Debuting this week on most PBS channels — on Wednesday night in L.A. — which is described as "…a six-hour comedy epic showcasing the most hilarious men, women, and moments in American entertainment and why they made us laugh." It also says on the series website that it's "…hosted by America's favorite funnyman, Billy Crystal." I like Billy Crystal…but America's favorite funnyman? I don't think so. I don't even think Billy Crystal or his agent think so.
One thing that often bothers me about this kind of show is the lack of historical perspective and that today's top comedy stars are on the same plateau as Chaplin, Keaton, Laurel & Hardy, etc. They may be comparable in their respective categories but your basic old time comedy legend had a little different job description, a different set of challenges and, most significantly, produced work that has stood the test of time. The work of the current guys hasn't been subjected to that test yet and I have the feeling some of them aren't going to pass.
Still, I'll be watching. Here's a little reminder…
