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 / Modified may 1, 2010 2:24 a.m.

MAKE 'EM LAUGH: THE FUNNY BUSINESS OF AMERICA

Hosted by Billy Crystal, the documentary explores the currents of American comedy throughout a century of social upheaval and political change. Wednesday, January 28th 8:00-10:00 p.m. PBS-HD by Hector Gonzalez

Amy Sedaris
Actress, author and comedian Amy Sedaris narrates this documentary series, which chronicles more than a century of American comedy.

Never Give a Sucker an Even Break: The Wiseguys (1/28, 8:00 p.m.)
America loves the wiseguy who defies convention by speaking the truth no matter the consequences. Whether in the form of the curmudgeonly W.C. Fields of the 1930s or today’s Larry David, who manages to perturb everyone within reach, the wiseguy (or gal) always gets the last — and funniest — word. Along with classic smart-alecks like Groucho Marx and con men like Phil Silvers, other legendary names in this episode’s “Wiseguy Hall of Fame” include Jack Benny, Paul Lynde, Joan Rivers, Redd Foxx, Eddie Murphy and Chris Rock.

Sock it to Me? Satire and Parody (1/28, 9:00 p.m.)
Americans have always loved to make fun of the world around them using the slings and arrows of parody and satire. Whether it was Will Rogers, Johnny Carson, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert poking a finger in the eye of the government, or Sid Caesar, Mel Brooks and the “Saturday Night Live” gang lampooning the latest blockbuster, generations have reveled in the anarchic tradition of mocking American life, politics and preoccupations.

See previews and find out more at the MAKE 'EM LAUGH website, pbs.org/makeemlaugh.

Billy Crystall
Billy Crystal

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