There's a saying that comedy is tragedy plus time. Perhaps that's why some of our biggest problems feel easiest to manage with a dose of humor. Comedian, journalist and actor Roy Wood Jr. has spent his career finding the silly in the...

Keegan-Michael Key is a modern master of sketch comedy, starring in hits shows “Mad TV,” “Key and Peele” and “Schmigadoon!” Now, he and his wife, film and TV producer Elle Key, have taken a long look into the history of the art form....

Scurvy isn't just a silly word used by pirates- it's actually a serious disease caused by a lack of Vitamin C that still occurs today! But did you know that our distant ancestors could make their own Vitamin C, making it impossible to...

Economics isn't exactly a side-splitting discipline, but at a recent economics convention in Atlanta, self-proclaimed "stand-up economist" Yoram Bauman showed it's possible to infuse the sober science with monetary mirth.

The one and only Jerry Seinfeld has had a big year with a Netflix special and a new book. Jeffrey Brown caught up with Seinfeld for our ongoing arts and cultural series, "Canvas."

This week we're continuing our discussion of William Shakespeare and looking at his comedies and romances. As well as something called problem plays. Some of his plays, they had problems. We'll also put on pants, escape to forest, and...

Aristophanes, often referred to as the Father of Comedy, wrote the world's earliest surviving comic dramas. They're stuffed full of parodies, songs, sexual jokes and surreal fantasy -- and they've shaped how comedy's been written and...

Al Seckel, an expert on illusions, explores the perceptual illusions that fool our brains. He shares loads of cool tricks to prove that not only are we easily fooled, we kind of like it.

It's said that the quickest way to kill a joke is to explain it, but scientists are still interested in finding out just what tickles our brains and makes us find something funny.

In this first-of-its-kind demo, Heather Knight introduces Data, a robotic stand-up comedian that does much more than rattle off one-liners -- it gathers audience feedback (using software co-developed with Scott Satkin and Varun...

If you're wondering why blackface -- mimicking people of African descent via stereotypes and makeup-darkened skin -- is a big deal, then perhaps a little history lesson can help demystify the outcry. Dwan Reece, curator at the National...

If, when your childhood pet passed away, your father remarked, “Well, I’ll be dog-gone,” you might be the victim of a dad joke. Fortunately, dad jokes might actually be a good thing.

Marco Tempest spins a beautiful story of what magic is, how it entertains us and how it highlights our humanity -- all while working extraordinary illusions with his hands and an augmented reality machine.

Knock knock! Who’s there? It’s Jessi and Squeaks exploring the science of why we laugh!

With candor and cunning, sex historian Kate Lister chronicles the curious journey of an ancient, honest word with innocent origins and a now-scandalous connotation in this uproarious love letter to etymology, queens, cows and all...

Whether she's describing bickering families, quiet declarations of love, or juicy gossip, Jane Austen's writing often feels as though it was written just for you. Her dry wit and cheeky playfulness informs her heroines, whose...

Will Arnett tries out his jokes on The Independent as he plays a stand up comedian in Is This Thing On?Credit: The Independent

Indonesian humor, which often integrates wordplay such as puns and double meanings, is commonly used to poke fun at those who are wealthy and powerful. Learn more about the folktales of Kancil, a beloved part of Indonesian tradition....

Contrary to the popular view, Germans have a great sense of humor. They love to laugh at themselves, and jokes about the slow Frisians, the thrifty Swabians, and the curious Berliners fill German theaters and cabarets. A good sense of...

Singaporeans may seem at times to laugh inappropriately. This occurs most often when they’re feeling shy, nervous, or embarrassed. They sometimes laugh to hide other feelings or because they don’t know how to respond. Take care not to...

Mexicans have a good sense of humor and a real knack for enjoying life. They love to tease, play language games, and laugh at other people’s mistakes—or ingenuity. Referring to each other by funny nicknames is a playful Mexican custom....

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