Peacocks’ Hilarious Antics: Why Comedies Should Stick to Humor, Not Drama

The Lost Art of Laughter in Prestige TV: Why We Need More Shows Like "Laid"

The past 15 years have been a golden era for TV, giving birth to a number of beloved shows. From "The Americans" to "Atlanta," we’ve been treated to a diverse range of programming that has left an indelible mark on the world of television. However, in the midst of all the critical acclaim, something has suffered – our sense of humor. It seems that laughter has become a rare commodity in the world of prestige TV.

In recent years, humor has evolved from straightforward, accessible absurdity to a sophisticated, intellectually-driven approach, often used to mask drama rather than bring people together in laughter. We’ve stopped laughing out loud and have begun to chuckle silently to ourselves, unsure of how to react to the complex, high-concept humor that’s been pervading our screens.

That’s why "Laid," the latest offering from Peacock, is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise stagnant landscape of comedy. With its eight 30-minute episodes, Ruby Yao (played by the talented Stephanie Hsu) and her true-crime-obsessed best friend AJ (Zosia Mamet) embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind a series of mysterious deaths that seem to be linked to Ruby’s own promiscuous past. In search of a solution, Ruby navigates a ducking maze of relationships, from over-jeans dry humping to COVID-era safe sex romps, always with a wink and a nod.

What Makes "Laid" a Standout

So, what sets "Laid" apart from the rest? For starters, its self-contained humor is a direct nod to the classic sitcoms that came before it. Ruby is taken to task by her ex-lovers, who call her out for her inconsiderate actions, including sleeping with AJ’s boyfriend, and she responds with a series of biting comebacks that are more laugh-out-loud funny than clever. There’s no need to overthink it – she just makes a joke about her predicament and moves on.

Ruby’s tongue-in-cheek humor is a welcome respite from the anxiety-ridden dramas that have dominated the airwaves in recent years. "The Bear," "Barry," and "Kidding" are all critically-acclaimed shows, but they’re not exactly designed to put a smile on your face. In fact, they often leave you feeling drained and emotionally exhausted.

A Return to Laughter

So, why can’t we go back to the good old days of belly laughs and slapstick humor? Why must we continue to privilege complexity over comedy in our television shows? The answer, in part, lies in our cultural obsession with the relatable antihero. Post-"Breaking Bad," we’ve become enamored with the idea of flawed, yet likable, protagonists who are often the center of our beloved shows.

But what about the goofball, the loudmouth, or the class clown? Why can’t we have a show that simply exists to make us laugh? The answer is, we can, and with "Laid," Peacock has given us a glimmer of hope that we might be moving in the right direction.

Conclusion

In a world filled with anxiety, existential dread, and grief, it’s reassuring to know that there are still creators out there who understand the importance of laughter in our lives. "Hacks," "Abbott Elementary," and "Laid" are all shows that remind us that even the most fully-fleshed-out human beings can be hilarious, and that’s something we should never forget. So, let’s cherish these comedies and hold onto the laughter they bring us, for in the end, it’s the one thing that can truly bring us together.