April Screenings at the Paley Center!

April Laughs: A Selection of Paley Center Comedy Specials

Screenings in the Bennack Theater (Downstairs)

Since 1991, The Paley Center for Media has produced numerous specials for network television. Many of these specials focused on comedy, and we are pleased to feature four specials that celebrate classic and contemporary comedy on television. Watching these specials, you will go behind the scenes of hit comedies and also discover how classic series got on the air, as well as engage in the debate about the funniest catchphrases and animated characters in the history of television. Enjoy!

12:10 pm
Now That’s Funny! On the Set with TV’s Hottest Comedies: A Paley Center for Media Special (2014; CBS)
This television special presents interviews with the cast and crew of such popular comedy programs as Modern Family, Key & Peele, The Big Bang Theory, New Girl, and Parks and Recreation. Among the numerous TV stars interviewed are Sofía Vergara, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Jordan Peele, Zooey Deschanel, Amy Poehler, Jim Parsons, and Mayim Bialik.

1:15 pm
TV’s 50 Funniest Phrases: A Paley Center for Media Special (2009; NBC)
This comedy special examines the all-time funniest phrases on television as voted by the viewers. See where you favorite TV expressions placed, including “I’m comin’ to join ya, Elizabeth!” from Sanford and Son; “Would you believe…?” from Get Smart; “Oh my god! They killed Kenny!” from South Park; “We are two wild and crazy guys!” from Saturday Night Live; and “D’oh!” from The Simpsons.

2:41 pm
TV’s Funniest Animated Stars: A Paley Center for Media Special (2015; FOX)
This television special presents highlights of the most amusing animated television characters of all time, as voted by a survey of television viewers. Watch and see where such animated stars as Snoopy, Bugs Bunny, Fred Flintstone, Marge Simpson, and Stewie placed in this survey.

4:08 pm
Behind the Laughs: The Untold Stories of Television’s Favorite Comedies: A Museum of Television & Radio Special (1998; FOX)
This entertaining and informative special looks at the development of many beloved series, including All in the Family, Happy Days, Friends, and Family Matters. Mike Farrell of M*A*S*H fame hosts with appearances by Betty White, Garry Marshall, Ron Howard, Courteney Cox, Marlo Thomas, and Jaleel White.

The Paley Center Celebrates the Spring Holidays

Screenings in the Goodson Theater (2nd Floor)

The Paley Center salutes Easter, Passover, and Spring with special family programs from the Paley Archive. Enjoy Charlie Brown, Rugrats, The Smurfs, and other classic programs as we welcome in a new season of hope.

12:10 pm, 2:28 pm, 4:46 pm
The Easter Bunny is Comin’ To Town (1977; ABC)
The origins of the Easter Bunny told by those master holiday special producers Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr.

1:00 pm, 3:18 pm
Animated World Faiths: Moses and the Passover Meal (1997; Channel 4)
A grandfather tells his granddaughter the story of the Passover meal.

1:15 pm, 3:33 pm
It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown (1974; CBS)
Linus spreads the word of the Easter Beagle, who dispenses colored eggs and candy.

1:40pm, 3:58 pm
Rugrats: A Rugrats Passover (1995; Nickelodeon)
Tommy’s grandfather Boris tells the children the story of Passover.
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2:04 pm, 4:22 pm
Smurf Springtime Special (1982; NBC)
The Smurfs prepare for the coming of spring. ​