Ep 4. Acting Funny

Pioneers of Television season 4 episode 4, titled "Acting Funny," takes a look at the evolution of comedy on television. The episode explores how comedians have used the small screen to innovate and push the boundaries of humor, influencing the way we think about and consume comedy today.

The episode begins with a discussion on the origins of TV comedy, highlighting the early days of Vaudeville and the influence it had on television. The episode takes a deep dive into the careers of several iconic comedians, exploring how they built their careers on the small screen, and what techniques they used to keep their audiences laughing.

One of the comedians featured in the episode is Lucille Ball, whose show, I Love Lucy, revolutionized television sitcoms. The episode delves into how Ball's innovative use of the three-camera setup helped bring her unique brand of physical comedy to life on screen. The iconic grape-stomping scene from "Lucy's Italian Movie" is analyzed, revealing the technical tricks used to create the effect that made audiences laugh for years to come.

The episode also looks at the groundbreaking career of Carol Burnett, who broke down barriers for women in comedy and created a TV variety show that would influence future comedians for generations. The episode showcases clips from The Carol Burnett Show, highlighting Burnett's mastership of the sketch comedy format and her impeccable timing.

The episode also explores the impact of African American comedians on television. The Smothers Brothers, Redd Foxx, and Richard Pryor are all covered, highlighting how they used their voices to bring social commentary, racial issues, and taboo subjects to the forefront of national discussion.

In addition to household names like Ball and Burnett, the episode also features lesser-known comedians, such as Ernie Kovacs. Kovacs' unique style, including the use of strange camera angles, surreal humor, and oddball characters, created an influential comedy legacy that would be felt on television for years to come.

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the episode is the way it brings to light the sheer number of women serving as writers for some of the most iconic TV comedies. Ida Lupino, Gail Parent, and Susan Harris were all instrumental in shaping the iconic characters and moments that have become staples of TV comedy.

Overall, "Acting Funny" provides insightful and compelling commentary on the evolution of television comedy. The episode uses a mix of in-depth interviews and rare footage to give viewers a thorough understanding of how TV comedy has evolved over the years, from the early days of variety shows to the rise of self-referential sitcoms and beyond. Pioneers of Television season 4 episode 4 is a must-watch for anyone interested in TV history, comedy, or the intersection of the two.