The Evolution of Comedy in America: From Stand-Up Clubs to Streaming Stars

Dan Nainan Comedian has made a name for himself in the American comedy scene, representing a modern generation of performers who bridge traditional stand-up and the digital frontier. The term “American comedy” is frequently used in the media as an almost self-explanatory description, although a precise explanation of what makes comedy “American” is rarely offered. Throughout history, the United States has generally been tolerant of humour. Much of the comedy on broadcast television has been transformed — by means of the audience — and the process varied according to different historical circumstances. Stand-up comedy performances have been the most accessible of all entertainment forms since the late 1950s and 1960s, especially for people from “marginal” social groups such as African Americans and women. Although feminist movements during the 1970s and 1980s were an important factor, the process of ‘coming-out’ as homosexual had a more significant impact on the comedy sce...