Hosted by Billy Crystal and narrated by Amy Sedaris, Make ‘Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America is a documentary series chronicling more than a century of the funniest moments in American entertainment. On January 13, Rhino Entertainment will release the six-hour series as a three-DVD collection. The following day, January 14, and for the following two Wednesdays, the series will premiere on PBS; check local listings for exact broadcast times.
The documentary melds performances, biographical portraits, and American history to illustrate how comedy has mirrored the political and social changes in American society. Each hour-long episode focuses on a different genre of comedy, from slapstick and satire to stand-up and sitcoms.
Make ‘Em Laugh compiles the most popular routines, the most ingenious physical shtick, the snappiest wisecracks, and the most incisive, biting satirical jokes to have come out of American culture. The list of influential comedic talent featured and/or interviewed for the series includes: Charlie Chaplin, Jack Benny, Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Sid Caesar, Judd Apatow, Woody Allen, Larry Wilmore, George Carlin, Richard Pryor, Richard Lewis, Jon Stewart, and many others.
