The History of Comedy Season 1 Episode 8 Politics Aside

In The History of Comedy season 1 episode 8, titled "Politics Aside," the focus is on how politics has been a part of comedy throughout history. From the satirical political cartoons of the 18th century to modern-day political satire, comedians have found ways to tackle serious issues through humor.

The episode starts with a look at the early days of political comedy, with examples such as Will Rogers using his platform to criticize government policies and Charlie Chaplin's film "The Great Dictator" serving as a satire of Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany.

The episode then moves on to the 1950s and '60s, a time when comedians such as Mort Sahl and Dick Gregory were using their comedy to comment on the Civil Rights Movement and other political issues of the time. The episode also looks at the role of comedy during the Watergate scandal, with shows like "Saturday Night Live" using political satire to hold those in power accountable.

As the episode moves closer to the present day, it delves into the rise of late-night political comedy shows like "The Daily Show" and "The Colbert Report," which have become a staple of political discourse in America. The episode examines how these types of shows use humor as a way to not only entertain audiences but also to inform and engage them in political issues.

Throughout the episode, various comedians are featured, including Samantha Bee, Lewis Black, and Margaret Cho, who discuss their own experiences using comedy to talk about politics. Viewers are also given a glimpse behind the scenes of these late-night shows, seeing how writers and producers work to create comedy that is both funny and informative.

"Politics Aside" ends with a discussion on the role comedy plays in shaping public opinion and how it can be a powerful tool for change. Overall, the episode looks at the long history of political comedy and how it has evolved over time, demonstrating how comedians have been able to tackle serious issues with humor and make audiences think about the world around them in a new way.