CNN Orders Eight-Part Series ‘The History of Comedy’

CNN is delving into the history of comedy for a new series. The network announced today that it’s ordered an eight-part series called The History of Comedy, which will debut on the network sometime next year:

The History of Comedy is an eight-part series executive produced by Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner (Hazy Mills) and Emmy Award winners Mark Herzogand Christopher G. Cowen (Herzog & Company). Episodes will explore what makes people laugh – from the Ancient Greeks, to Shakespeare, Vaudeville, to the biggest contemporary comedians, movies and TV shows. The series will dig deep into topics like political humor and slapstick, featuring the voices that have made us laugh over the generations. Using archival footage, original comedic material, interviews with comedy legends and luminaries, the series will showcase how the art form has evolved over the years.

CNN also debuted a new comedic docu-series hosted by W. Kamau Bell last month called United Shades of America. Check out our interview with Bell about the show here.

CNN Orders Eight-Part Series ‘The History of Comedy’