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Black Out Loud: The Revolutionary History of Black Comedy from Vaudeville to '90s Sitcoms
The award-winning co-anchor of PBS NewsHour presents a sweeping and insightful retrospective on the history of Black comedy in America.
Black comedians have long played a pivotal role in shaping the American sense of humor. The 1990s showcased a golden era for Black comedy, highlighted by the surge of iconic sitcoms that redefined television and left a lasting cultural imprint. Shows like In Living Color, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Living Single, Martin, and A Different World stood on the shoulders of decades of groundbreaking work by Black comedians, both on-screen and on-stage, to deliver nuanced portrayals of life, family, and culture. Yet, just decades earlier, the idea of Black artists dominating American airwaves with characters that were both hilarious and heartfelt would have been unimaginable. How did it come to be?
The journey begins with 19th-century minstrel shows – offensive by today’s standards but the first stage for Black performers to reach mainstream audiences. Over time, comedians challenged racial stereotypes, exploring race and identity through humor. Icons like Jackie “Moms” Mabley, Redd Foxx, Dick Gregory, Flip Wilson, Richard Pryor, Whoopi Goldberg, and Eddie Murphy shifted perceptions and changed how the nation understood itself. In this incisive history, Geoff Bennett tells the story of how they did it.
In Black Out Loud, Bennett chronicles the transformative history of Black comedy in America, drawing on research and interviews with the actors and executives behind some of the most impactful shows. This brilliant exploration traces the evolution of Black comics and provocateurs who reshaped the culture and ultimately became powerful agents of social change -- transforming the way America laughed along the way.
Includes interviews and insights Martin Lawrence, Robert Townsend, Debbie Allen, Tisha Campbell, Keenan Ivory Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Quinta Brunson, Arsenio Hall, and many more!
Black comedians have long played a pivotal role in shaping the American sense of humor. The 1990s showcased a golden era for Black comedy, highlighted by the surge of iconic sitcoms that redefined television and left a lasting cultural imprint. Shows like In Living Color, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Living Single, Martin, and A Different World stood on the shoulders of decades of groundbreaking work by Black comedians, both on-screen and on-stage, to deliver nuanced portrayals of life, family, and culture. Yet, just decades earlier, the idea of Black artists dominating American airwaves with characters that were both hilarious and heartfelt would have been unimaginable. How did it come to be?
The journey begins with 19th-century minstrel shows – offensive by today’s standards but the first stage for Black performers to reach mainstream audiences. Over time, comedians challenged racial stereotypes, exploring race and identity through humor. Icons like Jackie “Moms” Mabley, Redd Foxx, Dick Gregory, Flip Wilson, Richard Pryor, Whoopi Goldberg, and Eddie Murphy shifted perceptions and changed how the nation understood itself. In this incisive history, Geoff Bennett tells the story of how they did it.
In Black Out Loud, Bennett chronicles the transformative history of Black comedy in America, drawing on research and interviews with the actors and executives behind some of the most impactful shows. This brilliant exploration traces the evolution of Black comics and provocateurs who reshaped the culture and ultimately became powerful agents of social change -- transforming the way America laughed along the way.
Includes interviews and insights Martin Lawrence, Robert Townsend, Debbie Allen, Tisha Campbell, Keenan Ivory Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Quinta Brunson, Arsenio Hall, and many more!
336 pages, Hardcover
First published March 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 26, 2026
This book is great. It not only details the history of Black comedy but how it impacted society’s relationship to race. As you learn about the major players of the last century, you get to see how White people’s views of Black people were shaped, in part, by comedians. It starts with Blackface and the role it plays, but you also get to see how comedians like Chapelle evolved past the idea of wanting to be liked by White people. It’s well-researched and told in a compelling way as the comedians of the past set up the next generation to learn and build upon their advancements. This lens is really cool and enlightening. Great for fans of comedy and civil rights.
