History of 20th Century Comedy
1900s–1920s: Silent Film & Vaudeville
- Physical humor and slapstick dominated early comedy.
- Charlie Chaplin became a global icon of silent film comedy.
Explore Chaplin's filmography
1930s–1940s: Golden Age of Radio & Screwball Comedy
- Radio brought comedy into homes with stars like Jack Benny.
- Screwball comedies like Bringing Up Baby defined the era.
Learn more about Bringing Up Baby
1950s: Television Revolution
- Lucille Ball's I Love Lucy set the standard for sitcoms.
- Physical comedy and timing were central to her success.
I Love Lucy Fast Facts
1960s: Satire & Counterculture
- Lenny Bruce challenged censorship and tackled taboo topics.
- Monty Python introduced surreal British humor.
Monty Python on Wikipedia
1970s: Stand-Up Boom & Sitcom Evolution
- Richard Pryor and George Carlin revolutionized stand-up.
- Saturday Night Live debuted in 1975.
Best of Richard Pryor
1980s: Comedy Films & Cable TV
- Blockbuster comedies like Ghostbusters became cultural icons.
- HBO specials boosted stand-up careers.
Ghostbusters on Wikipedia
1990s: Sitcom Renaissance & Alternative Comedy
- Seinfeld and Friends defined the sitcom landscape.
- Alternative comedy gained traction with new voices.
Seinfeld on Wikipedia
