Seth Rogen Says the ‘Complaint That Comedy’s Harder Than It Used to Be Is Not Valid’ and Asks: ‘Why Shouldn’t It Be Hard?’

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In an interview with Esquire magazine, Seth Rogen voiced his disagreement with the idea that contemporary comedy is more challenging to create. Previously, Jerry Seinfeld sparked controversy online when he suggested that television comedy had been diminished by progressive politics and politically correct culture. However, Seinfeld later expressed remorse for these comments, stating they were not accurate.

As a movie reviewer, I’d rephrase Seth Rogen’s statement as follows: “Contrary to the common gripe, comedy today isn’t easier than it once was – perhaps it was too simple before. But should it be effortless? Absolutely not! I revel in the challenge that my work presents, for it requires an immense investment of resources, audience attention, and creative energy.

Comedian Seth Rogen points out that the boundary between what’s acceptable and inappropriate has constantly shifted, but he emphasizes this isn’t a recent development; comedians have always had to walk a thin line like this as part of their job.

He inquired, ‘What would you like to express?’ He seemed curious about what you might feel has been lost or taken away from you. It’s amusing when people comment, ‘They couldn’t make the Diversity Day episode of ‘The Office’ today.’ You can still watch it…I often encounter teenagers who appreciate ‘Superbad’ and believe it remains relevant, yet none of them express outrage like: ‘How audacious to have made such a statement!’

Seth Rogen doesn’t seem concerned about the future of comedy, not even if Donald Trump were to become president again. He explained, “We don’t sit down and think, ‘New president, let’s write a movie!’ I believe Adam McKay might be doing that, but we decide what projects to work on next in a different way.

Following Seinfeld’s remarks last year about the challenges of comedy in today’s PC culture, numerous comedians were asked for their thoughts on this ongoing debate. Around the same period, my longtime “Seinfeld” co-star Julia Louis-Dreyfus took a stance against this notion that comedy has been adversely affected by shifting social norms, as she discussed on Kara Swisher’s podcast.

Louis-Dreyfus commented on the idea that comics lack humor today, saying it’s nonsense. In her view, both physical humor and intelligent wit, as well as political satire, have never been more engaging due to the abundance of topics to explore.

Head over to Esquire’s website to read Rogen’s latest cover story in its entirety.

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2025-02-11 23:16