How Humor and Comedy Have Evolved Since the 1940s
Humor has always been a mirror reflecting societal values, politics and the collective mood of its time. Over the decades, comedy has undergone significant transformations, influenced by cultural shifts, changing norms and technological advancements. I decided to take a look this week at how humor and comedy have evolved over the past 80+ years with examples of comedians who defined each era and why some things are no longer funny.
1940s: Humor Amid Wartime
The 1940s saw comedy as an escape from the grim realities of World War II. Radio dominated the entertainment landscape and comedians like Bob Hope became household names. Hope's quick-witted monologues, often performed during USO tours for troops, were peppered with harmless jabs at politicians and pop culture. The humor was clean and patriotic, aiming to uplift morale.
Why Some Humor Doesn't Work Today: The 1940s comedy relied on dated cultural references and an innocence that feels simplistic by modern standards. Jokes about wartime rationing or Rosie the Riveter lose relevance in a contemporary context.
1950s: TV Comedy and Family Values
Television revolutionized comedy in the 1950s, bringing shows like "I Love Lucy" to living rooms. Lucille Ball, with her impeccable timing and physical comedy, became a pioneer for female comedians. Meanwhile, stand-up acts like Jack Benny and Milton Berle emphasized clean, family-friendly humor. This era was marked by a sense of conformity, and comedians rarely challenged societal norms.
Why Some Humor Doesn't Work Today: The 1950s humor often ignored the complexities of race, gender and class. The era’s idealized portrayal of family life feels overly sanitized in a world accustomed to more nuanced narratives.
1960s: Counterculture and Satire
The 1960s brought political upheaval and a countercultural revolution, reflected in the comedy of the time. Lenny Bruce pushed boundaries with his explicit critiques of politics, religion and societal hypocrisy, paving the way for more daring humor. Sketch shows like "Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In" combined slapstick with sharp political satire, capturing the chaotic energy of the decade.
Why Some Humor Doesn't Work Today: Lenny Bruce’s raw and unfiltered style was groundbreaking but is no longer shocking in a post-internet world saturated with uncensored content.
1970s: Edginess and Social Commentary
The 1970s saw comedy embrace edgier material, reflecting the turbulence of Vietnam, Watergate and shifting social norms. Richard Pryor emerged as a transformative figure, addressing race, class and his own vulnerabilities with raw honesty. Sitcoms like "All in the Family" tackled controversial topics like racism and sexism with biting humor.
Why Some Humor Doesn't Work Today: The 1970s humor often relied on stereotypes that are now seen as offensive. While trailblazing for its time, some jokes from this era feel outdated or insensitive in today’s more inclusive climate.
1980s: Escapism and Stand-Up Boom
Comedy in the 1980s reflected a shift toward escapism, with a focus on entertainment rather than heavy social commentary. Stand-up comedy exploded, with stars like Eddie Murphy bringing high-energy performances and observational humor to mainstream audiences. TV shows like "Cheers" and "The Cosby Show" offered humor rooted in relatable everyday scenarios.
Why Some Humor Doesn't Work Today: Eddie Murphy’s earlier routines, filled with homophobic and misogynistic jokes, have aged poorly as societal attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality have evolved.
1990s: Irony and Self-Awareness
The 1990s ushered in a wave of irony and self-referential humor, epitomized by shows like "Seinfeld" and "The Simpsons". Stand-up comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock perfected observational comedy, dissecting the absurdities of modern life. Meanwhile, alternative comedy, led by figures like Janeane Garofalo, challenged mainstream tropes.
Why Some Humor Doesn't Work Today: The 1990s humor sometimes trivialized issues like mental health or used shock for its own sake, which feels tone-deaf by today’s more empathetic standards.
2000s: The Rise of the Absurd and Political Satire
Post-9/11 comedy saw a mix of absurdist humor and sharp political satire. Shows like "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" and "Chappelle's Show" highlighted social and political absurdities, while absurdist comedies like "Arrested Development" gained cult followings. The internet also began democratizing humor, with viral videos and memes gaining traction.
Why Some Humor Doesn't Work Today: Some sketches from this period, especially those dealing with race or gender, are critiqued for reinforcing stereotypes despite their satirical intent.
2010s: Inclusivity and Wokeness
The 2010s ushered in comedy that sought to reflect a more inclusive and diverse world. Comedians like Hannah Gadsby with her show "Nanette" challenged the traditional stand-up format, blending comedy with poignant storytelling. Shows like "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" brought humor to themes of diversity and social justice.
Why Some Humor Doesn't Work Today: The backlash against "punching down" jokes—those targeting marginalized groups—made older styles of comedy feel mean-spirited or outdated.
2020s: Digital Natives and New Sensibilities
Today, comedy thrives on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, where creators like Bo Burnham use innovative multimedia approaches. Social media has accelerated humor’s evolution, with trends changing almost overnight. Comedians now face heightened scrutiny, with audiences expecting humor to be clever, responsible and culturally aware.
Why Some Humor Doesn't Work Today: In an age of social consciousness, anything perceived as offensive or out of touch is quickly called out. Comedians must navigate the fine line between edgy and unacceptable.
Why Humor Changes
Humor reflects the collective consciousness of its time. As society evolves, so do its values, sensitivities and tastes. What was once funny may now feel offensive or irrelevant because it no longer aligns with contemporary perspectives. Comedians enduring challenge is to walk the tightrope between relevant and funny in an ever-changing world moving at the speed of electrons.