In the realm of classical Greek theatre, comedy was a pivotal genre alongside tragedy and the satyr play. Marked by its progression through time, Greek comedy is categorized into three stages: Old Comedy, Middle Comedy, and New Comedy. We owe much of our current understanding of Old Comedy to the eleven extant plays of the playwright Aristophanes, while Middle Comedy is mainly known through brief extracts, and New Comedy is better preserved through substantial fragments from the playwright Menander. Aristotle, the venerable philosopher, described comedy in his work, the "Poetics," as the artistic depiction of ludicrous characters and situations that, despite their foolishness or deformity, do not result in agony or calamity. The Greek contribution of comedy to the world stands as a prominent poetic form, according to scholar C. A. Trypanis. Classifications of comedy into the canonical three periods we recognize—Old, Middle, and New—were possibly first proposed by the Alexandrine grammarians, with Aristophanes of Byzantium being a key proponent. Despite these categories, it's important to understand that comedy likely evolved fluidly through the centuries. Aristophanes, a comic playwright born in 446 BC, is the most notable figure of Old Comedy. Renowned for his sharp political humor and generous use of sexual and scatological jokes, his plays shape our perception of the genre. He was not shy about ridicotuling influential personalities and institutions of his time, seen in his caricature of the philosopher Socrates in "The Clouds" and his provocative anti-war comedy "Lysistrata." In an era rich with comedic talent, Aristophanes stood among peers such as Hermippus and Eupolis. The influence of Old Comedy reached well into European literary history, inspiring subsequent generations of writers like Rabelais, Cervantes, Swift, and Voltaire, who each found value in its bold and irreverent style.

Political satire is an art form that derives amusement from politics, often without advocating for change or attempting to influence the political discourse directly. Separated from active political protest, its main function is to entertain, although it may unintentionally affect public opinion by highlighting the shortcomings of its subjects. Often, political satire does not offer solutions but exposes problems through exaggeration, making the criticized individuals or institutions seem laughable. This exaggerated criticism can potentially damage the reputations of those targeted by making them appear foolish in the public eye. The roots of satire are deeply embedded in history, traceable to the days of structured government and social hierarchies. Celebrated historical examples include the plays of Aristophanes, which targeted powerful political figures and questioned religious beliefs, promoting skepticism among the masses. Martial's poetic works from the Roman period also offer classic instances of satire. Moreover, Cynic philosophers are remembered for their satirical takes on politics. In ancient times, especially in societies lacking freedom of speech, satire often manifested in subtle forms. Nonetheless, in the Athenian democracy, satire wielded significant power to shape public opinion through theatrical performances. The impact of satire in the socio-political realm has been profound through the ages, providing a unique perspective on political and social issues.

"Saturday Night Live" (SNL) has been a staple of American television since its debut in 1975, with its humorous take on contemporary American culture and politics. It was conceived by Lorne Michaels, who still oversees the show as the showrunner. The format involves a mix of repertory and new actors performing comedic sketches, with a famous guest host and musical acts rounding out the entertainment each episode. Notably, episodes usually kick off with a "cold open" that satirizes political happenings before diving into the full array of sketches. The show has not only been a launchpad for actors to gain nationwide fame but has also propelled many writers and other contributors to success in the entertainment industry. Despite a rocky history that includes shifts in leadership—Michaels left in 1980, and after a brief tenure by Jean Doumanian and then Dick Ebersol, he returned in 1985—the show has remained a beloved and enduring element of television culture. Currently, SNL broadcasts out of Studio 8H in the iconic Comcast Building at Rockefeller Plaza and has initiated its 49th season. With nearly 1,000 episodes aired, it stands as one of the longest-running programs on U.S. network TV. The SNL format has been replicated in numerous countries, with varying degrees of success. It has even expanded beyond television, with some of its most celebrated sketches being adapted into feature films.