Lesson 32 · The line · 7 min · Edge
Dancing on the line
Why edgy jokes work, and when they don't
The big ideaA popular theory says jokes are “benign violations”: something feels wrong (a violation), but also safe (benign) at the same time. Too safe is boring; too wrong is offensive. Edgy comedy lives right at that border.
Watch the pro do it
Watch forCarr, one of the edgiest comics working, talks about how jokes work. Listen for the idea that a joke has to go somewhere slightly wrong to surprise you. Then notice that he's explaining it on a podcast, not doing it at a dinner party. Context is everything.
Via Trevor Noah on YouTube
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