Modern Wisdom #1033- Judd Apatow - Why Comedies Suck Now
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Dec 15, 2025 
In this fun conversation, Judd Apatow, the mastermind behind classics like The 40-Year-Old Virgin, discusses the evolution of comedy in today's climate. He shares how personal pain fuels creativity, emphasizing that bombing on stage is just part of the learning process. Apatow also reflects on the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a world dominated by social media, the lost art of collaboration, and why many modern comedies struggle to resonate. Expect insights on managing performance anxiety, the importance of mentorship, and the need for comedy to take creative risks.
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Early Trauma Fueled His Comedy
- Judd Apatow used his parents' messy divorce as early material and wished for more trauma to fuel comedy.
- That domestic chaos made him hypervigilant and obsessed with understanding the world, which fed his craft.
Pain Amplifies Creative Observation
- Pain and hypervigilance sharpen observation and drive creative obsession.
- That sensitivity turns dissatisfaction into material across comedy, music, and writing.
Bombing Is Research And Development
- Treat bombing as R&D: test new jokes live to discover what works.
- Introduce experimental bits early so failures happen before big audiences.
