The Critics Speak Out

A few reviews of "Make 'Em Laugh". The first episode premiered in New York last night (check your local listings for rebroadcasts -it's PBS).

For those who fell asleep while keeping score, we did the graphics for the series -a few hundred shots.

Robert Lloyd from The Chicago Tribune.

The San Jose Mercury News wanted more Jay Leno, less Paul Lynde. "WTF?" we say, they liked it anyway.

Newsday gives a "B minus". They haven't seen what grade I've given that sorry excuse for a Pennysaver.

Don't have a TV? Lucky you - "Make 'em Laugh" is already available on DVD at recession prices?


One last review from Kevin McDonough, United Media (syndicated)

Early in "Make "Em Laugh" (8 p.m., PBS, check local listings), a
six-hour survey history of American comedy and comedians, filmmaker
Judd Apatow ("40 Year Old Virgin") observes that somebody accused him
of reviving "immaturity" in American comedy. He then argues that
American comedy has always been about grown-ups acting
inappropriately, and that launches an onslaught of clips of Harold
Lloyd, Bob Hope, Phyllis Diller, Jonathan Winters, Andy Kaufman, Robin
Williams and too many other funny men and women to mention.

Billy Crystal introduces each segment and Amy Sedaris narrates. Don't
go looking for deep insights or any overarching theories on humor. But
if it's funny and rare clips you are looking for, "Make 'Em Laugh"
more than lives up to its name

.