How I Started Comedy Central And Lost My Sense Of Humor

Have you ever wondered how Comedy Central, the television channel that brings laughter to millions of people worldwide, came to be? As one of its co-founders, I had a unique journey that led to the creation of this iconic entertainment channel. But little did I know, this exciting venture would come at a cost - the gradual loss of my own sense of humor.

Setting the Stage

It all began in the early 1990s when I, along with a group of like-minded comedy enthusiasts, identified a significant gap in the television industry. While there were channels dedicated to drama, news, sports, and even music, there was no single platform solely committed to showcasing comedy. The potential was immense, and thus, the idea of Comedy Central was born.

We faced numerous challenges along the way, from convincing investors about our vision to negotiating deals with comedians and production houses. Launching a television channel from scratch required tremendous effort, but amidst all the chaos, there was an undeniable excitement knowing that we were about to change the landscape of comedy forever.

Constant Comedy: How I Started Comedy Central and Lost My Sense of Humor

by Art Bell (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2045 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	319 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Rapid Growth and Success

Comedy Central gained traction rapidly, resonating with viewers and advertisers alike. Our lineup included a diverse range of comedy shows, from stand-up specials to sitcoms and sketch comedies. We became the go-to destination for all things funny, attracting both established comedians and up-and-coming talents.

Our success can be attributed partly to our understanding of the evolving comedy landscape. We recognized the power of the internet early on, partnering with online platforms and leveraging digital distribution to reach a wider audience. This emphasis on innovation allowed Comedy Central to outpace its competitors and solidify its position as a global comedy hub.

The Loss of My Sense of Humor

Ironically, as Comedy Central grew in popularity and influence, I found myself losing touch with the very essence that inspired its creation - my own sense of humor. The demands of managing a thriving television channel consumed my time and energy, leaving little room for personal enjoyment.

I became engrossed in the business side of comedy, constantly analyzing ratings, revenue, and audience demographics. The pressure to maintain the channel's success took a toll on my creative spirit, gradually extinguishing the joy I once found in making people laugh.

Furthermore, being surrounded by the comedy industry on a daily basis desensitized me to the humor that once brought tears of laughter to my eyes. Jokes became formulaic, and laughter felt forced. The very essence of comedy, something that should come naturally, began to elude me.

Finding Humor Once Again

It took me years to recognize the impact that the creation and management of Comedy Central had on my own relationship with humor. I realized that I needed to reconnect with the joy that comedy had once brought into my life. And so, I embarked on a personal journey of rediscovery.

I took a step back from the corporate world and immersed myself in various forms of comedy, from attending open mic nights to consuming comedic literature and movies. I made a conscious effort to surround myself with comedians and comedy enthusiasts who reminded me why I fell in love with laughter in the first place.

Over time, my sense of humor began to reawaken. I once again found delight in the smallest comedic moments, and the laughter that had become elusive started flowing naturally. This newfound appreciation for humor also allowed me to understand Comedy Central's impact on society and the incredible joy it brings to millions.

The creation of Comedy Central was undoubtedly a pivotal moment in my life. While it brought immense success and revolutionized the comedy industry, it also took a toll on my personal connection to humor. However, through introspection and a deliberate effort to reconnect with what makes comedy special, I managed to rediscover my sense of humor.

Comedy Central continues to thrive as a global comedy powerhouse, providing countless hours of laughter to audiences worldwide. As for me, I've now learned to balance the demands of the entertainment industry with the pure delight that comedy brings. And in doing so, I've managed to strike a harmonious chord between business and humor, appreciating the incredible value of laughter in our lives.

Constant Comedy: How I Started Comedy Central and Lost My Sense of Humor

by Art Bell (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2045 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	319 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

This insider’s memoir about the origins of Comedy Central is “a very, very funny book about an amazing piece of comedy history” (Jerry Zucker, cowriter and director of Airplane!).

Finalist, 2020 Best Book Awards sponsored by American Book Fest

In 1988, a young, mid-level employee named Art Bell pitched a novel concept—a television channel focused 100% on just one thing: comedy—to the chairman of HBO. The station that would soon become Comedy Central, with celebrated programs like South Park, Chapelle’s Show, The Daily Show, and The Colbert Report, was born.

Constant Comedy takes you behind the scenes into the comedy startup on its way to becoming one of the most successful and creative purveyors of popular culture in the United States. From disastrous pitch meetings with comedians to the discovery of talents like Bill Maher and Jon Stewart, this intimate biography peers behind the curtain and reveals what it’s really like to work, struggle, and ultimately succeed at the cutting edge of show business. 

“The funniest behind-the-scenes memoir I’ve ever read, full of crazy characters, plot twists, and suspense.” —Dan Lyons, New York Times-bestselling author of Disrupted