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Black Comedy in America

Black Comedy in America

The history of Black comedy and its impact on America; exploring its lore and legends, interacting with comic icons and cultural figures to understand how Black comedy has shaped America for over a century.
1 seasonDocumentary, HistoryTV-14
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Season 110 of 10 Episodes

  • Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, and the late Bernie Mac unite to make comedy magic, launching their careers into the stratosphere.

  • Russell Simmons and Stan Lathan fuse a hip-hop sensibility with cutting-edge comedy voices to create a groundbreaking franchise with enduring cultural impact.

  • A wave of hit sitcoms like "The Jeffersons" brings Black family life and humor into the homes of Americans everywhere, with an influence that continues today.

  • The quintessential Black romantic comedy brings together a talented cast, a genre ripe for fresh voices, and perfect chemistry to inspire a rom-com boom.

  • Richard Pryor blazes a trail that includes transformational appearances, addiction and tragedy, and a mix of pain and joy.

  • Eddie Murphy's story features his instant emergence as a force on "SNL," his raw and boundary-pushing standup, and his rise to A-list movie star status.

  • The origin story of Black comedy includes slave tradition, the chitlin' circuit, racial stereotypes, Jim Crow segregation on the road, and breakout triumphs.

  • A fish-out-of-water sitcom proves to be the perfect vehicle for the talents, personality, and charisma of Will Smith, setting him on a course for superstardom.

  • Kevin Hart overcomes a series of early setbacks and hones his comedic voice to become one of the biggest comedians and movie stars in Hollywood.

  • Dave Chappelle's uncompromising comic voice and vision fuel his ascent to major success, even in the face of controversy and changing cultural tides.

Record to Watch Later

4 episodes will be broadcast over the next two weeks

    Our Roots
    70s Sitcoms
    Richard Pryor
    Dave Chappelle
  • Our Roots

    The origin story of Black comedy includes slave tradition, the chitlin' circuit, racial stereotypes, Jim Crow segregation on the road, and breakout triumphs.
    Upcoming
  • 70s Sitcoms

    A wave of hit sitcoms like "The Jeffersons" brings Black family life and humor into the homes of Americans everywhere, with an influence that continues today.
    Upcoming
  • Richard Pryor

    Richard Pryor blazes a trail that includes transformational appearances, addiction and tragedy, and a mix of pain and joy.
    Upcoming
  • Dave Chappelle

    Dave Chappelle's uncompromising comic voice and vision fuel his ascent to major success, even in the face of controversy and changing cultural tides.
    Upcoming
Black Comedy in America

More about Black Comedy in America

The history of Black comedy and its impact on America; exploring its lore and legends, interacting with comic icons and cultural figures to understand how Black comedy has shaped America for over a century.

Starring

Tiffany Haddish, Chris Spencer, Ryan Davis

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