Comedy is a genre that has, in particular, grown significantly over decades past. In ancient Greek times, comedy was seen through plays and playwrights. Today, it is a multi-billion-dollar genre that spans a wide range of mediums and age demographics.
Comedy is often seen as an escape where audiences can go to simply laugh and forget about their problems for a short time. It produces serotonin in the body which can help lower stress levels. Simply put, comedy can be healing to experience.
Today, there are several ways — both traditional and not — where audiences can go to immerse themselves in comedic productions. Let’s take a look at some of the best places to go if you’re looking for a good laugh.
Go Online
The internet is undoubtedly a part of our everyday lives. We work, shop, game, and communicate online. We build our networks and stay in touch with long-distance friends and family. We even turn to the internet to entertain us — especially when we want to laugh.
YouTube has been widely known as the go-to website to view humorous content — whether it’s funny animal videos or the latest viral challenge. The internet has become the most accessible form of entertainment, reaching billions of viewers worldwide.
Today, there are more options for entertainment than ever. Audiences can find something to fit their preferred niche, whether they love laughing at the latest comedy special on Netflix or have recently discovered comedic series like Wig Mediums on Broadstream.
All you have to do is open your computer or smartphone and you’re ready to laugh.
Take in a Comedy Show
If you live in a metropolitan city, or a short drive from one, chances are there are plenty of options if you’re looking for a live comedy show.
Stand-Up
Stand-up is the best form of comedy if you’re looking to hear original jokes from up-and-coming comedians. With a stand-up show, you often get to hear real stories from those on stage, since this type of comedy is often derived from their lived experiences.
Improv
If you prefer comedy shows based on fictional scenarios and ideas that are always changing, you’ll love improv. Improv — short for improvisation — is a form of theater, primarily comedy, where most or all of what’s performed is unscripted and off-the-cuff.
Improv is typically performed in either short-form or long-form. Short-form is bite-sized skits performed by actors with the help of the current scene or game. Long-form comedy, by contrast, doesn’t rely on these scenarios or one-liners but, instead, typically features two improvisers acting out one long story. It’s similar to sketch comedy, however, everything in long-form comedy is made up on the spot.
Visit a Movie Theater
With so many film and television options on streaming platforms, we often forget about the joy we can experience at the movie theater. Next time you’re looking to escape into a comedy, check the listings at your local theater and make a night of it with your partner, with friends, or enjoy a night to yourself.