The hottest Comedy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Daily Show Creator Freaks Out Over Gutfeld Ratings, But Says Audience is 'Gross' Anyway.

Raheem Kassam's Substack • 3026 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Comedy Criticism Celebrity
  1. The Daily Show creator expressed strong negative feelings towards Greg Gutfeld's ratings and his audience.
  2. The creator's remarks were filled with profanity and elitism, criticizing Gutfeld's humor and his viewers.
  3. Despite criticizing others, the creator's own dietary habits were revealed to include indulgence in unhealthy foods.

Absurd Comedy Predicts the Future

Points And Figures • 559 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
😂 Humor Absurdism Comedy Satire Cultural critique Social Commentary
  1. Absurd comedy often reflects real-life situations in funny ways. It can highlight the bizarre aspects of society and how they develop over time.
  2. Some modern self-defense methods seem ridiculous, like using towels. This shows how far we've come in talking about safety in unusual ways.
  3. Comedians like Monty Python can predict trends and issues that become relevant much later. Their humor still resonates and offers insight into future problems.

Why We Can't Stand Up

The Reclamation Era • 99 implied HN points • 13 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Comedy Feminism Performing Arts Women empowerment Storytelling
  1. Women in comedy often struggle to take up space and feel confident on stage. They sometimes feel they need to apologize or shrink themselves, which can hold them back.
  2. It's important for women to embrace their voices and power. By doing this, they can inspire others and feel more connected to their true selves.
  3. Creating safe spaces for female performers leads to more honest and relatable entertainment. It's crucial for women to support each other in the industry and share their stories without fear.

Party Animals

Mister Slang • 2378 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Comedy Entertainment Music History
  1. The 'party record' genre, featuring raunchy adult content, was popular in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.
  2. Prominent entertainers in this genre included African American and Jewish comedians, who pushed boundaries with their humor.
  3. These comediennes were highly successful and played at top venues, challenging societal norms and providing a platform for risqué humor.

kitten corner: wanted: DOGE county sheriff

bad cattitude • 199 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
😂 Humor Comedy Satire Parody Internet culture Memes
  1. There is a playful theme of cats and dogs in this piece, highlighting some humorous competition between them. Cats seem to think they deserve more attention than dogs, creating a fun rivalry.
  2. The mention of 'DOGE county sheriff' suggests a lighthearted take on popular internet culture and memes, making it engaging to readers. It's funny to think about dogs being in charge in a town.
  3. The piece shows the connection of social media to modern life and interactions, like referencing a tweet shortly after another post. It teaches us that social media is fast and can spark quick conversations.
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sunday memepool: entrance exam

bad cattitude • 102 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
😂 Humor Memes Comedy Social media Pop culture Entertainment
  1. It's important to be ready for challenges, like an entrance exam for a new experience. You never know what might come your way.
  2. Life can feel like a test, with ups and downs that you need to navigate. Staying prepared helps you handle whatever comes at you.
  3. Being part of a community or group can make tough moments easier to face. Sharing experiences with others can provide support and insights.

Reclamation: The Fempire Strikes Back

The Reclamation Era • 79 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues Comedy Storytelling Performing Arts Women empowerment
  1. Women are speaking out about topics that are often seen as taboo, like relationships and aging. This honesty helps to break down barriers and opens up important conversations.
  2. Supporting female-led performances and productions is a way of resisting the suppression of women's voices. Events like 'Reclamation: The Fempire Strikes Back' celebrate women's stories through comedy and storytelling.
  3. The focus of these discussions is on real-life experiences, including motherhood and identity. Sharing personal stories allows women to connect and support each other in navigating life's challenges.

Bad Karmala

Fake Noûs • 117 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
⚔ Fiction Satire Political Storytelling Comedy Creative Writing
  1. The story is about a fictional election where Karmala Harris refuses to accept losing to Donald Trump. She believes the election results were manipulated and insists they should fight back.
  2. Despite evidence showing Trump performed better than before, Karmala argues that there must have been voter fraud because she can't believe so many people switched their votes away from her.
  3. The media and Karmala's supporters rally behind her claims, spreading her message of a stolen election, even though there's no solid proof provided.

