The Golden Era of TV: Laughing in Our Heads Instead of Out Loud

For the last decade and a half, television has enriched our lives with complex narratives. From Cold War-era Russian spies in "The Americans" to the surreal journey through "Atlanta," we’ve seen it all. Shows like "Queen Sugar" and the outrageous "BoJack Horseman" have defined this era. Amid these gems, humor evolved from outright absurdism to clever, brain-teasing comedy. Gradually, the laughter moved from our bellies to our minds.

The Need for New Comedy Classics

Enter "Laid," a refreshing comedic take offered by Peacock. This show stands out for its hilariously contained universe. Over eight half-hour episodes, Ruby Yao, played by the brilliant Stephanie Hsu, finds herself in quite the predicament. Together with her friend AJ, portrayed by Zosia Mamet, they embark on a peculiar quest. Ruby must track down her past lovers as they mysteriously start dying post-encounter.

Hsu’s character, Ruby, tries everything to break the curse. From awkward dry-humping sessions to bizarre Covid-era safe-sex attempts, the comedy unfolds. Even faced with a potential throuple-mate’s mortality, Ruby maintains her comedic edge.

Flattening Drama for Pure Comedy Gold

"Laid" doesn’t reinvent comedy, yet it effectively flattens any dramatic layers, creating fertile soil for humor. Ruby faces her past actions, including dubious choices like sleeping with AJ’s boyfriend. Deep reflection is cut with sharp, crude jokes, keeping the laugh track rolling. In one memorable scene, Ruby confronts a clueless cop, directing both self-deprecation and insulting observations with impeccable timing.

In today’s landscape, shows with deep narratives like "The Bear," "Barry," and "Kidding" dominate award nominations. However, while they excel as shows, they are hardly laugh riots. Hollywood has developed an affection for the relatable antihero, embedding them into every genre. But why can’t we just embrace the ludicrous, with characters navigating absurdity solely to entertain and amuse us?

Laughter Lives On

Thankfully, shows like "Hacks," "Abbott Elementary," and "Laid" ensure we never forget the power of humor in fully formed characters. These series remind us why laughter should always be an integral part of our viewing experience. As they humorously walk the fine line between reality and absurdity, they keep us chuckling like the good ol’ days of TV.