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Make 'Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America Season 1 Episodes

Season 1 Episode Guide

Season 1

6 Episodes 2009 - 2009

Episode 1

Nerds, Jerks & Oddballs: Would Ya Hit a Guy with Glasses?

Wed, Jan 14, 2009 57 mins

Billy Crystal hosts this history of American comedy, which explores the funny business via performances, profiles and interviews. It begins with the comic treasures unearthed by such outsiders as Harold Lloyd and Bob Hope, trailblazing female comic Phyllis Diller, and such zany characters as Andy Kaufman, Robin Williams and Jonathan Winters. Also featured are Cheech and Chong, Woody Allen and the funniest man to ever make balloon animals, Steve Martin. Amy Sedaris narrates.

Where to Watch

Episode 2

Breadwinners and Homemakers: Honey, I'm Home!

Wed, Jan 14, 2009 57 mins

The domestic-comedy concept pioneered by the likes of George Burns and Gracie Allen is examined. Featured shows include "The Goldbergs," "I Love Lucy," "The Honeymooners," "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "All in the Family," "The Cosby Show," "Roseanne," "Seinfeld" and "The Simpsons."

Where to Watch

Episode 3

The Knockabouts: Slip on a Banana Peel

Wed, Jan 21, 2009 57 mins

A focus on slapstick comedy recalls the antics of Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, the Three Stooges, Martin and Lewis, the Marx Brothers and Lucille Ball.

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Episode 4

The Groundbreakers: When I'm Bad, I'm Better

Wed, Jan 21, 2009 57 mins

The "bad" boys and gals who bent (and broke) the established rules of comedy, including Mae West, Moms Mabley, Lenny Bruce, George Carlin and Richard Pryor, are remembered.

Where to Watch

Episode 5

The Wiseguys: Never Give a Sucker an Even Break

Wed, Jan 28, 2009 57 mins

A look at the smart alecks whose well-timed wisecracks bring laughs to all but the targets of their wrath. Among the featured comics: Larry David, W.C. Fields, Redd Foxx, Paul Lynde, Groucho Marx, Eddie Murphy, Joan Rivers, Chris Rock and Phil Silvers.

Where to Watch

Episode 6

Satire and Parody: Sock It to ME?

Wed, Jan 28, 2009 57 mins

A celebration of the comics who've lampooned politics and/or pop culture through the years, including Will Rogers, Johnny Carson, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Sid Caesar, Mel Brooks and the crew from "Saturday Night Live."

Where to Watch