April 17, 2026
What an interesting look at black
comedians and how their comedy has evolved over the years. And evolve it has. From the Black minstrels in the 1830s to the breakout sitcoms of the 1990s, these comedians have built their performances on the routines of those that preceded them. Each successful act pushed societal boundaries, and each expanded the genre.
I notice several general influences that these performers shared. Many came from broken homes. Often there was not enough food. Many families had absent fathers, or suffered an abusive environment. Although not necessarily unintelligent, many were just not interested in book learning and often dropped out of school. Often as youngsters they scrounged for food and searched for places to sleep.
And yet, these funny men and women continued plying their crafts basking in the praise and laughter of their audiences.
The book contains many funny stories and jokes that exemplify each of the comedians highlighted in this humorous look at the country’s funniest folks.
“Comedy thrives on pushing boundaries.”
“Comedians by necessity watch their competitors closely, looking for anything to give them an edge.”
The book is full of notable firsts for Black comedians, including a tremendous trove of interesting stories.
comedians and how their comedy has evolved over the years. And evolve it has. From the Black minstrels in the 1830s to the breakout sitcoms of the 1990s, these comedians have built their performances on the routines of those that preceded them. Each successful act pushed societal boundaries, and each expanded the genre.
I notice several general influences that these performers shared. Many came from broken homes. Often there was not enough food. Many families had absent fathers, or suffered an abusive environment. Although not necessarily unintelligent, many were just not interested in book learning and often dropped out of school. Often as youngsters they scrounged for food and searched for places to sleep.
And yet, these funny men and women continued plying their crafts basking in the praise and laughter of their audiences.
The book contains many funny stories and jokes that exemplify each of the comedians highlighted in this humorous look at the country’s funniest folks.
“Comedy thrives on pushing boundaries.”
“Comedians by necessity watch their competitors closely, looking for anything to give them an edge.”
The book is full of notable firsts for Black comedians, including a tremendous trove of interesting stories.
April 16, 2026
3.5 🌟I learned a lot from this book and really appreciated seeing the trajectory of Black comedy from minstrelsy and vaudeville to mid-20th century comedy, to standup and through to the heyday of 90s sitcoms. This book helped me understand the tensions for Black comedians between truth and pandering and how the legacies of earlier comedians shows up in sitcoms and comedians I am more familiar with.
I would have loved to see a more thorough examination of Bill Cosby’s sexual assaults and how that has affected his legacy, the author really only devoted one page to it and I think the enormity of what he did to many women warrants more than that. I was also disappointed to see that the author did not address Dave Chapelle’s transphobic jokes and comments that have been a part of his comedy. Further analysis of both of these comedians’ legacies would have brought a more nuanced take.
I also would have loved to see more detailed chapters about Black female comedians! All that said, I would still recommend this book. Just would have loved if the author filled in some of that missing analysis and detail.
I would have loved to see a more thorough examination of Bill Cosby’s sexual assaults and how that has affected his legacy, the author really only devoted one page to it and I think the enormity of what he did to many women warrants more than that. I was also disappointed to see that the author did not address Dave Chapelle’s transphobic jokes and comments that have been a part of his comedy. Further analysis of both of these comedians’ legacies would have brought a more nuanced take.
I also would have loved to see more detailed chapters about Black female comedians! All that said, I would still recommend this book. Just would have loved if the author filled in some of that missing analysis and detail.
May 2, 2026
Remember “The Flip Wilson Show” on TV back in the early 1970s? He would don a dress to portray his most popular character, a sassy Southern woman named Geraldine. “The devil made me do it.”
Wilson gets his own chapter in Geoff Bennett’s “Black Out Loud,” a definitive look at black comedy in America, stretching from the early days of blackface Vaudeville all the way to such groundbreaking sit-coms in the 1990s as “In Living Color,” “Family Matters” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
With the exception of one piece of comedy history that gets shockingly short shrift, Bennett’s overview is impressive. It was fun to learn the detailed back stories of such artists as Redd Foxx, Dick Gregory and Eddie Murphy. The stories of previous generations’ trend-setters — such as Moms Mabley and Hattie McDaniel (who won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in “Gone with the Wind”) were enlightening.
