Throughout the history of comedy, many comedians have lost themselves to the art’s darker side, through addiction, suicide, depression and self-destruction. Dark Side of Comedy explores these stories, shining a new light on comedy’s darkest corners.
Dark Side of Comedy (Season 2)
Robin Williams (Episode 1) 8.5
Air date: 2023-10-17
Runtime: 44 min
Overview: Robin Williams’ suicide shocked the world. While he was one of the most successful comedians ever, he was struggling privately with crushing health and psychological issues.
Sam Kinison (Episode 2) 8.0
Air date: 2023-10-24
Runtime: 44 min
Overview: Sam Kinison revolutionized comedy with a vulgar, sexist act, but his appetite for cocaine and chaos would lead to a dramatic downfall at the height of his massive success.
Joan Rivers (Episode 3) 7.0
Air date: 2023-10-31
Runtime: 44 min
Overview: Joan Rivers' insults made her a comedy icon, but the pressures of a male-dominated industry led to eating disorders, self-loathing, and a deadly addiction to plastic surgery.
Carlos Mencia (Episode 4) 7.0
Air date: 2023-11-07
Runtime: 44 min
Overview: Carlos Mencia was one of the biggest comics in America until accusations of joke theft led to one of the most dramatic downfalls in comedy history.
Phil Hartman (Episode 5) 8.0
Air date: 2023-11-14
Runtime: 44 min
Overview: Phil Hartman was a beloved SNL and Simpsons cast member, but his squeaky clean image was at odds with a toxic marriage that descended into a tragic murder-suicide.
Tracy Morgan (Episode 6) 7.5
Air date: 2023-11-21
Runtime: 44 min
Overview: Tracy Morgan survived drug-dealing, hyper-competitive SNL, and substance abuse. But a brutal car accident and two-week coma made him finally confront his childhood demons.
Family Matters (Episode 7) 8.0
Air date: 2023-11-28
Runtime: 44 min
Overview: Family Matters was one of the most wholesome sitcoms of the 90s, but the success of the show led to issues for many cast members who are still dealing with trauma and addiction.
Ellen DeGeneres (Episode 8) 7.0
Air date: 2023-12-05
Runtime: 44 min
Overview: Ellen DeGeneres revolutionized TV with a unique brand of positive humor, but behind the scenes a massive controversy was brewing--one that would tarnish her image forever.
Norm MacDonald (Episode 9) 7.0
Air date: 2023-12-12
Runtime: 44 min
Overview: On SNL and beyond, Norm MacDonald was legendary for his fearless comedy. But his controversial persona concealed a serious gambling problem and a secret that he took to his grave.
Gilda Radner (Episode 10) 7.0
Air date: 2023-12-19
Runtime: 44 min
Overview: Gilda Radner was SNL's first female star. But her pioneering success was plagued by trauma, eating disorders, heartbreak and cancer, all of which she turned into comedy material.
