There are many different styles of comedy that range from improvisation to satire. Below I’ll explain a few of the more common types. I’ll also provide examples of each so you can experience the style first hand. These examples will include movies, literature and people.

Stand-Up: A style of comedy where a single comedian (but can involve a group) performs in front of a live audience. The performance consists of short humorous stories, one-liners and bits. It is referred to as a monologue or act. Some comedians may also use props or music. Examples of stand-up comedians include George Carlin, Kathy Griffin, Bob Hope, Steve Martin and Chris Rock.

Parody: A parody mocks an original piece of work, subject, style or even author through humor. It is also known as a spoof. Parodies can be found in movies, literature, music and more. Some people have even parodied their own work. Examples of parodies are Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Scary Movie, Weird Al Yankovic and Barry Trotter (a Harry Potter parody book).

Improvisation: Improv is a form of comedy that is made up on the spot. Improv troupes often take suggestions from the audience and then use those suggestions to create a spontaneous scene or story. There are two popular types of improv: short form and long form (aka Harold). Short form examples include Whose Line Is It Anyway and long form improv can be found at ImprovOlympic in Chicago. Second City is another famous improv group that started in Chicago.

Sketch comedy: A type of comedy that involves short sketches/scenes written beforehand. They are usually performed by a group of people on stage, television or radio. It has its roots in Vaudeville comedy. Examples include Saturday Night Live, SCTV, Mad TV, Monty Python’s Flying Circus and In Living Color.

Slapstick: A style of comedy that uses exaggerated physical movements or activities that can be violent. This can involve tripping on a banana peel, being hit with a frying pan or having a pie thrown at your face. Examples are Charlie Chaplin and The Three Stooges.

Situational: Situational comedy is most often found on television in sitcoms but it was first introduced through the radio. It has a storyline and characters. The situations usually take place in the workplace, between a group of friends or within a family. Examples include Seinfeld, Friends, I Love Lucy, The Brady Bunch and The Cosby Show.

Dark comedy: A type of comedy where taboo/risqué subjects are treated with humor. Themes that are often addressed in dark humor are war, drugs, violence, murder, etc. These subjects are usually treated ironically and the comedy is subtle. Examples are Dr. Strange Love, Slaughterhouse Five and The Graduate.

Satire: Satires ridicule group or individual shortcomings (follies). This can also involve social or political commentary. Satire does not have to be humorous. Examples include Mark Twain, The Colbert Report, The Onion and The Great Dictator.