Comedy History 101

The Comedy Store in Los Angeles is home to a zillion famous (and not so famous) comedians. But at one time, directly behind The Store, the condo at 8420 Cresthill Road - was literally home to numerous comedians who went on to change the face of comedy. Sam Kinison, Andrew Dice Clay, Robin Williams, Yakov Smirnoff, Richard Pryor, and Marc Maron - either lived or hung out at this comedy habode. This...

Comedian Michelle Wolf caused controversy at the recent White House Correspondents' Dinner. The annual Washington event, that celebrates the media and free speech, has a long history of comedy. From the early days with Bob Hope to notable comedians as Richard Pryor, Stephan Colbert, and Jon Stewart - comedy has been an integral part of the gala. Harmon and Scott take a deep dive into the history o...

We explore the history of dead baby jokes - a popular joke genre that began the 60’s and ran through the 80s. Like gallows humor tried to make light the worst of human atrocities. But social climate brought about this type of dark comedy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the 80's, Andrew Dice Clay was one of the biggest comedians in America. He came into prominence with a brash, offensive persona known as "The Diceman." His material was heavily homophobic and misogynistic. He was banned from MTV and there were protests of his appearance on SNL. Then his entire career came crashing down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more a...

Harmon and Scott dissect the history of the movie Caddyshack 2 - which is not only a sequel to the much beloved movie, Caddyshack, but it's also the worst sequel OF ALL TIME! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Harmon and Scott discuss the biopic: A Futile and Stupid Gesture which chronicles comedy writer Doug Kenney, during the rise and fall of National Lampoon. They compare it to the 2015 documentary: Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead: The Story of the National Lampoon, which chronicles comedy writer Doug Kenney, during the rise and fall of National Lampoon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f...

So, how did the TV show South Park come about? Well, it goes back to the animated short: The Spirit of Christmas. In, 1992, film students Trey Parker and Matt Stone.created the animated short; Jesus vs. Frosty - which pitted the beloved holiday character again Jesus. That set their career rolling - but there were a few hurdles along the way... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a...

Harmon and Scott dive into the history of Moms Mabley, who was the first successful female standup comedian and had a career that spanned over 50 years. Moms bridged the gap between vaudeville and modern stand up comedy. She was also the first woman comic to play the Apollo theater and Carnegie Hall in 1962. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad ch...

Harmon and Scott discuss the making of the Mike Judge animated short, Frog Baseball, which launched the MTV series: Beavis and Butt-head Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Harmon and Scott revel over the history of crazy Japanese game shows. Learn about Takeshi's Castle - the granddaddy of all weird Japanese game shows. And find out about Candy No Candy - where contestants have to eat objects, like shoes, and determine if it's candy or not candy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/...

Harmon and Scott discuss the new documentary, Jim and Andy, which is about Jim Carrey transforming into Andy Kaufman during the filming of the 1999 movie, Man on the Moon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Harmon and Scott dive into the history of Party Records; particularly Laff Records, a small independent comedy label known for XXX humor and helped launch the careers of Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, LaWanda Page, and Skillet & Leroy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Harmon and Scott dive into the history and value of the straight man in comedy teams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We explore the history of comedy that crosses the line. Scott and Harmon discuss comedy that's revolutionary and comedy that goes too far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We explore the comedy history behind comedians stealing jokes - from Abbot and Costello to Carlos Mencia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We explore the comedy history behind DEVO - one of the funniest bands in history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Harmon Leon and Scott Calonico discuss the history behind the legendary TV show: SCTV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We dive into the work of one of our favorite documentary filmmakers: Louie Theroux. We discuss his long range of BBC specials - and his most recent project: My Scientology Movie. Find out about Louie's early days as an intern at the San Jose Metro - and his work alongside Michael Moore on TV Nation. Get acquainted with Louie's first TV series: Louie Theroux's Weird Weekend; where he immersed himse...

What did Eric Idle right after Monty Python? Rutland Weekend Television. Harmon and Scott dive into the history behind the 1975 cult TV show that was responsible for launching the legendary Beatles parody: The Rutles. Idle teamed with musician Neal Innes - from the Bonzo Dog (Doo-Dah) Band - who was considered the seventh member of Monty Python and crooned songs in Monty Python in the Holy Grail....

Harmon and Scott talk about the history of the legendary Improv comedy club. Learn about Bud Friedman and his club that launched the careers of Andy Kaufman, Jerry Seinfeld, Jimmy Fallon, Sarah Silverman, and just about everyone else who is famous in the world of comedy. Find out about the humble beginnings in Hell's Kitchen. When did the iconic brick wall come about?  How did the Improv became a...