The Moment that Made Louis C.K.'s Career

Neckar’s Notes • 150 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Comedy Entertainment Creativity Performance Storytelling
  1. Louis C.K. faced dark times early in his career but kept going despite feeling lost. He learned that persistence is key, even when things seem tough.
  2. He spent years perfecting his comedy, but realized he wasn't happy with the act he created. This shows that just working hard isn't always enough if you're not passionate about what you're doing.
  3. C.K. admired George Carlin's ability to create deep work, which inspired him but also made him doubt himself. This highlights how comparison can drive us forward or hold us back.

sunday memepool 2: cheer up

bad cattitude • 110 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
😂 Humor Memes Comedy Entertainment Online Culture Social media
  1. Sometimes, life can feel overwhelming or tough. It's important to find ways to lift your spirits when you're feeling down.
  2. Humor and lighthearted content, like memes, can be great tools to cheer ourselves up. They help remind us not to take life too seriously.
  3. Sharing feelings and laughter with others can create connection and support, which is really helpful during hard times.

sunday memepool: more government memes

bad cattitude • 109 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
😂 Humor Memes Politics Satire Comedy Culture
  1. Mockery can be a way to cope with frustrations, especially regarding government issues. Laughing at serious things can help people feel better.
  2. There are many double standards in how different groups are treated. This can be really annoying and unfair for those affected by the differences.
  3. It's important to be aware of how larger powers can interfere with personal rights and belongings. Staying informed can help protect what is rightfully yours.

Violent Rioters at Berkeley. In Defense of Self-Driving Cars. Richard Lewis, RIP

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1456 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech National Security Political Figures First Amendment Comedy
  1. Maintaining the distinction between speech and violence is crucial in civil society.
  2. Self-driving cars are safer than those driven by humans and can help reduce the high number of road deaths.
  3. Texas A&M decided to shut down its Qatar campus due to national security concerns related to the school's relationship with Qatar and its ties to groups like Hamas and Iran.

Introducing I Might Be Wrong Komedy Klass

I Might Be Wrong • 7 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
😂 Humor Stand-up Comedy Writing Performance Education
  1. Comedy is meant to be fun, not a serious career path. If you're doing it just for enjoyment, that's what counts.
  2. Taking a comedy class can be helpful, but it's not necessary. Many successful comedians never took classes at all.
  3. The new Komedy Klass is a free resource where you can share your comedy work and get positive feedback, making it a supportive space.

1,000 Words About A One-Liner

Technohumanism • 79 implied HN points • 28 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Comedy Technology AI Communication
  1. Even with new technology, old writing lessons are still important. It's key to understand the basics of humor for effective writing.
  2. Humor can be challenging, but learning from failed attempts can help improve skills. Just like understanding a joke, getting good at writing takes practice.
  3. Making connections between topics can inspire creativity. For example, thinking about whales and AI sparked a unique comedic idea.

Life imitates comedy

Austin Kleon • 3397 implied HN points • 13 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Art Music Cinema Literature Comedy
  1. Life often reflects comedy, showing how funny situations can mirror our daily experiences.
  2. Reading multiple books at once can spark creativity, as different ideas interact and inspire new thoughts.
  3. The acceptance speeches at the Golden Globes highlighted themes of resilience and the importance of perseverance in life.

Did Dave Chappelle and Ricky Gervais really sink to new depths?

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 1568 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Comedy Social media Activism Criticism
  1. Critics say Dave Chappelle and Ricky Gervais' new specials are punching down, not insightful or funny.
  2. The target of their jokes may not be the marginalized groups they seem to mock, but those who display moral superiority online.
  3. Social media outrage often simplifies complex issues, but there can be funny jokes about anyone as long as they're thoughtful and original.

Comedy and Culture Wars: Why Laughter is the Antidote to Polarisation

rebelwisdom • 648 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Comedy Identity Social Issues Activism Art
  1. Humor can help shift polarisation in culture by allowing us to laugh at ourselves and break free from the seriousness of current societal tensions.
  2. Comedy has historically faced censorship and backlash, but the rise of social media has changed how outrage is expressed and impacts comedy.
  3. Laughter can lead to cognitive flexibility, social bonding, and breaking us free from rigid frames of thought, making comedy a powerful tool for cultural change.

Can the Policy Community Make Fun of Itself?

Kibao • 119 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Comedy Science Policy Satire Humor
  1. Scientists use humor to critique and cope with the challenges in their fields, creating a shared experience.
  2. The scientific community embraces humor through platforms like the Annals of Improbable Research and the Ig Nobel Prize.
  3. While scientists engage in self-deprecating humor, the policy community lacks a culture of lighthearted critique due to the seriousness of their work.

