Black Comedy in America

1 season available

The history of Black comedy and its impact on America; exploring its lore and legends, interacting with comic icons and cultural figures to understand how Blackcomedy has shaped America for over a century.
The Original Kings of Comedy
S1 E1

Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, and the late Bernie Mac unite to make comedy magic, launching their careers into the stratosphere.

Def Comedy Jam
S1 E2

Russell Simmons and Stan Lathan fuse a hip-hop sensibility with cutting-edge comedy voices to create a groundbreaking franchise with enduring cultural impact.

70s Sitcoms
S1 E3

A wave of hit sitcoms like "The Jeffersons" bring Black family life and humor into the homes of Americans everywhere, with an influence that continues today.

The Best Man
S1 E4

The quintessential Black romantic comedy brings together a talented cast, a genre ripe for fresh voices, and perfect chemistry to inspire a rom-com boom.

Richard Pryor
S1 E5

Richard Pryor blazes a trail that includes transformational appearances, addiction and tragedy, and a mix of pain and joy.

Eddie Murphy in the 80s
S1 E6

Eddie Murphy's story features his instant emergence as a force on "SNL," his raw and boundary-pushing standup, and his rise to A-list movie star status.

Our Roots
S1 E7

The origin story of Black comedy includes slave tradition, the chitlin circuit, racial stereotypes, Jim Crow segregation on the road, and breakout triumphs.

The Fresh Prince
S1 E8

A fish-out-of-water sitcom proves to be the perfect vehicle for the talents, personality, and charisma of Will Smith, setting him on a course for superstardom.

Kevin Hart
S1 E9

Kevin Hart overcomes a series of early setbacks and hones his comedic voice to become one of the biggest comedians and movie stars in Hollywood.

Dave Chappelle
S1 E10

Dave Chappelle's uncompromising comic voice and vision fuel his ascent to major success, even in the face of controversy and changing cultural tides.