Ep 1. F-ing Funny

The History of Comedy is a television documentary series which uncovers the evolution of humour and comedy in the Western world, tracking the journey of comedy from the ancient Greek classics to contemporary stand-up comedy.

In season 1, episode 1, titled F-ing Funny, the series explores the use of obscenities and profanity in comedy, specifically in stand-up comedy and how it has revolutionised the art form. The episode begins with a background of how obscenities were used in earlier times and how hard it used to be to use them in movies and TV shows let alone stand-up comedy.

The episode then transitions to interviews with various comedians, including Mel Brooks, Kathy Griffin, Kevin Hart, and Sarah Silverman, sharing their opinions on the role of obscenities in comedy and how it adds to the fun factor. The film features clips from various comedy shows of the past, such as Andrew Dice Clay and the aftermath of Lenny Bruce's trial for obscenity, which was a precedent-setting case in the world of comedy.

The show then delves more into the use of the “f-word” in comedy, particularly in stand-up, with comedians like George Carlin, Richard Pryor, and Eddie Murphy paving the way for comedians to use more explicit language effectively. Interviews with these comedians generate a lot of facts around how obscenities was considered almost taboo and they needed to fight for their right to use them.

As the episode progresses, it explores how the use of obscenities is not just limited to stand-up comedy and has now become a common part of pop culture, movies, sitcoms, and even cartoons. The episode highlights how comedians use obscenities to address sensitive issues head-on, exposing the flaws in our social structure and using humour to remedy them. Sarah Silverman, in particular, noted how obscenities can help make certain uncomfortable topics more approachable and act as a reminder to check our disdain.

The episode takes a moment to honour the major chain-breaking moments in the history of stand-up comedy, including comedians such as Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy, who are credited with bringing raw humour to the mainstream. The episode also examines how the role of women in comedy has evolved and how seasoned comedians like Joan Rivers and Kathy Griffin used profanities to take aim at sexism and misogyny in their sets.

Furthermore, the show looks into how the use of obscenity in comedy is a double-edged sword. While it allows comedians the liberty to freely express themselves, use of it in an insensitive or offensive manner can result in public backlash and even end their career.

In conclusion, The History of Comedy's season 1, episode 1, titled F-ing Funny, is a fascinating look at the use of obscenities in comedy and how it has evolved from the taboo to a common practice in mainstream entertainment. The show provides insights into the challenges comedians have faced while pursuing their craft and how the tolerance and acceptance of obscenities in comedy have evolved through the years. With interviews, archival footage, and hilarious clips, the episode delivers a comprehensive retrospective on the evolution of the use of obsenities in comedy.