It is this distinction of pleasure separating this form of incongruity from negative results such as confusion and emotional distress. These events entail a sudden shift in psychological state of being, encompassing elements of surprise, all the while maintaining a level of pleasantness at the new situation. Occurrences contradictory to preconceived notions, replete with newness, contrast, inconsistency and surprise, form the basis of amusement and humor (Morreall 1987 Rothbart 1976). Incongruity theory relies on human efforts to create abstract concepts and expected patterns in daily life. This view underscores that humor reinforces social roles promoted by dominant segments of societies, making it clear humor is part of the struggle for and maintenance of power. Hobbes went as far as to note that such behavior was not for great minds, as great minds would only compare themselves with the most capable. Hobbes was cognizant of the power of laughter and by extension, humor) to inflict emotional harm onto others. Traceable to the thinking of Plato and Aristotle, it was formally articulated by Hobbes (Morreall 1987). Dunham has also been awarded “Billboard’s Top Comedy Tour” for three years based on box office sales.The idea that humor is a tool used to maintain an individual sense of superiority at individual and societal scales is found in superiority theory. His autobiography, “All By My Selves: Walter, Peanut, Achmed and Me,” was on the New York Times’ Best Seller list three weeks in a row. Dunham’s previous stand-up specials, “Arguing with Myself,” “Spark of Insanity,” “A Very Special Christmas,” “Controlled Chaos,” “Minding the Monsters,” and “All Over the Map,” have garnered record-breaking numbers by either claiming “most watched” or “highest rated” on Comedy Central.ĭunham has made many cameo appearances across television and film, from the Emmy Award-winning comedy series “30 Rock,” “Angie Tribeca,” and “Dinner for Schmucks,” starring Steve Carrell and Paul Rudd. The special was re-broadcast on Comedy Central and was the top rated special of the year for the entire network. His 2015 stand-up special, “Unhinged in Hollywood,” debuted on NBC Primetime and ranked as the time period’s top non-sports program on the Big 4 in every key measure. He later conquered the comedy world by becoming a multi-platinum selling DVD artist and achieving record-breaking ratings on both cable and network TV. His astonishing arena-packing power has put him on par with major music acts such as Luke Bryan and Metallica.Ī Texas native, after graduating from Baylor University, Dunham moved to Los Angeles and soon became a sensation on the national comedy club circuit.
His accomplishments have led to record-breaking viewership with his standup specials on NBC, Netflix and Comedy Central. With over 11 million followers on Facebook and over 3 million YouTube subscribers, amassing well over a billion and a half views, the comedian/ventriloquist has carved out his own unique space in the comedy world. In other words, Dunham bested himself three times running.ĭunham has built an entertainment empire over years of non-stop touring and performance innovation. And further it was highest rated standup special in 18-49 since his 2014 “All Over the Map” special. The airing was Comedy Central’s most watched special in five years, which was also a Dunham special.
Īdditionally, during the pandemic Dunham released “Jeff Dunham’s Completely Unrehearsed Last Minute Pandemic Holiday Special,” his 1st of three new standup specials under a new deal with Viacom and Comedy Central, and this makes the artist’s tenth in his impressive string of record-breaking stand up television events.
In addition to his usual cast of irreverent accomplices, “SERIOUSLY!?” includes the newest member of the troupe, “Url”, the grandson of Walter who lives online in his parent’s basement and knows not much more than what’s on his smart phone.
#IMAGES OF ACHMED THE DEAD TERRORIST PLUS#
And now, after taking the year off that nobody wanted, the comedian/ventriloquist and the little guys in his suitcase are restarting their much-claimed international tour, “JEFF DUNHAM: SERIOUSLY!?.” They’ll be playing multiple rescheduled dates crisscrossing North America and Canada, then will soon be adding approximately 50 more cites to include more of North America, plus Europe and the U.K.
and the world with their multiple blockbuster tours. and Achmed the Dead Terrorist, have filled arenas across the U.S. For more than thirteen years, Jeff Dunham and his delightfully irreverent cohorts, Peanut, Walter, José Jalapeño, Bubba J.