Yes....to a degree.

However, it has sprung offspring which is what comedy has now become. Standup comedy of the 1980's (when comedy was king) has sprung newer standups, as well as improv, sketch, and other funnies.

But how did comedy come to pass away so quickly? At one point there were too many rooms hosting comedy (which unfortunatly isn't a problem now) and not enough headliners. So in order to put more money in their pockets some rooms decided to start headlining people who weren't ready to be headliners just yet. Instead of hiring comedians who could kick butt, they choose comedians who were willing to work for less money. The audiences noticed the drop in quality and recognizability of the headliners and quit coming to these clubs. So, some ever smart club owners decided to "paper" the rooms which is letting people in for free and living off the drinks alone. Once they got rid of the cover charges they couldn't afford the better comedians. Then the dreadful act of bringer shows came about. Since the comedians were the ones who wanted to use the rooms for the showcasing of their talent, why not make them bring in an audience. But even the best of friends can only listen to a funny (or in some cases unfunny) punchline so many times before it becomes almost painful to hear anymore.

But as dead as the comedy boom of the 1980's is....its offspring of newer standup, improv, sketch, and whatnot is still plugging along today. New open mics and one nighter rooms are opening up each and every day. More and more talent scouts are turning once again to standup comedians for casting of pilots and reality TV shows.

So if comedy is dead....its ghost is still haunting the people brave enough in todays world to step onto a stage, grab a hold of a microphone, and say a few words that brings about the laughter of others. And I have a feeling those haunts are strong enough to bring about a brand new era of comedy....a very lively era.

- Devin Dugan