Night mode

Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy - Watch Legally and Safely

Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy

Countries: United States,
Release Date: January 1, 2009
Year: 2009
Runtime:95 min
IMDb Rating:

An off-screen narration, four dozen talking heads, and clips of performances tell a chronological story about Black comedy: who has made us laugh since 1901, what is the nature of their humor, and what social and political contexts inform it. We look at minstrels, Stepin Fetchit, “Amos ‘n Andy,” “Beulah,” Redd Foxx, Dick Gregory, Flip Wilson, Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, “The Cosby Show,” Chris Rock, Whoopi, “Hollywood Shuffle,” entrepreneurship and Black comedy clubs, Robert Harris, urban street culture and “In Living Color,” the rise of the Fox network, Def Comedy Jam, and the Original Kings of Comedy. The film asserts Black comedy helps America change.

How to Watch Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy Legally and Safely

If you want to stream Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy through reputable and legal services, there are a few good options depending on where you are. Subscription platforms like HBO Max, Disney+, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+ sometimes carry Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy films or related DC titles—though availability depends on your country.

If you’d rather not commit to a subscription, there are ad‑supported, free (but legal) platforms such as Tubi, Pluto TV, Peacock or Crackle (where available in your region) that occasionally host superhero films.

Lastly, don’t forget about library‑linked streaming options like Kanopy or Hoopla (if your library or university is registered), and official uploads by film distributors on YouTube—these can also give you legal access to classic movies.

Angela Bassett     , Bill Bellamy     , Franklyn Ajaye