Lewis Black will confirm it.

Beginning Monday, Black will curate Comedy Now – a weekong exploration of comedy’s impact on culture and society at Chautauqua Institution, in partnership with the National Comedy Center.

“What comedy is in terms of culture and society is insulation,” Black said. “What insulation in the house does is provide you with a bit more against the cold, and in the sense that comedy provides you with a bit more in terms of dealing with what can be truly, at times insane when it comes to our culture our society.”

Black said comedy has become something that people argue over, but, he added, there is no argument with comedy.

Roy Wood attends the 85th Annual Peabody Awards on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

“It’s funny or it’s not funny,” Black said.”It shouldn’t be cruel or mean or malevolent – dealing on all sorts of levels.”

Black said comedy gets people to think more, and an example of that would be satire.

“And what it is, is the ability to laugh at things that you’re normally not allowed to laugh at. That’s the deal,” Black added.

The week explores the craft of comedy with insight and humor from the people who do it best, offering audiences a rich blend of morning lectures and evening performances that showcase comedy as both an art form and a vital part of how we connect.

“In times like these, laughter helps us

Kelsey Mann, director of "Inside Out 2," poses at the premiere of the film at the El Capitan Theatre, Monday, June 10, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

stay sane and connected, even when the world feels upside down. I’m thrilled to be working with Chautauqua Institution and the National Comedy Center to bring together some of the funniest and smartest voices in comedy today. This week will remind us why we need comedy now more than ever,” Black noted.

Here are the events for Comedy Now:

Monday – Pixar’s creative duo–Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter (Inside Out, Up) and Kelsey Mann (Inside Out 2)– join Black to explore how humor and storytelling intersect in animation, and how Pixar uses comedy to connect with global audiences – Amphitheater, 10:45 a.m.

Tuesday – A behind-the-scenes look at the making of daily news satire, featuring the Emmy-winning creative team: Jen Flanz, Matt O’Brien, Max Browning, Elise Terrell, and Black – Amphitheater, 10:45 a.m.

Wednesday – Comedian, author, and historian Wayne Federman and David Bianculli, TV critic and guest

Lewis Black appears on stage at Comedy Central’s ‘Night Of Too Many Stars: An Overbooked Concert For Autism Education’ at the Beacon Theatre in New York, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010.

host of NPR’s “Fresh Air” reflect on Johnny Carson’s legacy at 100, and examines how late-night comedy has shaped American culture – Amphitheater, 10:45 a.m.

Black will deliver his signature humor and sharp social commentary in a live taping of his podcast Rantcast, featuring audience-driven material – Amphitheater, 8:15 p.m.

Thursday – stand-up comedian, author, and NPR “Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me” panelist Paula Poundstone brings her signature wit and insight to a conversation moderated by NCC Executive Director Journey Gunderson – Amphitheater, 10:45 a.m.

Former Daily Show correspondent and Emmy-nominated comedian Roy Wood Jr. brings his

incisive stand-up comedy to Chautauqua – Amphitheater, 8:15 p.m.

“I’m really pleased that he’s coming up there, Black said of Wood, “And people are missing a rare opportunity if they don’t go and see him. … Roy has truly a unique comic voice.”

Friday – Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor Tony Shalhoub (Monk, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) and Carlin–author, podcaster, and daughter of comedy legend George Carlin — to reflect on humor, humanity, and creativity across their careers – Amphitheater, 10:45 a.m.

When Black delivers his Rantcast Wednesday, he will be reaching a milestone – his 500th live Rantcast – which he will mix in with his stand-up comedy routine.

Chautauqua Senior Vice President and Chief Program Officer Deborah Sunya Moore said the curated week exemplifies how Chautauqua convenes some of today’s most influential creators and thinkers for meaningful conversation and creative exchange.

“”Comedy is a unifying art form that fosters conversation, reflection, and resilience. We’re

honored to partner with Chautauqua Institution to spotlight comedy’s vital place in our culture,

and to present such an extraordinary lineup of voices and talents,” Gunderson added.

Single tickets for individual morning lectures, evening performances, and afternoon lectures, as well as full week passes, are available for purchase at chq.org. Many events may also be accessed with a traditional gate pass.