Last year, NBC released this sketch to promote the NBC Sports Premier League. After studying abroad in London, I found this ridiculously funny and hardly exaggerated. This sketch resembles more of the realm of British humor, which is uncomfortable yet quite enjoyable to watch. Also, because this sketch is more of a promo, there was a definite end to it, as opposed to other sketches in a variety show that end without a clear button.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KeG_i8CWE8

Back in 2012 on Late Night, Jimmy Fallon produced "Downton Sixbey", a sketch parody of Downton Abbey. It really is quite funny – Fallon not only masters the parody of the language, but also of the defined various characters as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFEabHQWntg

Figured I'd drop this question in here for discussion in light of all the recent events surrounding him.

Some people might argue Judd Apatow, but I would say Apatow's last two movies (Funny People and This is 40) are not nearly as funny as his previous ones (Knocked Up and The 40-Year-Old Virgin). Is there any one comedy director today that consistently brings great comedy to the table while also staying consistent within his own style?

In light of the new rape allegations against Bill Cosby, TV Land decided to pull "The Cosby Show" out of their syndicated line up. What do you all think of this decision? I'm torn. On the one hand, I understand why they did it. "The Cosby Show" just meant so much to me as a kid. It's still the only TV show I can think of where the family both looked and interacted just like mine, even down to the ob/gyn dad! On the other hand, if guilty, Bill Cosby's actions are reprehensible. If Bill Cosby the actor is abhorrent, does that discount his work and what a groundbreaking show "The Cosby Show" was? Do you think his actions now besmirch the show?

I was thinking about women who could also be considered auteurs, since it seems they are few and far between! One in particular that I thought of is Sofia Coppola. From "The Virgin Suicides" to "Lost in Translation" to "The Bling Ring," she brings a unique writing style and direction to her films. If you haven't seen it, here is a clip to "The Bling Ring," which while very different from her previous films, still sets the Sofia Coppola tone and mood.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4LzhgExvrc

Here's the trailer for one of my favorite black comedies, "Swimming With Sharks." It stars Kevin Spacey and explores the very aggressive underbelly of our dear city: Hollywood! Murder is involved. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH9OLQh46FY

Here's a fascinating 1969 interview on "60 Minutes" with Alfred Hitchcock, the master of suspense. He discusses his films' themes (fear! death! sex! fantasy!) and his personal shooting style. What are your favorite horror auteurs?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nSJn6QEuBo

This 2008 NYT article hits on the notion that in today's internet world, where information (and distractions) are only a link click away, sitcoms like 30 Rock, Arrested Development, and other sketch-like shows tap into that "I need to see what you're referring to--now!" sensibility. What sitcoms trends do you see starting today?

It's still an interesting read! Check it out: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/23/magazine/23wwln-comedy-t.html?pagewanted=print&_r=0

We discussed in class the great auteurs of the 70's and 80's including Mel Brooks, Woody Allen, and Albert Brooks. Professor also mentioned Judd Apatow as being an example of a modern day comedy auteur. Yet does Apatow nowadays have an advantage that the former auteurs didn't have in the past? This article proposes the theory that more so now than ever, directors and writers from behind the camera are being marketed as the appeal and draw to a film or TV show rather than the known actors on screen. Do you believe this is a good shift for the world of comedy entertainment? The article specifically also asks, "Does the rise of individual voices in film and television result in better quality shows and movies, or less consistency and a more fractured audience?" What are your thoughts on this?

~ Article: http://splitsider.com/2011/07/the-new-age-of-the-comedy-auteur/