Throughout the decades, the evolution of black humor at its core “is a study in comfort,” Bennett writes. Each black artist must ask, how far can I reveal my true self on stage to a white audience?
In reviewing the Table of Contents prior to jumping into this book, I wasn’t surprised that the one comic who merited two chapters instead of one was Bill Cosby. How can you not devote extra pages to a complex man who was at once brilliant and evil?
So I was surprised, and disappointed, when Bennett devoted only a few pages to Cosby’s felonious history of drugging and sexually assaulting dozens of women over multiple decades. Bennett writes that the public must grapple with a vexing question: “Do Cosby’s misdeeds cancel his massive accomplishments?”
I would quibble with the word “misdeeds,” and wished Bennett had explored his own question in greater detail.
This was another fascinating book that I would never have picked up on my own, except that it rose to the top in my book club’s latest ranked-vote polling. Thanks, guys.
Wilson gets his own chapter in Geoff Bennett’s “Black Out Loud,” a definitive look at black comedy in America, stretching from the early days of blackface Vaudeville all the way to such groundbreaking sit-coms in the 1990s as “In Living Color,” “Family Matters” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
With the exception of one piece of comedy history that gets shockingly short shrift, Bennett’s overview is impressive. It was fun to learn the detailed back stories of such artists as Redd Foxx, Dick Gregory and Eddie Murphy. The stories of previous generations’ trend-setters — such as Moms Mabley and Hattie McDaniel (who won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in “Gone with the Wind”) were enlightening.
Throughout the decades, the evolution of black humor at its core “is a study in comfort,” Bennett writes. Each black artist must ask, how far can I reveal my true self on stage to a white audience?
In reviewing the Table of Contents prior to jumping into this book, I wasn’t surprised that the one comic who merited two chapters instead of one was Bill Cosby. How can you not devote extra pages to a complex man who was at once brilliant and evil?
So I was surprised, and disappointed, when Bennett devoted only a few pages to Cosby’s felonious history of drugging and sexually assaulting dozens of women over multiple decades. Bennett writes that the public must grapple with a vexing question: “Do Cosby’s misdeeds cancel his massive accomplishments?”
I would quibble with the word “misdeeds,” and wished Bennett had explored his own question in greater detail.
This was another fascinating book that I would never have picked up on my own, except that it rose to the top in my book club’s latest ranked-vote polling. Thanks, guys.
November 23, 2025
Bennett's Black Out Loud takes the reader through the history of black comedy in America starting with minstrel shows through today. This is a fascinating look at how black comedy has changed and evolved from something palatable to the white audience to comedy more aimed at the black audience. You'll read all about many names you know and probably several you don't, but it's all informative and entertaining.
April 8, 2026
Really Good Book
A really great overview of Black comedy from Vaudeville to the 90’s sitcoms. It is insightful and so engaging. I enjoyed the chapters on the comedians and their lives. I am disappointed and concerned why Whoopi Goldberg wasn’t covered. Very male focused.
A really great overview of Black comedy from Vaudeville to the 90’s sitcoms. It is insightful and so engaging. I enjoyed the chapters on the comedians and their lives. I am disappointed and concerned why Whoopi Goldberg wasn’t covered. Very male focused.
Read
April 4, 2026Absolutely loved learning so much about the beginnings of Black comedy and its evolution
March 30, 2026
One of the best books I’ve read. Perfectly gives detailed, thoughtful, stories about so many impactful pillars in black comedy, and entertainment. Highly recommend.
May 12, 2026
Good book , very entertaining. Well written
April 10, 2026
Black Out Loud explores the evolution of Black comedy from the 19th-century minstrel shows and vaudeville stages to the sitcom era of the 1990s. This history reveals how comedy served as a tool for cultural resilience and social change, allowing performers to challenge stereotypes and redefine Black identity. Through a mix of research and interviews, Geoff Bennett examines how these trailblazers navigated a society that often sought to silence them, ultimately fueling a cultural renaissance that reshaped comedy in America.
