About this season
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.
Episodes (10)
1. Robin Williams
8.5Aired 17 October 2023 • 44 min
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.
2. Sam Kinison
8.0Aired 24 October 2023 • 44 min
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.
3. Joan Rivers
7.0Aired 31 October 2023 • 44 min
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.
4. Carlos Mencia
7.0Aired 7 November 2023 • 44 min
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.
5. Phil Hartman
8.0Aired 14 November 2023 • 44 min
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.
6. Tracy Morgan
7.5Aired 21 November 2023 • 44 min
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.
7. Family Matters
8.0Aired 28 November 2023 • 44 min
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.
8. Ellen DeGeneres
7.0Aired 5 December 2023 • 44 min
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.
9. Norm MacDonald
7.0Aired 12 December 2023 • 44 min
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.
10. Gilda Radner
7.0Aired 19 December 2023 • 44 min
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.