Calmversations

S07E88 | Post-Culture War Comedy with Graham Linehan & Cori Cohn

Jul 23, 2025
Join Graham Linehan, celebrated writer of The IT Crowd, and Cori Cohn, co-host of Heterodorx, as they explore the evolution of comedy in today's changing cultural landscape. They tackle the impact of censorship on humor, juxtapose British and American comedic styles, and lament the decline of liberal humor. The duo also dives into gender fairness in sports, sharing Cori's personal experiences with activism. With sharp insights into storytelling and the complexities of societal discourse, their candid discussions navigate the challenges facing creators in a polarizing world.
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INSIGHT

Comedy and "Punching Down" Limits

  • The concept of "punching down" limits comedy by excluding certain groups from being joked about. - Comedy should target everyone, reflecting the world equally without censoring characters for fear of offense.
INSIGHT

Media Bias and Investigative Journalism

  • The media often frames stories to protect certain narratives, skewing public perception. - Investigative journalism using primary sources offers a path to uncovering deeper truths.
ANECDOTE

Bilko’s Flawed But Lovable Protagonist

  • The 1950s sitcom Bilko featured a flawed but lovable protagonist whose bad behavior was balanced with redeeming qualities. - This tension created compelling comedy unlike many modern shows where kindness is often frontloaded.
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