I was so excited when I saw this book was being published. I couldn’t wait to learn more about the backgrounds of favorites like Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, and the Wayans family, as well as the legacies of shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Family Matters, and Living Single. I like that the author included photography; the images really brought the book to life and made the reading experience more immersive. I also appreciated the deep dive into the early pioneers; those chapters were very eye-opening.
This was an enjoyable read, but there were a few missed opportunities. It’s impossible to discuss the history of Black comedy and television without including Bill Cosby, however, his chapter was the longest one in the book and it felt disproportionate compared to others as he wasn’t included in the synopsis or on the cover. Between his dedicated section and the one on A Different World, which was a spin-off of The Cosby Show, he took up nearly 50 pages.
Condensing those parts a bit would have been the perfect opportunity to highlight other figures instead. Sinbad is featured in the A Different World photo on the book cover, yet he isn’t mentioned in the text at all. There was a chance to link him to the show and his career in comedy through a chapter of his own. Then there’s Arsenio Hall; despite his influence, he only receives mentions across two chapters rather than a dedicated chapter.
Also, in Eddie Murphy's chapter, the text details Murphy finally joining the cast of Saturday Night Live after multiple auditions because "The show needed a Black cast member to break up the sea of whiteness that was SNL." I thought this framing completely overlooked Garrett Morris, who was actually the first Black cast member and part of the original lineup. Morris's name was omitted from the book even though his white castmates were listed. It would have been a great addition to honor his role on the long-running, predominantly white program.
Overall, this was an informative look at the evolution of Black comedy that offered a great balance of new-to-me history and fresh perspectives on the icons I already knew.
Thank you Harper Books for the gifted copy!
I was so excited when I saw this book was being published. I couldn’t wait to learn more about the backgrounds of favorites like Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, and the Wayans family, as well as the legacies of shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Family Matters, and Living Single. I like that the author included photography; the images really brought the book to life and made the reading experience more immersive. I also appreciated the deep dive into the early pioneers; those chapters were very eye-opening.
This was an enjoyable read, but there were a few missed opportunities. It’s impossible to discuss the history of Black comedy and television without including Bill Cosby, however, his chapter was the longest one in the book and it felt disproportionate compared to others as he wasn’t included in the synopsis or on the cover. Between his dedicated section and the one on A Different World, which was a spin-off of The Cosby Show, he took up nearly 50 pages.
Condensing those parts a bit would have been the perfect opportunity to highlight other figures instead. Sinbad is featured in the A Different World photo on the book cover, yet he isn’t mentioned in the text at all. There was a chance to link him to the show and his career in comedy through a chapter of his own. Then there’s Arsenio Hall; despite his influence, he only receives mentions across two chapters rather than a dedicated chapter.
Also, in Eddie Murphy's chapter, the text details Murphy finally joining the cast of Saturday Night Live after multiple auditions because "The show needed a Black cast member to break up the sea of whiteness that was SNL." I thought this framing completely overlooked Garrett Morris, who was actually the first Black cast member and part of the original lineup. Morris's name was omitted from the book even though his white castmates were listed. It would have been a great addition to honor his role on the long-running, predominantly white program.
Overall, this was an informative look at the evolution of Black comedy that offered a great balance of new-to-me history and fresh perspectives on the icons I already knew.
Thank you Harper Books for the gifted copy!
April 29, 2026
After listening to Geoff Bennett talk about his new book, Black Out Loud on PBS News, I couldn't wait to read it. Starting with Billy Kersands in the 1870s, he describes the evolution of black comedians, including fascinating details of their success and challenges in a country full of prejudice. Many comedians such as Pigmeat Markham, found great success traveling on the Chitlin Circuit wearing burnt cork, while performing in carnival minstral shows with other young musical kids.
Each chapter focuses on a different comedian, and the environment in which they matured. Dick Gregory, Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor, and Eddie Murphy reached stardom in a time recent enough that some of our generation remembers their most popular TV shows such as I Spy, and The Cosby Show, strong favorites. Eddie Murphy starred in many fabulous movies such as Trading Places, as well as child centered movies; Shrek, Mulan, Daddy Day Care, etc. Other favorite black actors in the 1980s featured Will Smith in Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, as well as movies he stars in and turns into blockbuster successes.
The eloquent writing of Geoff Bennett who meticulously describes in details the diverse lives of many successful black comedians, also describes their diverse enviroments. Surprisingly entertainers such as Richard Pryor grew up in a brothel with a mother who was a prostitute, yet he still became a successful engaging comedian.
This is a book that one can't put down, full of true stories about famous black comedians you've probably watched on TV, during the populaity of sitcom shows such as The Cosby Show and as well as Eddie Murphy on S.N.L.
I loved how successfully this collection of famous black comedians' mini biographies exploded on the pages of each chapter. The personal stories of how these highly talented comedians became famous at their craft, reflects on their strong work ethic, and ability to network with other comedians in a highly competitive environment.
Hopefully Geoff Bennett will write more non fiction titles about the entertaiment industry. This book was exceptional, a real page-turner!
Each chapter focuses on a different comedian, and the environment in which they matured. Dick Gregory, Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor, and Eddie Murphy reached stardom in a time recent enough that some of our generation remembers their most popular TV shows such as I Spy, and The Cosby Show, strong favorites. Eddie Murphy starred in many fabulous movies such as Trading Places, as well as child centered movies; Shrek, Mulan, Daddy Day Care, etc. Other favorite black actors in the 1980s featured Will Smith in Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, as well as movies he stars in and turns into blockbuster successes.
The eloquent writing of Geoff Bennett who meticulously describes in details the diverse lives of many successful black comedians, also describes their diverse enviroments. Surprisingly entertainers such as Richard Pryor grew up in a brothel with a mother who was a prostitute, yet he still became a successful engaging comedian.
This is a book that one can't put down, full of true stories about famous black comedians you've probably watched on TV, during the populaity of sitcom shows such as The Cosby Show and as well as Eddie Murphy on S.N.L.
I loved how successfully this collection of famous black comedians' mini biographies exploded on the pages of each chapter. The personal stories of how these highly talented comedians became famous at their craft, reflects on their strong work ethic, and ability to network with other comedians in a highly competitive environment.
Hopefully Geoff Bennett will write more non fiction titles about the entertaiment industry. This book was exceptional, a real page-turner!
April 8, 2026
I mostly picked up the book because the author is someone I follow on Twitter. Although I would not count myself an especial fan of Black comedians, I also knew that I did not know much about them despite growing up in a golden age of shows that had majority Black casts (Living Single, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Family Matters, Moesha, Sister, Sister, etc. were ones I watched but I know there were many more) so I was curious what I might learn.
Bennett takes us through the very beginning of Black comedy: starting from 19th-century minstrel shows with acts which would be considered by today's standards to relatively "modern" era by talking about many of the shows mentioned above. He also profiles individual people (Martin Lawrence and Whoopi Goldberg are names you might recognize) as well as interviewing other Black performers.
That's pretty much it. I will say that I did find this a little disappointing: each show/person gets their own profile but there wasn't much of a storyline carrying through--it felt like a journalistic exercise where you might see a series of these on a weekly basis or something. Bennett is a journalist so that probably has to do with it for me: I just don't click with books with journalists.
Overall though, it is an important book, useful for its history and for specifically laying out the influence and impact of Black people in comedy. Absolutely a must for scholars or even people who are just interested in Black comedians, wanting to know more about certain individuals, interest in many of these classic shows from the 90's, etc.
Borrowed from the library and that was best for me.
Bennett takes us through the very beginning of Black comedy: starting from 19th-century minstrel shows with acts which would be considered by today's standards to relatively "modern" era by talking about many of the shows mentioned above. He also profiles individual people (Martin Lawrence and Whoopi Goldberg are names you might recognize) as well as interviewing other Black performers.
That's pretty much it. I will say that I did find this a little disappointing: each show/person gets their own profile but there wasn't much of a storyline carrying through--it felt like a journalistic exercise where you might see a series of these on a weekly basis or something. Bennett is a journalist so that probably has to do with it for me: I just don't click with books with journalists.
Overall though, it is an important book, useful for its history and for specifically laying out the influence and impact of Black people in comedy. Absolutely a must for scholars or even people who are just interested in Black comedians, wanting to know more about certain individuals, interest in many of these classic shows from the 90's, etc.
Borrowed from the library and that was best for me.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Black Out Loud: The Revolutionary History of Black Comedy from Vaudeville to '90s Sitcoms by Geoff Bennett chronicles the history of Black comedy from the earliest vaudeville & minstrel shows (Billy Kersands, Bert Williams) up through 90s sitcoms (Living Single, Martin).
I enjoyed this book. It was very well researched- I learned a lot about performers I wasn't previously aware of and I learned new things about people and shows I was already familiar with. The book has a nicely flowing writing style which makes it very enjoyable to read. The only thing I had expected to see a little more of was comedy shows from the 70s- apart from Sandford and Son and The Flip Wilson Show there was very little mention of any other sitcoms from that era (Good Times and The Jeffersons were mentioned briefly). Overall this was a very entertaining and informative read and I would recommend it.
Thank you to Goodreads and Harper for this #goodreadsgiveaway
I enjoyed this book. It was very well researched- I learned a lot about performers I wasn't previously aware of and I learned new things about people and shows I was already familiar with. The book has a nicely flowing writing style which makes it very enjoyable to read. The only thing I had expected to see a little more of was comedy shows from the 70s- apart from Sandford and Son and The Flip Wilson Show there was very little mention of any other sitcoms from that era (Good Times and The Jeffersons were mentioned briefly). Overall this was a very entertaining and informative read and I would recommend it.
Thank you to Goodreads and Harper for this #goodreadsgiveaway
Read
May 11, 2026i thought this book was amazing. it told such an interesting story and seeing the slow progression of black comedy was inspiring. as a future educator i found it inspiring how many comedians just needed one person one adult who believed in them.
i only had two issues with the book. there was such a lack of female comics. it felt their stories got swept up in the end with a few brief mentions. it felt as if all of black comedy was just straight black men. but this book talks about how often black stories are expected to tell every single story so i can move past that.
one of my other issues was that i felt it brushed over cosbys assaults very briefly. while i understand the impact he had was monumental and even 40+ pages is probably not even enough it still felt a bit jarring to have a page dedicated to that. it seemed comedians who did have assault allegations would get an obligatory paragraph acknowledging it and nothing more.
however the stories were amazing and oftentimes reading the jokes in my head i laughed. it was inspiring to see how so many comedians could trace their legacy to a generation before who traced to a generation before. great book!
i only had two issues with the book. there was such a lack of female comics. it felt their stories got swept up in the end with a few brief mentions. it felt as if all of black comedy was just straight black men. but this book talks about how often black stories are expected to tell every single story so i can move past that.
one of my other issues was that i felt it brushed over cosbys assaults very briefly. while i understand the impact he had was monumental and even 40+ pages is probably not even enough it still felt a bit jarring to have a page dedicated to that. it seemed comedians who did have assault allegations would get an obligatory paragraph acknowledging it and nothing more.
however the stories were amazing and oftentimes reading the jokes in my head i laughed. it was inspiring to see how so many comedians could trace their legacy to a generation before who traced to a generation before. great book!
