Women in American Comedy Television

Abstract

The history of women in television is rich. Over the years, women’s roles have evolved from supporting players to lead players. Today, women star in their own television shows and are creators, head writers and producers. Particularly in the genre of comedy television, women have had to overcome many uphill battles to be considered serious comedians. Starting with a variety of female actresses starring in their own comedy shows, then to the women of late night and Saturday Night Live, leading up to today’s strong presence of women in comedy programs, the history of women in comedic television is full of adversity, politics, and, of course, lots of laughs. Women in American Comedy Television looks with optimism towards the future on women in television by examining the successful history of female comedians from the past six decades.