In the late 80s/early 90s, a different style of comedy started to develop on the scene, labeled as so called "alternative comedy". Instead of simple build up and punchline, alternative comedy relied on abstract concepts combined with absurd premises with pop culture references sprinkled in. The Kids in the Hall are generally given credit for bringing alternative comedy to the US with their show airing on HBO in the late 80s and very briefly on CBS in the early 90s.

 

In 92, Ben Stiller came on the scene and continued the revolt with friends Bob Odenkirk, Andy Dick and Janeane Garofalo. The State, Mr. Show, The Larry Sanders Show, Jon Stewart,Conan O'Brien( to a degree), all started getting this comedy in the mainstream. The list of alternative stand ups are too many to list, but include names such as David Cross, Bob Odenkirk, Brian Posehn, Kathy Griffin, Janeane, Zach Galafenekis (sp?), Patton Oswalt, Sarah Silverman, Margaret Cho, Harland Williams, Julia Sweeney, etc..

 

 

So 15 years after the fact, do you think alternative comedy really did help change the comedy scene for the better? Was it a success? Did a lot of the pioneers "sell out" in the end?

 

Looking back, I think a lot of the stuff that was initially praised does not hold up (Margaret Cho Im looking at you) But it did help open the doors for several fresh faces that was a welcome change from the observational humor outburst in the 80s. It helped make Ben Stiller a bonafide star and probably lit a fire under shows like SNL, Letterman, and to a degree the tonight show. With all the main players from the initial scene now firmly entrenched in the mainstream, I think it's safe to say that the"alternative" wave is over. It's just time to wait for the next big trend in comedy.

I would say what started the Alternative Comedy style would be Monty Python re-runs on most PBS stations in the 80s. I'd wager almost everyone you mention would list the Pythons as inspiration.

 

My comedy tastes usually leave most people scratching their heads, I even like shows that are almost universally bashed like Tom Goes To The Mayor (which Bob Odenkirk helps produce).

 

I just love comedians/comedy shows that leave you thinking "wtf did I just see?"

It helped. Comedy with the simple set-up and punchline doesn't hold up now unless it was something special. I'm more into the abstract comedy and am more comfortable watching shows that feature that sort of humor. I can appreciate classic comedians and comedies that offered the punchline type of humor, but alternative comedy doesn't back itself into a corner. The possibilities are endless and that's what makes watching them such an unsteady adventure.

Anything fresh and innovative in comedy is fine by me. Sometimes comedians try it and fail, but that is the failure of the comedian, not the style.

 

As for the time period itself, if anyone has ever watched the British Comedy The Young Ones, those guys were doing alternative comedy as early as the late 1970s.