May 9, 2026
really good if you know absolutely nothing about black comedy and are enthusiastic about learning more. this book is for you.
mainly it’s a little frustrating if you are a scholar of black comedy. feels lightly researched, overly references mel watkins, but again, i dont think im the target demo.
left with loads of unanswered questions. like why does cosby have two chapters and only a small segment is about his rapes? why is there no whoopi goldberg chapter but she’s mentioned multiple times. why does the second half of this book read like it was heavily written with the help of AI?
mainly it’s a little frustrating if you are a scholar of black comedy. feels lightly researched, overly references mel watkins, but again, i dont think im the target demo.
left with loads of unanswered questions. like why does cosby have two chapters and only a small segment is about his rapes? why is there no whoopi goldberg chapter but she’s mentioned multiple times. why does the second half of this book read like it was heavily written with the help of AI?
May 19, 2026
A nice and breezy overview but I wanted more in the end - more comedians! more analysis. Interestingly enough, I really enjoyed the early chapters of this book because the before-TV era is what we all know the least about. I think it would have been also interesting to push deeper into the modern era. Michael Che has been a force at SNL since 2013 - what has his experience been like at a show that once thwarted the talents of other Black comedians? Still, I quite enjoyed this book. Hattie McDaniel, I will always remember you.
April 3, 2026
This is an exemplary and insightful book that explores the evolution of Black Comedy and the lasting cultural imprint and impact.
I was able to learn about Black comedic figures, some familiar and unfamiliar and the backgrounds that shaped them into who they were/are.
I have a deeper appreciation for the all that shaped Black comedy into what is it today.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy.
I was able to learn about Black comedic figures, some familiar and unfamiliar and the backgrounds that shaped them into who they were/are.
I have a deeper appreciation for the all that shaped Black comedy into what is it today.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy.
May 10, 2026
This was great. Saw it plugged on Sunday Morning. I grew up watching Sister, Sister, That’s So Raven, a little Fresh Prince of Bel Air that frankly ingrained my understanding of race/racism and maybe set me up with too high expectations of having arrived to a post racism world. Definitely saddened that others didn’t get the memo. Gained an appreciation for these shows predecessors and I’m eager to watch some of the 90s classics. Wanna start with Living Single and A Different World.
March 25, 2026
Thank goodness for this book!
As a diaspora kid who grew up watching these shows, and who was shaped by so many them, I love how Bennett helps us make sense of their impact on US culture and society today. He really connects the dots - and it’s a fun read!
As a diaspora kid who grew up watching these shows, and who was shaped by so many them, I love how Bennett helps us make sense of their impact on US culture and society today. He really connects the dots - and it’s a fun read!
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April 11, 2026WHO KNEW history could be so funny? This new book about comedy filled in the many parts that I'd missed, plus also provided a wealth of insights & anecdotes. Humor indeed can be a fun way to consider our foibles...and our progress.
April 28, 2026
Love this book. I am glad that someone wrote a book about the history of TV shows of the past and focused on TV shows with characters of colour. I wish that someone wrote a similar work on Latino, East Asian and Muslim characters on TV shows, particularly in comedy.
May 6, 2026
I learned new things and gained a deeper appreciation for the history of black comedy in reading this book. I appreciate the vignettes and the timeline progression as one comedian or show follows another
Want to Read
January 5, 2026thank you harper for the advance copy!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I'm so grateful that I won this in the giveaway. I enjoyed this book immensely. The beginning caught my attention real quick. You deserve a pat in the back for reading this book. Thank you 😊
March 29, 2026
A well-researched and documented book on the history of black comedy. This should not be surprising that the author is a respected journalist.
April 2, 2026
Fascinating information i didn't know about the rise of various comedians I've loved for years. Great background stories.
April 12, 2026
Fantastic! The only comedian they missed is Chris Rock.
April 25, 2026
3.5 stars
Audiobook
Audiobook
May 2, 2026
Engagingly readable history of black humor, how it changed because of the broader culture in America and how it pushed that change.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews