Make 'Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America [TV Documentary Series] (2009) Reviews

Join host Billy Crystal and narrator Amy Sedaris as they take a look back at some of the funniest men, women, and moments in American comedy history in this six-part PBS series co-produced by Thirteen/WNET and Ghost Light Films. From poking fun at American standards to ribbing our political system, race relations, gender issues, and common taboos, U.S. comics have a unique way of making us laugh through times of pressing social and economic change. Interviews with over ninety comedians, performers, writers, producers, and historians including Will Ferrell, Sid Caesar, Judd Apatow, Steve Martin, Larry David, Leonard Maltin, Carol Burnett, Roseanne Barr, and more help to meld history, performance, and biography in a way that's as educational as it is hilarious. Each one-hour segment, including "Would Ya Hit A Guy With Glasses?: Nerds, Jerks & Oddballs," "Slip On A Banana Peel: The Knockabouts," "Sock it to Me?: Satire and Parody," "When I'm Bad, I'm Better: The Groundbreakers," "Never Give A Sucker An Even Break: The Wiseguys," and "Honey, I'm Home!: Breadwinners and Homemakers" explores a unique genre of American comedy. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi