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#1033- Judd Apatow - Why Comedies Suck Now

Overview

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#1033- Judd Apatow - Why Comedies Suck Now

Modern Wisdom

2025/12/15
Modern Wisdom

Modern Wisdom

2025/12/15
OverviewShownoteHighlightsTranscriptChaptersPins

Shownote

Judd Apatow is a filmmaker, producer, comedian, and writer. The movies that shaped so many of us were unapologetically funny and often pushed boundaries. As the culture has changed and concerns around political correctness and cancellation have grown, how...

Highlights

In a candid exploration of creativity, comedy, and connection, Judd Apatow reflects on the emotional undercurrents that shape artistic expression. From personal pain to professional resilience, the conversation dives into the often-unseen struggles behind humor and the evolving landscape of entertainment in a socially conscious era.
00:00
Hypervigilance from past trauma is the unnoticed engine of creative success
11:34
In comedy, doing the same old jokes may be seen as lazy.
19:57
Bombing on stage is R&D for comedy improvement
25:30
Gary Shandling's journals reveal that audiences follow the comedian's vibe, not just the jokes.
41:51
The social bond in creative teams is as important as the work itself.
47:31
Not every creative attempt will succeed; embrace failure as part of the process.
50:10
A good-hearted comedian can tell dark jokes because the audience senses their intent.
58:29
Some movies gain popularity over time despite initial poor reviews or box office performance
1:04:13
A single huge hit can reverse the decline of comedy in movies
1:20:33
Gary Shandling created a mentoring system on 'The Larry Sanders Show' that deeply influenced the speaker
1:22:52
Offering free work and over-delivering can make you indispensable in Hollywood

Chapters

How childhood pain became the engine of creative comedy
00:00
Why comedy careers fade faster than musical ones
11:34
The surprising power of failing on stage
17:04
What happens when a comedian loses the audience's trust
25:30
Coming to terms with envy when your friends get famous
36:31
Why real creativity means letting go of control
44:40
Can you still joke about sensitive topics without causing harm?
50:10
Why some movies only find their audience years later
58:29
What killed the Hollywood comedy—and how to bring it back
1:04:13
How one mentor changed everything—and why kindness matters in showbiz
1:17:42
Breaking in by giving more than anyone expects
1:22:52
Where to find Judd’s latest work and live shows
1:33:41

Transcript

Chris Williamson: You said your parents' divorce brought your house and cars. Judd Apatow: That's true. Chris Williamson: How so? Judd Apatow: It's funny because when I first started doing stand-up, I remember writing in a notebook, and this was years, ...