New CNN special was worth tuning in for

I very rarely “tune in” to watch anything on actual TV other than live sports, but every once in a while I make an exception to this self-imposed principle. Last night’s premiere episode of The History of Comedy on CNN was worth breaking the rules.

Breaking the rules was sort of the theme of last night’s episode, which featured mostly clips of “old” comedians—mostly from the 1960s—whose material was considered at the time dangerous, scandalous, or even criminal. The life and work of Lenny Bruce was featured prominently, as was the work of Redd Foxx, Richard Pryor, and George Carlin. In fact, the best parts of the show were the clips themselves. Of course you wanted to be there, in the club, in the moment, but you’d settle for 10 seconds here and 10 seconds there on your TV at home 50 years later. Seeing comtemporary comedians speak about the old-timers in documentary fashion was the least entertaining part of the program, though it’s tough to come up with anything new to say about how great the seven words you can’t say on TV really are.

I rarely say this, but kudos, CNN, for putting out another series I’m actually interested in watching. Following their success with The Sixties, The Seventies, and The Eighties (all of which I thoroughly enjoyed), CNN again proves that even communist cable channels can produce quality programming from time to time.

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About moc

My name is Mike O'Connell. I am 41 years old and live in Northern Virginia. I am a teacher, a musician, and an enthusiast of all things American.

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