Why Comedians Are Better At Tragedy

For the last couple of years, Scotsman Craig Ferguson has hosted the Late Late Show, a latenight variety program that follows the venerable David Letterman on the American CBS network. Whilst rival NBC fumbles around with its trio of Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien and newcomer Jimmy Fallon, CBS has built a loyal audience for Craig’s unique brand of storytelling, wit and candour. The above clip is one of the best examples of Craig’s style, a moving eulogy he made to his late father when he passed in 2006. Instead of the usual comedy monologue that is par for the course in the latenight format, Craig usually opens the show with a 20-minute set on his thoughts for the day. The whole set is not designed to be full of jokes, but Craig will find a way to blend in sly jokes and references to keep the mood light when the need calls for it.

There’s something I find intriguing when it comes to how comedians deal with tragedy (also take a look at Jon Stewart’s first show after 9/11 or Kathy Griffin’s first set just days after her own father passed). There’s a definite skill when it comes to blending humour with the gravity of loss and death. I think it has to do with the fact that the best comedians also have the best insight into people and culture, as its their job to identify the truths that are common to both them and their intended audience. The feeling of loss and despair is universal, but so too are optimism and positivity. The best comedians are able to walk directly into the darkness of a situation and usher the audience towards a positive place.

People certainly don’t tune in to comedies or stand-up shows to cry, but I don’t think people realise that sometimes our need for comedy is actually just our need to hear some truth for once.

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