AltComedy.com

The term "alternative comedy" first gained prominence in the United Kingdom during the late 1970s, describing a new wave of comedians who rejected the working men's club circuit and its often racist, sexist, and homophobic material. Pioneering venues like The Comedy Store in London became incubators for this new approach.

Key figures in this early movement included:

• Alexei Sayle: Often credited as a founding figure of the British alt comedy scene
• The Comic Strip: A collective including Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson, Peter Richardson, and Dawn French
• Ben Elton: Known for politically charged material
• French & Saunders: Who brought feminist perspectives to sketch comedy

These performers rejected conventional joke structures in favor of political commentary, surrealism, and character-based comedy.

In the United States, alternative comedy developed somewhat independently, often in response to the polished, commercial comedy club circuit. Early American alt comedy found homes in smaller venues where experimentation was encouraged.

Pioneering American alt comedians included:

• Janeane Garofalo: Blending personal stories with sharp social commentary
• Patton Oswalt: Bringing geek culture and literary references into comedy
• David Cross: Known for confrontational, politically charged material
• Bob Odenkirk & David Cross: Whose "Mr. Show" pushed the boundaries of sketch comedy

While "alternative comedy" as a term gained prominence in the late 1970s, its influences stretch back further:

• Lenny Bruce: Whose boundary-pushing material and legal battles paved the way for more provocative comedy
• Monty Python: Bringing surrealism and intellectual references to mainstream comedy
• Andy Kaufman: Whose anti-comedy and character work challenged fundamental assumptions about performance

The 1990s and 2000s saw alternative comedy begin to develop its own institutions and pathways to success:

• Alternative Comedy Venues: Dedicated spaces like Largo in Los Angeles and UCB Theatres provided homes for experimental comedy
• Comedy Festivals: Events like Edinburgh Fringe and Melbourne Comedy Festival showcased alternative acts
• Independent Comics: Alternative comedy sensibilities influenced graphic novels and underground comics
• Comedy Trends: The rise of one-person shows blending standup with theatrical elements

The internet transformed alternative comedy in several key ways:

• Podcasts: Shows like "Comedy Bang! Bang!" and "WTF with Marc Maron" created new platforms for alternative voices
• YouTube and Social Media: Allowing comedians to bypass traditional gatekeepers and find niche audiences
• Streaming Platforms: Providing opportunities for more experimental comedy specials

The most recent era of alternative comedy has seen:

• Greater Diversity: More platforms for historically marginalized voices
• Genre-Bending: Shows that blend comedy with drama, documentary, and other forms
• Scene Alt: Development of distinct regional scenes with their own aesthetics and concerns
• Technological Innovation: Virtual reality, interactive performances, and other new media approaches

Today, "alt comedy" can refer to several overlapping but distinct phenomena:

1. Aesthetic Alt Comedy: Comedy that employs surrealism, anti-humor, or experimental structures
2. Political Alt Comedy: Comedy with explicit progressive political content
3. Scene Alt: Comedy that exists outside mainstream clubs and television, regardless of style
4. Anti-Establishment Comedy: Comedy that positions itself in opposition to perceived comedy norms

The vitality of alternative comedy lies in its continued resistance to definition and its constant evolution.