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. More: harmonleon.com comedyhistory101.com

Comedy History 101 is a comedy podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 223 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Comedy History 101, a comedy show with 223 episodes published.

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  Comedy History 101

  How Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert & Steve Carell Built The Daily Show w/ Former Field Producer Evan Cutler

  Aug 7, 20261h 19m

  The Daily Show became a comedy institution when Jon Stewart took over from Craig Kilborn. Former The Daily Show field producer Evan Cutler reveals how Jon Stewart reinvented the show, why Stephen Colbert stood out from day one, how Steve Carell got his break, and why The Daily Show stopped making fun of people—and started making fun of the news. Plus Evan shares stories of John McEnroe’s ill-fated late night talk show that got a 0.0 TV rating. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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  Comedy History 101

  How SCTV, The Kids in the Hall & The State Got Their Start: Sketch Comedy Origins

  Jul 31, 202636 min

  Go inside the origin stories of three of the most influential sketch comedy shows ever: The Kids in the Hall, SCTV, and The State. Kids in the Hall co-founder Kevin McDonald, SCTV writer Chris Cluess, and The State with filmmaker Matthew Perniciaro (director of Long Live The State!) share how these legendary comedy groups got their start — from Second City and SCTV’s Emmy-winning run, to Kevin McDonald meeting Dave Foley and catching the attention of Lorne Michaels, to David Wain helping take The State from NYU to MTV. Comedy History 101 digs into the archives for the stories behind three shows that helped shape modern sketch comedy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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  Comedy History 101

  Mitch Hedberg’s Lost Cult Comedy: Los Enchiladas! with Co-Star Brian Malow

  Jul 21, 20261h 30m

  Mitch Hedberg is one of the most beloved and influential stand-up comedians in the history of comedy. He also made a movie, Los Enchiladas! Comedian/Los Enchiladas co-star Brian Malow takes us inside the wild, DIY making of Mitch’s rarely seen cult comedy, set in a Mexican restaurant in St. Paul, Minnesota. Mitch turned a TV development deal into a scrappy feature film featuring future comedy heavyweights Marc Maron, Dave Attell, and Todd Barry. Plus, Brian shares stories from years on the road with Mitch and offers a rare firsthand look at the comedian before the rest of the world discovered his singular genius. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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  Comedy History 101

  Bob Illes: Emmy-Winning Comedy Writer Who Worked with Richard Pryor, Steve Martin & Lorne Michaels

  Jul 2, 20261h 12m

  Emmy winning comedy writer, Bob Illes, has been in the writers' rooms with some of the biggest names in comedy. From Richard Pryor, Lily Tomlin, Steve Martin, Carol Burnett, Tim Conway, Martin Mull, Fred Willard, Bob Einstein, David Letterman, Lorne Michaels, and Norman Lear – to name a few. Bob is also the author of the new book, Funny Is Money, where he chats about writing for such classic TV shows as The Carol Burnett Show, Fernwood Tonight, Sanford and Son, Silver Spoons, One Day at a Time, and of course, The Captain & Tennille Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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  Comedy History 101

  Stairway to Stardom: An Audio Documentary

  Jun 17, 202656 min

  Stairway to Stardom was a legendary NYC public access TV show that gave singers, dancers, comedians, and dreamers a chance to become stars. It's a cult classic that fans include Bjork, Alec Baldwin, & Paul Scheer . Long before social media, there was a Manhattan cable show that let people perform with the same passion they had dancing in front of their bedroom mirror - without fear of being torn down by the trolls. In this Comedy History 101 audio documentary we explore the rise, fall, and unlikely rediscovery of Stairway to Stardom. Featuring interviews with archivist Mitch Friedman, Joe Pickett of the Found Footage Festival, Artist, HP Mendoza, and past STS performers Rich Halke, Lola Perazzo. All The Kings Men Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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