Watch Larry Charles' Dangerous World of Comedy

Larry Charles' Dangerous World of Comedy is a fascinating and thought-provoking docuseries by the eponymous American screenwriter, comedian and director. It consists of four one-hour episodes, each exploring a different corner of the globe and the role that humor plays in societies that are undergoing various forms of upheaval, from poverty and conflict to tyranny and censorship. Larry Charles, who is best known for his work on Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Borat, is the perfect host for this endeavor, as he brings his trademark wit, curiosity, and irreverence to each country he visits, while also displaying a deep respect for the people he encounters and the cultures he observes.

The first episode takes place in Somalia, a war-torn African nation that has been plagued by terrorism, famine, and corruption for decades. Charles ventures into the capital city of Mogadishu, which has been under control of Al Shabaab, an Islamic extremist group, since 2006. He meets with several local comedians who risk their lives to perform in public, despite the threat of being attacked or killed by the militants. Charles learns that humor, in this context, serves as a means of survival, as well as a weapon of resistance against a brutal regime that seeks to silence any form of dissent or joy. He witnesses the comedians' performances in cramped and dingy nightclubs, where they riff on everything from politics and religion to relationships and sports, and where the audience, mostly young men, laughs and cheers with an undiminished appetite for laughter.

The second episode takes us to Russia, where Charles explores the paradoxical relationship between humor and authoritarianism, by looking at the legacy of Soviet-era comedy, as well as the current state of satire and dissent in the Putin era. He interviews several comedians, including a well-known television host who has managed to navigate the complex rules of censorship and self-censorship, and a fearless stand-up comic who has faced harassment and threats from both government agents and far-right nationalists. Charles also spends time with a group of performance artists who express their protest through disruptive events, such as a fake gay wedding or a public flogging. Through these encounters, he learns about the power of satire to expose and challenge the lies and hypocrisies of a regime that seeks to control every aspect of its citizens' lives.

The third episode takes us to Liberia, a West African country that has recently emerged from a brutal civil war, and where Charles discovers a rich and diverse comedy scene that reflects both the trauma and the resilience of its people. He meets with comedians from different backgrounds and regions, who use humor to deal with the legacy of violence, poverty, and disease, as well as to promote social change and reconciliation. Charles also spends time with an all-female theater group that performs a play about a rape survivor, and that uses humor to challenge the pervasive misogyny and patriarchy of Liberian society. Through these encounters, he learns about the importance of laughter as a coping mechanism, as well as a means of healing and transformation.

The fourth and final episode takes us to Kurdistan, a region of Iraq that has been under constant threat from ISIS and neighboring countries, and where Charles encounters a vibrant and bold comedy scene that embraces both tradition and innovation. He meets with comedians who perform in Kurmanji, Sorani, Arabic, and English, and who tackle a wide range of topics, from politics and religion to dating and family. Charles also spends time with a group of female comedians who use humor to challenge the patriarchal norms and taboos of their culture, and who aim to empower other women through laughter. Through these encounters, he learns about the central role that humor plays in Kurdish identity and resistance, as well as the challenges that these comedians face in navigating a dangerous and unstable environment.

Overall, Larry Charles' Dangerous World of Comedy is an engaging and enlightening series that offers a unique perspective on the role of humor in different cultures and contexts. It combines Charles' irreverent and observational style with a genuine interest in understanding and appreciating the diverse forms of comedy that exist around the world. Whether you are a fan of stand-up, satire, or documentary storytelling, this series is sure to entertain and inform you, and to leave you with a greater appreciation for the power of laughter to connect us all.

Larry Charles' Dangerous World of Comedy is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (4 episodes). The series first aired on February 15, 2019.