Are women funny?

[Big RR]

I would have gone with Dane Cook, but tomato, tomahto.

GAH!

I can think of a lot of so-called comedians, male and female (including those two), who I don't think are funny, but taste in comedy is a funny thing. Some of them are turning out movies and shows that are wildly popular but which I wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole, so it's hard to say with any certainty who is funny and who is not. And venue matters as well--I once saw a standup act (on HBO I think) of Paula Poundstone and hated it, but I think she works well (to me at least) in the quickfire WWDTM format.

[Joe Guy]

Should we settle for less funny shows just to include token women comedians?

For some reason, the answer to Gob's question seems very clear to me, so I'm sure the norovirus that I caught on Friday has given me brain damage.

The answer is No. We (you BBC watchers) wouldn't need to settle for less funny shows. You only need to include some women when determining who to feature on the panel.

All they need to do is look further than the most popular celebrities over there. It would also have the added benefit of showcasing how many bright and talented women there are that are relatively unknown. In other words, don't be so lazy and assume women can't be as funny as men. Go out and search the comedy clubs.

[Stating that Seinfeld and DeGeneres aren't funny as though it is a scientifically proven fact has nothing to do with this discussion and only a moron with an extremely deficient pea brain would include something like that in this thread]

[MajGenl.Meade]

Thank you Sue - point(s) taken. Guin (oh please) I don't hate women - are you sure you read my posts correctly speaking of the talent of Miranda Hart (funniest show on TV as well as the most ground breaking and clever - plus she writes her own material), Jo Brant and Paula P. I really enjoy Wait Wait Don't Tell Me and the ladies named by Sue (I think it was).

As for Joe, well goodness me fancy programmers choosing "popular celebrities" to attract viewers. Or listeners. I've never heard of such a thing!

[Joe Guy]

As for Joe, well goodness me fancy programmers choosing "popular celebrities" to attract viewers. Or listeners. I've never heard of such a thing!

That's why they need someone like me to set them straight. Those guys are morons.

[rubato]

Tina Fey is very funny, a mark Twain award recipient, and very creative.

Jay Leno is a bore along the same lines as Ellen DeGeneres; a canned delivery.


yrs,
rubato

[oldr_n_wsr]

The issue is not whether women can do top class stand-up but whether their ad-lib "wit" competes with others.

Reminds me of the show "Who's Line is it Anyway" with Drew Carey and others. Loved that show. (yes, I know it was originally a British show)