Comedy History 101
Comedian and journalist Harmon Leon dives deep into the wild, weird, and hilarious history of comedy. Each episode explores the backstories of legendary comedians, iconic sketches, cult classics, stand-up milestones, and forgotten gems from the comedy world. From SNL to viral videos, we unpack the moments that shaped what makes us laugh. Whether you're a hardcore comedy nerd or just comedy-curious, this is your crash course in the funny business. Subscribe now and discover how comedy got to where it is today—one punchline at a time.
More:
harmonleon.com
comedyhistory101.com
- Update frequency
- every 9 days
- Average duration
- 42 minutes
- Episodes
- 203
- Years Active
- 2017 - 2025
Comedy Cellar w/ Dave Juskow
The legendary Comedy Cellar - is the Yankee Stadium of NYC comedy clubs. Founded in 1982, the club has helped launch the careers of Jon Stewart, Dave Chappelle, Colin Quinn, Dave Attell, Amy Schumer…
00:42:40 |
Tue 16 Sep 2025
John Candy, SCTV & Second City w/ Author Paul Myers
Before Hollywood, Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Uncle Buck, and Splash, John Candy was the heart of SCTV and Toronto’s Second City.
Paul Myers, author of John Candy: His Life in Comedy, shares Cand…
01:11:48 |
Mon 08 Sep 2025
Grease Airplane Rocky Horror Picture Show w/Casting Director Joel Thurm
Joel Thurm was the casting director for such iconic movies as Airplane, Grease, Rocky Horror Picture Show, as well being the head of NBC casting for a solid decade. He is also the author of the new b…
00:43:42 |
Tue 02 Sep 2025
Conan O'Brien, Team Coco & Clueless Gamer with Will Becton
We go inside Team Coco, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, and
Clueless Gamer with Will Becton.
Will shares his comedic journey from UCB and working on the documentary aka Tommy Chong, to becoming an or…
01:45:18 |
Tue 19 Aug 2025
Andy Kaufman with Director Alex Braverman
CH101 Reprise: We dive headfirst into the wonderfully weird world of comedian Andy Kaufman with director Alex Braverman, helmer of the new documentary Thank You Very Much.
The doc explores Kaufman’…
00:34:44 |
Fri 08 Aug 2025
Johnny Carson: The King of Late Night
Before there was Fallon, Kimmel, or Colbert — there was Johnny Carson, the undisputed King of Late Night.
We talk with Howard Smith, author of the book, My Friend Johnny, who was Carson's longtime …
00:38:42 |
Fri 25 Jul 2025
Larry Charles: Borat, Seinfeld & Comedy Samurai
Larry Charles won an Emmy writing for Seinfeld, directed Borat, Brüno, and Curb Your Enthusiasm, and has collaborated with Larry David, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Bob Dylan .
Larry joins CH101 for some…
01:10:36 |
Fri 11 Jul 2025
Arrested Development w/ Writer/Producer Jim Vallely
CH101 Select: Jim Vallely was a writer/producer on the iconic comedy show: Arrested Development – which earned him an Emmy.
Jim also worked on The Golden Girls, Two and a Half Men, The John Larroque…
01:01:31 |
Wed 02 Jul 2025
The State: MTV's Cult Comedy Sketch Show
The State was the MTV sketch show that launched the careers of Michael Ian Black, Michael Showalter, David Wain, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Thomas Lennon, Kevin Allison—and several more (the troupe had 11 …
00:36:35 |
Thu 12 Jun 2025
CH101 Select: The Mr. Bill Show - SNL Origins with Creator Walter Williams
Mr. Bill is one of the most iconic characters in the history of Saturday Night Live.
This lovable, unlucky bundle of Play-Doh first appeared in the very first season of SNL as a viewer-submitted Sup…
00:45:07 |
Mon 09 Jun 2025
The Def Jam Comedy of Canada: The Nubian Show
The Nubian Show — created by comedian Kenny Robinson — changed Canadian comedy forever.
The Toronto showcase was the very first comedy show in Canada to feature comedians of color.
Kenny and his mon…
00:36:57 |
Fri 06 Jun 2025
Broad City and the Comedy of Inclusion
Broad City and Inside Amy Schumer producer Ryan Cunningham and Gold Comedy founder Lynn Harris take us deep into the world of inclusive comedy and comedy as social change.
From behind-the-scenes Br…
00:40:24 |
Tue 27 May 2025
CH101 Select: Just for Laughs w/ Darren Frost
CH101 Select: Just for Laughs is the largest comedy festival in the world. Based in Montreal, the festival has helped launch the careers of such comedians as Jerry Seinfeld, Mitch Hedberg, Jimmy Fall…
00:39:54 |
Mon 19 May 2025
Rodney Dangerfield w/ Author Michael Seth Starr
We dive deep into the life and career of the comedian who gets “no respect,” Rodney Dangerfield.
Author Michael Seth Starr joins Comedy History101 to talk about his new biography Nothin’ Comes Easy,…
00:36:29 |
Thu 24 Apr 2025
Andy Kaufman & Thank You Very Much with Director Alex Braverman
We dive headfirst into the wonderfully weird world of comedian Andy Kaufman with director Alex Braverman, helmer of the new documentary Thank You Very Much.
The doc explores Kaufman’s legendary car…
00:34:22 |
Fri 11 Apr 2025
Kevin McDonald & Kids in the Hall
Kevin McDonald is best known as a founding member of the legendary Canadian sketch comedy troupe – The Kids in the Hall –which appeared on CBS, HBO, and Comedy Central, and had a revival season aired…
00:47:55 |
Mon 31 Mar 2025
Comedy History 101: Best of 2024
Comedy History 101 wraps up the year with our best interviews from 2024. Featuring episode excerpts from Arrested Development’s Emmy-winning writer Jim Vallely, Paul Bellini from Kids in the Hall, Jo…
00:46:32 |
Mon 23 Dec 2024
CH101 Select: Chris Farley w/ Director Brent Hodge
CH101 Select: Chris Farley was one of the most dynamic and beloved comedians to ever grace the stage at both Second City and Saturday Night Live.
And I talk to Brent Hodge, director of the document…
00:42:33 |
Wed 11 Dec 2024
Gallagher w/ Director Josh Forbes
We talk to Josh Forbes, director of the new documentary on Gallagher, the comedian known for his signature bit, the Sledge-O-Matic, and his watermelon-smashing antics.
Gallagher was one of the bigg…
00:54:42 |
Mon 25 Nov 2024
CH101 Select: Kliph Nesteroff: A History of Showbiz and the Culture Wars
CH101 Select: Kliph Nesteroff is one of the leading comedy historians and the author of the new book: Outrageous: A History of Showbiz and the Culture Wars.
And we talk about his book, censorship in…
01:02:59 |
Fri 15 Nov 2024
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are the property of Harmon Leon. This content is not affiliated with or endorsed by eachpod.com.