Why are there so many bad comedy acts

You can learn dancing, singing, acting or playing a musical instrument to various degrees of accomplishment. But, comedy has got to be the only thing that can't be taught or learned. It's an instinct, so to speak. You can tell a good comedian by the way they interact socially. They don't have to try; it comes out naturally.You've either got it or you don't.

I will stick to Benny Hill and Carry On movies.

I feel bad for many of them, it's not easy getting up in front of people who judge so fast

That's why I don't watch these shows. Too many legitimate talent 's are getting leapfrogged by these clowns.

I think you're right, I've seen many comedy acts that were not funny.

Maybe bad comedy acts is used to be a thing that people can make complaints. We need not only laugh but also complain.

The level of comedy has fallen vastly since the days of Bob Monkhouse or the old sitcoms from the 1960s. Now we get US sitcoms where someone walks in and makes a overly emphasised "Hi" resulting in peals of canned laughter.

Comedy seems to be the 'in' thing these days. Maybe it's got something to do with Arthur Smith and Radio 4 Extra (or maybe they are just jumping on the band-wagon or maybe I just listen to Radio 4 Extra - because I CAN on DAB radio - too much!) Every so often, R4X has a sort of knock-out competition for comedy acts. It tends to be connected with the two 'comedy festivals' which they seem to sponsor: Edinburgh Fringe and Machynlleth Comedy Festival (both of which have some pretty good acts, on the whole, but with the occasional appalling gig!) I do have to say that it is very hard to beat the real old-time comedy programmes like the Goon Show and anything with John Cleese, Graham Garden or Bill Oddie in it, to mention but a few! I think that it isn't just the jokes (which are execrable) but the way they present them. Very few people today seem to understand that 'comedy' is ALL about timing and personality. If you ain't got the charisma and the ability to interact with yer audience - that is, listen to when they want to laugh and BUILD on it - you are likely to be a failure as a comedian! David Sedaris writes very funny stuff but it is the way he READS it - to an audience - which makes it hilarious because his timing is impeccable. Both he and his audience have a ball because they are together. I imagine that Mark Twain and Charles Dickens (who both did public readings) had very much the same effect.

This is the word "as seen on TV", no matter if it was a good thing to see or a very poor one.

Some comedians really bring out the cringe factor. I like a good comedian but so many simply aren't. While I don't mind swearing and 'off' jokes, some rely entirely on these. I like a bit of wit as well.

There are really natural comedians who can make the audience laugh even on an impromptu setting.

Sometimes l do ask myself,did hey ask anyone they trust to first watch and give them an honest opinion? some are horrible.Thanks to my shyness l dont see me going to perform rubbish and being booed. But as you say,5,10 years from now they will be like,*I`ve even been on TV", trying to impress a stranger for the first time

We've had a run of great british comedians on tour here, and my husband and I have indulged ourselves with some date nights. We've had Dawn French, John Cleese and Eric Idle on tour and I've just booked tickets for Michael McIntyre. That's more shows in one year than I've seen in the past 5!