Watch Dark Side of Comedy Online

Dark Side of Comedy

Where to Watch Dark Side of Comedy

10
Gilda Radner
2023-12-19
Gilda Radner was SNL's first female star. But her pioneering success was plagued by trauma, eating disorders, heartbreak and cancer, all of which she turned into comedy material.

Watch Dark Side of Comedy Season 2 Episode 10 Now

9
Norm MacDonald
2023-12-12
On SNL and beyond, Norm MacDonald was legendary for his fearless comedy. But his controversial persona concealed a serious gambling problem and a secret that he took to his grave.

Watch Dark Side of Comedy Season 2 Episode 9 Now

8
Ellen DeGeneres
2023-12-05
Ellen DeGeneres revolutionized TV with a unique brand of positive humor, but behind the scenes a massive controversy was brewing--one that would tarnish her image forever.

Watch Dark Side of Comedy Season 2 Episode 8 Now

7
Family Matters
2023-11-28
"Family Matters" is a wholesome sitcom of the 90s, but the success of the show led to issues for many cast members who still deal with trauma and addiction.

Watch Dark Side of Comedy Season 2 Episode 7 Now

6
Tracy Morgan
2023-11-21
Tracy Morgan survived drug-dealing, hyper-competitive SNL, and substance abuse. But a brutal car accident and two-week coma made him finally confront his childhood demons.

Watch Dark Side of Comedy Season 2 Episode 6 Now

5
Phil Hartman
2023-11-14
Phil Hartman was a beloved SNL and Simpsons cast member, but his squeaky clean image was at odds with a toxic marriage that descended into a tragic murder-suicide.

Watch Dark Side of Comedy Season 2 Episode 5 Now

4
Carlos Mencia
2023-11-07
Carlos Mencia was one of the biggest comics in America until accusations of joke theft led to one of the most dramatic downfalls in comedy history.

Watch Dark Side of Comedy Season 2 Episode 4 Now

3
Joan Rivers
2023-10-31
Joan Rivers' insults made her a comedy icon, but the pressures of a male-dominated industry led to eating disorders, self-loathing, and a deadly addiction to plastic surgery.

Watch Dark Side of Comedy Season 2 Episode 3 Now

2
Sam Kinison
2023-10-24
Sam Kinison revolutionized comedy with a vulgar, sexist act, but his appetite for cocaine and chaos would lead to a dramatic downfall at the height of his massive success.

Watch Dark Side of Comedy Season 2 Episode 2 Now

1
Robin Williams
2023-10-17
Robin Williams' suicide shocked the world. While he was one of the most successful comedians ever, he was struggling privately with crushing health and psychological issues.

Watch Dark Side of Comedy Season 2 Episode 1 Now

Dark Side of Comedy is a compelling and in-depth documentary series from Vice TV that made its debut in 2022. The show boldly steps into the complex world of stand-up comedy to unveil the often-ignored challenges and painful realities that comedians face behind the laughter and the spotlight.

The series offers an intriguing and nuanced look at the demanding lifestyle of comedians and the darker elements that often accompany their journeys. Recognizing that the world of comedy is not merely about crafting jokes and inciting laughter, Dark Side of Comedy delves into the severe pressures, the mental health issues, the substance abuse, and the personal hardships that many comedians endure as part of their everyday life.

Each episode of Dark Side of Comedy is dedicated to exploring the life and career of a single comedian. Through in-depth analysis, interviews with friends, family, peers, and the comedians themselves — when possible — the show details the unique trajectory of each comic. It is both a celebration of their work and an exploration of the often tragic circumstances that have become synonymous with the lives of these comedic artists.

Behind their onstage personas and their ability to elicit joy from their audiences, many comedians harbor inner demons, and the series does not shy away from this narrative. Dark Side of Comedy tackles head-on the reality of how the quest for laughter can come at a personal cost, sometimes one that is hidden from public view until it's too late. It gives room to address the stigma surrounding mental illness and provides a platform for discussing the importance of mental health, especially within the entertainment industry.

Throughout its episodes, the series meticulously weaves personal anecdotes and historical context, providing a backdrop to the featured comedian's life and career. By offering a historical lens, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play within the professional lives of stand-up comedians, including the evolution of the comedy scene over the years and how it has impacted those who find their calling within its ranks.

Moreover, Dark Side of Comedy also examines the influence of external factors on the lives of comics, such as the changing landscape of pop culture, societal expectations, and the demands of the profession including the grueling nature of touring, the pursuit of fame, and the pressure to maintain relevance in a rapidly evolving industry.

Engagingly produced, the show expresses a rich tapestry of emotions — from moments of profound sadness and reflection to uplifting celebrations of the comedians' achievements. Viewers are provided with an intimate portrayal that reveals the tremendous talent and resilience these individuals possess, despite the adversities they may be facing.

Another significant aspect of Dark Side of Comedy is its focus on legacy and impact. The series takes a poignant look at what these comedians leave behind, both in terms of their comedic contributions and the impression they've made on their audiences, peers, and the industry at large. It examines the duality of their legacies — the joy and laughter they've given to so many, contrasted with the personal costs of their careers. This perspective allows the audience to understand and appreciate the duality of a comedian's life and the fact that their impact goes beyond just their material or stage presence.

Dark Side of Comedy takes strides to handle its subject matter with care, respect, and sensitivity. It is not merely a voyeuristic glimpse into the struggles that comedians face but aims to be a respectful tribute to these artists and an honest examination of the industry they are a part of. It encourages empathy and understanding, providing audiences with a more comprehensive picture of the courage and vulnerability that come with being a comedian.

The show stands as a poignant reminder that comedy, while inherently designed to make us laugh, originates from a place of humanity — with all its complexities, imperfections, and challenges. As such, Dark Side of Comedy from Vice TV is a vital and powerful examination of the lives of comedians and the personal stories that resonate across the human experience, reminding us that there is often more than meets the eye in the world of comedy and those who bring laughter to our lives.

Dark Side of Comedy is a series categorized as a currently airing. Spanning 2 seasons with a total of 22 episodes, the show debuted on 2022. The series has earned a moderate reviews from both critics and viewers. The IMDb score stands at 7.3.

How to Watch Dark Side of Comedy

How can I watch Dark Side of Comedy online? Dark Side of Comedy is available on Vice TV with seasons and full episodes. You can also watch Dark Side of Comedy on demand at Hulu Plus, Philo, Sling, Viceland, Apple TV, Amazon online.

Channel
Vice TV
Rating
7.3/10
Cast
Dave Foley, Mike Binder, Kliph Nesteroff