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.
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- Update frequency
- every 9 days
- Average duration
- 42 minutes
- Episodes
- 203
- Years Active
- 2017 - 2025
(PT 2) History of John Belushi: SNL Years
John Belushi, at the height of his fame - was on top-rated TV show, SNL, had the #1 movie with Animal House, and had the #1 album with his band, the Blues Brothers. Belushi created
iconic comedy char…
00:50:54 |
Sat 12 Dec 2020
History of John Belushi: The Early Days
In this episode we cover the John Belushi origin story. From his early days growing up in Wheaton, IL - to his stint in Second City and starring in National Lampoon's Lemmings. Plus, all the other th…
00:51:05 |
Mon 07 Dec 2020
CH101 Select: History of Trump Attempting to be Funny
In celebration of the end of a shitshow era - we bring this CH!01 Select: From mocking a disabled reporter to making fun of a sexual assault victim - Donald J. Trump has proven there is a vastly diff…
00:42:54 |
Fri 27 Nov 2020
(PT 2) History of Richard Pryor, The Black Panthers, and Berkeley
Part Two of our episode on the Richard Pryor comedy origin story. We cover his time underground in Berkeley, CA and discovering his true comedic voice.
We also talk about the time that Richard Pryor …
00:31:38 |
Fri 20 Nov 2020
History of Richard Pryor, The Black Panthers, and Berkeley
In the early 60s, Richard Pryor was a clean cut, mainstream comedian who appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show. Then he had a meltdown in Las Vegas. Retreating from showbiz, he moved to Berkeley, Californ…
00:35:22 |
Fri 13 Nov 2020
History of Freddie Prinze
Showtime has a new series on the History of the Comedy Store. Comedian Freddie Prinze was the first big breakout star of The Store. At 19, he appeared on The Tonight Show - and shortly after he got h…
00:44:41 |
Fri 06 Nov 2020
History of Sasha Baron Cohen and Borat
Sasha Baron Cohen is back - with his new movie: Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm. This time the confused Kazakhstan journalist takes on the pandemic and Trump America.
In this episode we dive into both th…
00:47:50 |
Fri 30 Oct 2020
History of Abbie Hoffman and The Second City Theater
Sasha Baron Cohen plays activist Abbie Hoffman in the new Netflix film, The Trial of the Chicago 7.
As seen in the film, by day, Hoffman was in the courtroom - fighting conspiracy charges. By night,…
00:32:42 |
Fri 23 Oct 2020
CH101 Select: History of The Comedy Store Strike
Showtime has a new documentary series on the legendary Comedy Store in Las Angeles.
That's why we're bringing back a CH101 Select on the history of the 1979 Comedy Store strike - which was lead by co…
00:55:00 |
Mon 12 Oct 2020
Ch101 Select: History of the Comedy Central Roast of Donald Trump
What a week. Within the last seven days, Trump's tax returns have been revealed, there was an unhinged presidential debate, and now the president has tested positive for coronavirus - after spending …
00:58:40 |
Fri 02 Oct 2020
History of Pepe the Frog
In 2005, Pepe the Frog was created by cartoonist Matt Furie And then his lovable creation got coopted by the alt-right. Ugh! Coinciding with the release of the new documentary, Feels Good Man - we ch…
00:31:29 |
Fri 25 Sep 2020
CH101 Select: History of XXX Party Records
Party Records were albums that people would play at night after the kids went to bed. Known for its XXX humor - Party Records helped launch the careers of Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, LaWanda Page, Skil…
00:50:19 |
Fri 18 Sep 2020
History of the Animal House Sitcom
Animal House starred John Belushi - and was a game changer in movie history. So less than a year after its release, ABC tried to cash in on the film's success with the sitcom: Delta House.
Despite ha…
00:27:05 |
Fri 11 Sep 2020
History of The Chevy Chase Show
The Chevy Chase Show premiered in 1993. It starred Chevy Chase - and was FOX's talk show answer to The Late Show with David Letterman.
The former SNL star looked lost, uncomfortable, and out of his e…
00:34:31 |
Fri 04 Sep 2020
CH101 Select: History of the Comedy Store Condo
From the archives: The Comedy Store in Los Angeles is home to a zillion famous (and not so famous) comedians. The condo, directly behind The Store - was literally home to numerous comedians who went …
01:03:35 |
Fri 28 Aug 2020
History of the Blazing Saddles Sitcom
In 1975, Warner Brothers filmed a sitcom spinoff of the hit movie, Blazing Saddles, called: Black Bart.
The sitcom starred Lou Gossett Jr., featured pale imitations of the original cast, and had a ca…
00:22:51 |
Thu 13 Aug 2020
History of the Unknown Comic
The Unknown Comic skyrocketed to fame - from his appearances on The Gong Show in the 70's. His schtick was to perform with a paper bag on his head - and rattle off a series of paper bag-related puns.…
00:35:45 |
Fri 17 Jul 2020
CH101 Select: History of George Martin & The Beatles
The late George Martin will always be best remembered for his legendary work as the producer of The Beatles. Did you know that the man who made the Fab Four sound amazing got his start as a producer …
00:41:02 |
Fri 10 Jul 2020
History of Carl Reiner
Let’s salute Carl Reiner! The comedy legend passed away this week at the age of 98. Here’s a man responsible for kickstarting the film career of Steve Martin, was a comedy partner of Mel Brooks, and …
00:42:18 |
Wed 01 Jul 2020
History of Dick Gregory: From Comedian to Activist
In 1961, Dick Gregory was the first African American comedian to perform at a white club.
A pioneer in the world of stand-up comedy, Gregory's material mocked the bigotry and racism of the time. Greg…
00:32:33 |
Fri 12 Jun 2020
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