Where to Watch
Checking availability in your country…
Cast
Movie Info & Details
Release Year2009
Runtime1h 35m
LanguageEnglish
CertificationNR
GenresComedy, Documentary
Votes6
DirectorRobert Townsend
WritersQuincy Newell
TypeFeature Film
Rating8.0 out of 10
Cast10 credited
Also Known AsWhy We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy
About Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy
Directors Robert Townsend and Quincy Newell offer this comprehensive and hilarious examination of the history, evolution and cultural significance of African American comedy in America, from the earliest minstrel shows to the latest HBO special. Featuring interviews with cultural critics and loads of comedic clips, this program features appearances by a who's-who of black comedians including Chris Rock, Bill Cosby, Whoopi Goldberg and many more.
Directed by Robert Townsend, Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy leans on a strong ensemble — Franklyn Ajaye, Angela Bassett, Bill Bellamy — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 2009.
Read More on the Blog
You Might Also Like
More like Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy, picked from what people are watching
6.7Jerry Before Seinfeld
2017 6.7
Jerry Seinfeld returns to the club that gave him his start in the 1970s, mixing iconic jokes with stories from his childhood and early days in comedy.
Jerry Before Seinfeld
2017
6.7Kevin Hart: Irresponsible
2019 6.7
Stand-up comedian Kevin Hart talks about his family, travel and a year full of reckless behavior in front of a live sold-out crowd in London.
Kevin Hart: Irresponsible
2019
6.0American Pie: Revealed
2004 6.0
Documentary about the making of American Pie (1999), American Pie 2 (2001) and American Wedding (2003).
American Pie: Revealed
2004
7.0Kevin Hart: Seriously Funny
2010 7.0
Fresh off the heels of appearing in movies like Superhero Movie and The 40 Year-Old Virgin, fast-talking comedian Kevin Hart stars in his second live stand-up performance in Cleveland, Ohio, where he makes fun of everything and everybody - especially himself.
Kevin Hart: Seriously Funny
2010
6.8Looking for Richard
1996 6.8
Al Pacino's deeply-felt rumination on Shakespeare's significance and relevance to the modern world through interviews and an in-depth analysis of "Richard III."
Looking for Richard
1996
7.5David Byrne's American Utopia
2020 7.5
A filmed version of David Byrne's Broadway show, a unifying musical celebration that inspires audiences to connect to each other and to the global community.
David Byrne's American Utopia
2020
User Reviews
8.0
Community rating
Loading reviews…
From the Blog
All Posts
News
Lanterns OTT Release Date: DC’s Green Lantern Series Hits JioHotstar Aug 17
DC’s Green Lantern series Lanterns arrives on JioHotstar in India on August 17, 2026. Here is where to watch it, who is in it, and why it is one of the year’s biggest superhero shows.
News
Michael OTT Release Date: The Michael Jackson Biopic Streams August 29
The Michael Jackson biopic arrives on JioHotstar on August 29, 2026. Here is where to watch it, what you need, and why it is one of the year’s biggest music films.
News
Jana Nayagan OTT Release Date: When Vijay’s Film Streams on ZEE5
Thalapathy Vijay’s Jana Nayagan is headed to ZEE5 for its digital premiere. Here is the latest on its OTT release date and where to watch, updated as news is confirmed.