Dingus of the week: Tony Hinchcliffe

Men Yell at Me • 472 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Comedy Racism Free speech Political Satire Social Commentary
  1. Tony Hinchcliffe made racist jokes at a Trump rally that many people found offensive. His comments included stereotypes about Puerto Ricans, Black people, and Latinos.
  2. While some support Hinchcliffe, many others, including celebrities, called out his jokes as racist and demanded better from comedians.
  3. There is a growing concern about free speech and the consequences of making offensive jokes. Some feel people should laugh at all jokes, even if they are hurtful, while others believe that jokes can reveal deeper prejudices.

The Plot of All Superhero Movies...

So Here’s a Thing • 1101 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Movies Superheroes Comedy
  1. Superhero movies often feature a battle in a street early on, showcasing massive CGI scenes
  2. A significant portion of superhero movies involves superheroes standing and talking sternly, looking serious
  3. Superhero movies often include scenes where a young lady tells off the superhero, adding both levity and a sense of accountability

Dingus of the week: Thanksdingus

Men Yell at Me • 363 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
😂 Humor Comedy Satire Thanksgiving Relationships Social Commentary
  1. During family gatherings, some people like to insult kids or teens, thinking it makes them look better. It's just mean and unnecessary.
  2. It's not okay to show up empty-handed at Thanksgiving and then brag about not bringing anything. Everyone should contribute somehow.
  3. People shouldn't talk about calories or criticize food that others enjoy during a holiday meal. It's rude to ruin the fun for everyone else.

Everything Old Is New Again in 2024

Drezner’s World • 569 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Politics Comedy Television Satire Entertainment
  1. The likelihood of a Joe Biden-Donald Trump rematch in the 2024 election is high, causing mixed reactions among Americans.
  2. The return of Jon Stewart to 'The Daily Show' as a host and executive producer in 2024 is seen as a major event for Comedy Central and Paramount Global.
  3. Stewart's comeback is anticipated to bring comedic relief and potentially influence the political landscape with his unique perspective.

RIP Richard Lewis

Castalia • 399 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Television Comedy Media Entertainment Society
  1. Richard Lewis brought a unique, quirky energy to 'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' standing out with his odd style and humor. His character provided a fun contrast to Larry David's more serious nature.
  2. The show uses clever storytelling, intertwining multiple plotlines that come together in unexpected ways. This structure keeps viewers engaged and makes every episode entertaining.
  3. Despite cultural shifts, 'Curb' remained popular by addressing everyday annoyances and experiences relatable to many. It skillfully balanced humor with observations about life, ensuring it stayed relevant over the years.

A complete guide to pretending you saw the total solar eclipse

escape the algorithm • 299 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
😂 Humor Satire Comedy Entertainment
  1. You can pretend you saw the total solar eclipse by studying up on key information and being vague about your experience.
  2. To fake that you saw the eclipse, create a fake accidental photo and edit it to make it look realistic.
  3. Keep talking about the eclipse to maintain the facade of having witnessed the event, reminding people at every opportunity.

Emotional Armor with Michael Malice

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 492 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🎙 Podcasts Interviews Comedy Culture Media Conversations
  1. Emotional armor helps people cope with tough situations. It’s like a protective shield that keeps negative feelings at bay.
  2. Humor is a great way to deal with serious topics. Laughing can lighten heavy discussions and make them more enjoyable.
  3. Connecting with others through shared experiences can make hard times easier. Talking about feelings and experiences can help build strong bonds.

The A.I. Bloodhounds Are on My Trail

I Might Be Wrong • 11 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Comedy Writing Content creation Automation
  1. A new AI chatbot called DeepSeek is improving and could be a threat to writers. It shows a better grasp of comedy than previous AI versions, making some writers concerned about their future.
  2. The AI's attempts at humor mimic certain styles but still struggle with logic and factual accuracy. It can copy formats and jokes, but often misses the mark on meaningful analysis.
  3. Despite the AI's growing capabilities, it lacks a true understanding of context or truth, which means human writers still have an edge when it comes to creating content that makes sense.

Friday Funnies: Resistance is Futile

Who is Robert Malone • 41 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
😂 Humor Comedy Satire Memes Political Humor Social Commentary
  1. Christmas is approaching, and it seems like people are sharing leftover holiday humor. It’s a good time to enjoy some light-hearted fun.
  2. Some individuals feel that certain groups don’t understand or acknowledge their current situations. It can be frustrating when others seem out of touch.
  3. The importance of a supportive community is emphasized. It's nice to uplift each other and not let negativity spoil the mood.

POOP

Ask E. Jean • 923 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
😂 Humor Satire Parody Comedy
  1. The post discusses regularity and habits related to bowel movements.
  2. It asks about methods like staying on schedule, using laxatives, and other practices.
  3. The bonus section talks about getting ideas on the toilet and references historical figures.