Posted: Friday, December 5th, 2008 at 1:18 am. Permalink
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A Handy Guide to Watching Stand-Up Comedy on TV

First of all, I just assume that you’re watching it on TiVo or some other DVR or VCR performance. If you’re watching live, this isn’t going to help.

I also assume this is someone new, someone you don’t already know is funny.

Start off by fast forwarding through the first 1/3rd. If this is on Comedy Central, skip to the end of the first commercial break.

Why? Because every comic takes a few minutes to get warmed up, and you might not find them funny at first. When they’re warmed up and the audience is warmed up, they’re more likely to make a better first impression.

Once you’re found a spot to jump into (and after a commercial break is a good time because they’ll most likely start a new part of their routine), give them a few minutes.

If it’s funny, go back to the beginning.

If it’s not, skip ahead another 1/3rd of the way, and give him/her another try.

If it’s funny, rewind.

If it’s not, delete it and move on.