are landing in the conversations with her interviewees.
All Too Real
Comedy takes on a different meaning once it permeates into reality. Documentary comedy shows will have you wondering whether these outrageous skits are scripted. That will probably not matter when you begin laughing until your face hurts, though. Taking events and experiences from real life and approaching them with a comic touch plucks the seriousness out of seemingly inconsequential events.
Perhaps no one does documentary comedy better than the outlandish and slightly ridiculous Nathan Fielder. In Nathan for You, Fielder ‘helps’ struggling businessmen find their footing after some setbacks. His stoic expression through it all confuses viewers on how much of the show is truly set in reality since it’s so hard to take him seriously. Nonetheless, his supposed lack of self-awareness will have you in hysterics. While different forms of comedy are met with controversial opinions, it is undeniable that this entertainment genre is one to be savoured. Quite often, amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, all we need is a screen that makes us laugh until our stomach hurts. Comedy shows may have exemplary power to wipe the day’s misery off your brain for a specific time, and sometimes, that is all it takes to bring some laughter into our lives.
Love and Laughs
Sometimes, all you need is a rom-com and a tub of ice cream to curl up with. Romantic comedy refers to a light-hearted portrayal of relationships and the many wins and woes that come the couple’s way. As the plot progresses, you’ll yearn for the couple to have their happy ending against all odds. Stereotypically known for beautiful characters in unfortunate life predicaments, romcoms are a surefire way to fill your heart, whether through laughs or tears.
Emily in Paris arguably has the perfect concoction for rom-com success – fabulous fashion, dreamy guys, and gorgeous settings. The show has garnered mixed reviews due to overused stereotypes and cliches. However, it has much in common with classic rom-com dramas many grew up with. A guilty pleasure for some, a modern masterpiece to many, this show will become one you hate to love.
Room Full of Laughter
Over the years, stand-up comedy has risen up the ladder of popularity with a greater emphasis on performance art. Involving setups as simple as the performer and a microphone, the comedian engages their audience through stories, one-liners, punchlines, etc. They may also utilise their space to do magic tricks, impressions, and props for dynamic performances for comedic purposes. While most enjoyed live, stand-up performances are now recorded and uploaded as a show or movie to be viewed from the comfort of your home.
This form of comedy continues gaining popularity, thanks to bite-sized reels on social media and hours of relatable humour buzzing on streaming platforms. Daniel Sloss navigates trauma with humour that feels downright inappropriate to many at the beginning. However, in Dark, he recounts a deeply personal event from his life and tackles it with hearty laughs, making you grab for the tissues amidst the laughter.