Why Comedies Suck Now — Trauma, Reinvention & the Business of Funny | Modern Wisdom
Update: 2025-12-15
Description
Comedy often grows from private fractures turned public experiments — Judd Apatow explains why. In this condensed 4-minute version (originally 2 hours), Chris Williamson and Judd Apatow map how personal pain, obsession, and relentless iteration shape standup and film comedy. You’ll learn why bombing is “R&D,” how mentorship and long apprenticeships build careers, and how streaming and industry economics hollowed out mid-budget comedies. The conversation covers performance anxiety, creativity, parenting’s impact on craft, and practical rules for risk: write fast, revise later, surround yourself with honest collaborators, and keep swinging. Hosts: Chris Williamson. Guest: Judd Apatow. Keywords: comedy industry, standup, creativity, mentorship, streaming, performance anxiety, iteration. Listen now to get the key ideas in minutes.
Comments
In Channel



