Comedy History 101

By Harmon LeonComedy TV & Film Society & Culture History

Comedy History 101 episodes

August 28, 2019 CH101 Select: History of Caddyshack 2 - the Worst Sequel EVER!
In this CH101 Select - we dissect Caddyshack 2 - which is the worst comedy movie sequel OF ALL TIME!
Sure, it's still a classic battle of the snobs vs. the slobs, but Caddyshack 2 has none of the charm of the original Caddyshack. And none of the original cast (except for a cameo by Chevy Chase). But what it lacks in all those other areas, the movie makes up with Dan Aykroyd in the most embarrassing supporting role in history.
42 min
August 26, 2019 CH101 Select: History of CADDYSHACK 2 - THE WORST SEQUEL EVER!
In this CH101 Select - we dissect Caddyshack 2 - which is the worst comedy movie sequel OF ALL TIME!
Sure, it's still a classic battle of the snobs vs. the slobs, but Caddyshack 2 has none of the charm of the original Caddyshack. And none of the original cast (except for a cameo by Chevy Chase). But what it lacks in all those other areas, the movie makes up with Dan Aykroyd in the most embarrassing supporting role in history.

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45 min
August 13, 2019 CH101 Select: History of Devo
We explore the comedy history behind the band DEVO - one of the funniest music groups of all time.
DEVO first described their music as bombs dropping mixed with Alka Seltzer jingles and the overall mood of the band as a combination of Fritz Lang's Metropolis and Ronald McDonald.
Find out about such carnations as Boogi Boy (Mothersbaugh's alter-ego), the red energy dome hats, and where they came up with the idea for the yellow jumpsuits.
48 min
August 12, 2019 CH101 Select: History of Devo
We explore the comedy history behind the band DEVO - one of the funniest music groups of all time.
DEVO first described their music as bombs dropping mixed with Alka Seltzer jingles and the overall mood of the band as a combination of Fritz Lang's Metropolis and Ronald McDonald.
Find out about such carnations as Boogi Boy (Mothersbaugh's alter-ego), the red energy dome hats, and where they came up with the idea for the yellow jumpsuits.

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51 min
August 05, 2019 History of Frankie Fay: America's First Stand Up Comedian and Horrible Racist
Frankie Fay was a vaudeville comedian - who in 1919 is said to have created modern day stand up comedy. Fay was the first comedian to come out on stage in regular clothes and just talk to the audience. He is also credited for creating the role of MC in comedy shows. Legendary comedians Bob Hope, Jack Benny, and George Burns all admired Fay’s stage persona.
So why haven’t you heard of Frankie Fay - and why is he lost to history? Because he was also a horrible racist.
In fact, in 1946 - a group called “Friends of Frankie Fay - held a pro-fascist rally at Madison Square Garden - that praised Hitler…and Frankie Fay.
Learn more about the man who pioneered stand up comedy - but was eventually blacklisted from show biz for being a notorious bigot.

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45 min
July 29, 2019 (Pt 2) History of Mad Magazine
Look at Jimi Hendrix. He loved Mad magazine. I’d like to think that when Hendrix played his rendition of The National Anthem at Woodstock, he was doing his Mad magazine interpretation of the song—thumbing his legendary nose at authority.
And Mad is ending it’s 67 year run in August. We dive into Part Two of your history of the magazine. - covering some of the controversies over the years. Longtime editor, Joe Raiola tells us what happened when they had an article where the prophet Muhammad appeared in a pancake.
You can also read my entire interview with Joe at the Observer.
38 min
July 29, 2019 History of Mad Magazine (PT 2)
We dive into Part Two of your history of the magazine. - covering some of the controversies over the years. Longtime editor, Joe Raiola tells us what happened when they had an article where the prophet Muhammad appeared in a pancake.
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41 min
July 22, 2019 History of Mad Magazine
Sadly, Mad magazine is ending its 67-year print run in August. Gone. Vanished. No more. But Mad will live on through how it influenced every comedic force that has ever thumbed its nose at authority, from The Simpsons and the Onion to Howard Stern, and Stephen Colbert.
I recently got a chance to interview longtime editor/writer for Mad, Joe Raiola - for a story I did in the Observer. Joe provided some great insights on his 33 years working for Mad.
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36 min
July 15, 2019 CH101 Select: History of the Andrew "Dice" Clay Controversy
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.
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44 min
July 08, 2019 CH101 Select: History of Beavis and Butt-head's Frog Baseball
From the CH101 archives: We discuss the making of the Mike Judge animated short, Frog Baseball, which launched the MTV series: Beavis and Butt-head. We also dive into some of Judge's early animation work, such as Inbred Jed and Office Space.
But how did Beavis and Butt-head get it's start. What's the origin story?
Listen on to learn more….
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37 min

About Comedy History 101

From the publisher's feed

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.