Planet Podcasts

The live room

Where Comedy Learned Timing

The studio audience has never left. Trace the rhythm of the network comedy hour into the modern conversation show.

1944 – now · 5 stops · 3h 14m

  1. 1

    The running gag as architecture — a whole show built on a closet.

    Fibber McGee and Molly · Radio

    FMM 1931-06-01 (xx) Smackout

    1 Jun 1931 · 19 min

  2. 2

    Two-hander mechanics, still the cleanest lesson in escalation.

    Abbott and Costello · Radio

    Lion Hunting

    20 Mar 1940 · 25 min

  3. 3

    Character comedy for the ear, carried entirely by a doorway and a phone.

    Duffy's Tavern · Radio

    duff.1940.04.11 Duffys Tavern

    11 Apr 1940 · 29 min

  4. 4

    The descendant: broadcast timing, loosened to conversation length.

    Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend · Comedy

    Greta Lee

    10 Aug 2026 · 1h 6m

  5. 5

    The room is now three friends and a surprise guest — the format finally admits it.

    SmartLess · Comedy

    "Robby Hoffman"

    10 Aug 2026 · 54 min