13 Types of Comedy: Popular Types of Comedic Performance

Comedy is a form of entertainment intended to amuse an audience. Storytellers use comedy in a variety of mediums, including literature, film, television, radio, stage shows, and visual arts like cartoons. Modern ideas about comedy trace back to ancient Greek plays written by figures such as Aristophanes. There are several styles of comedy that entertain in completely different ways. Consider some of the most popular comedic genres. 1. __Slapstick comedy__: Slapstick involves physical comedy, exaggerated facial expressions, and stunts. This style of humor was popularized in the early twentieth century by comedians like Charlie Chaplin and the Three Stooges. 2. __Dark comedy__: Also known as black comedy, this subgenre focuses on the incongruity of comedic elements and morbid subjects like war, death, and crime. This style of dark humor is seen in the works of writers like Kurt Vonnegut and filmmakers like the Coen brothers. 3. __Self-deprecating humor__: Self-deprecating humor focuses on the shortcomings of a particular character or performer. Stand-up comedian Rodney Dangerfield used self-deprecating humor in many of his routines. 4. __Romantic comedy__: This genre of comedy combines themes of romantic love with humor. William Shakespeare wrote many influential romantic comedies, including *The Merchant of Venice* (1596) and *Twelfth Night* (1601). 5. __High comedy__: This highbrow form of comedy is exemplified in works like Oscar Wilde’s *The Importance of Being Earnest* (1895). Sometimes known as comedy of manners, high comedy typically uses satirical wit in the context of upper-class societies. 6. __Situational comedy__: Situational comedies draw humor from the relationships and dynamics between a recurring cast of characters in a consistent setting. Some popular sitcom television shows include *The Office* (2005–2013) and *Seinfeld* (1989–1998). 7. __Parody__: Parodies spoof existing works through imitation and exaggeration. Examples of parody films include *Young Frankenstein* (1974) and *Scary Movie* (2000). 8. __Surreal humor__: This form of humor focuses on absurd situations that defy logic and reason. The British comedy troupe Monty Python developed a unique brand of surreal humor in their shows and films. 9. __Tragicomedy__: Tragicomedies combine comedic elements with serious subjects to explore different aspects of the human experience. 10. __Farce__: Farce centers around exaggerated characters dealing with improbable situations caused by miscommunication or mistaken identity. *Home Alone* (1990) and *The Hangover* (2009) are two popular movies that employ farce. 11. __Wordplay comedy__: Performers use this style of comedy to entertain audiences by using witty wordplay. Examples of wordplay include puns, double entendre, alliteration, and rhymes. 12. __Deadpan comedy__: This style of dry comedy evokes laughter through the intentional lack of emotion while talking about absurd topics. 13. __Observational comedy__: Performers use observational comedy to draw attention to the unnoticed humor within everyday life. Performers use a variety of comedic styles to entertain audiences. Consider a few of the most common types of comedic performances. 1. __Stand-up comedy__: Stand-up comedians tell anecdotes and jokes with punchlines to surprise and amuse their audiences. 2. __Sketch comedy__: Sketch comedy involves a group of performers acting out short comedic scenes. Sketch comedy shows like *Saturday Night Live* (1975–present) popularized this style. 3. __Improvisational comedy__: This style of comedy involves performers inventing comedic situations on the spot without a script. Get the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) for exclusive access to video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Judd Apatow, Steve Martin, Samuel L. Jackson, Natalie Portman, and more. There are several types of comedy that storytellers use to amuse audiences in different ways.