Quite literally, I'm not sure if it's just a confirmation bias from the kind of stuff that gets posted online, or whether the tone of comedy really has changed?

I used to be a huge comedy fan. I liked stuff that really pushed the edge, whether it was the edge of political correctness or of absurdity. I took classes at the Upright Citizens Brigade theatre and even had a show running there for about year. I was really into comedy. My active years were about 1995-2005. I was into the Golden SNL period of Mike Myers, Phil Hartmann, Dana Carvey. In stand-up, I liked a lot of the classic 70's and 80's acts: Denis Leary, George Carlin, Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, the list goes on. Was very in to Mr. Show, Kids in the Hall.

I feel like there was a turning point. Maybe it began around the time Dave Chappelle left his show (and the reasons he did might be relevant). And it has accelerated since. But I kinda left comedy behind for a few years, and now whenever I run across something, it feels like it has a big BP-approved stamp on it. It certainly doesn't feel like it pushes the edge of anything. And yet, in a weird reversed way, it's almost like comedy is now trying to do political favors, by punishing "bullies" and "bigots" instead of having laugh with stereotypes--and pretending the enemies of PC are really the bad guys, and calling them out is edgy and brave.

Back in the old days, you could make jokes about racial groups, gay stereotypes, and laughing about them was the way to transcend them. I always thought it was the cool, transcendent thing about comedy that by ragging on stereotypes, you actually dissolve them, and, in a way, put all groups on a more equal level.

Nowadays, it feels like some execs decided they wanted to turn comedy into "a force for good" or some such shit, and purposefully promote comedians who stay away from any kind of fun with stereotypes and force the "transcendence" through "equal, diverse" casting and comedy themes that actually go about with rather obvious "social change" undertones. Here are two that I've come across lately:

Amy Schumer taking on military sexual assault

Key and Peele taking on school bullying

Key and Peele advise you on pleasing women

..and even this one that I found while looking for another... which is actually pretty damn funny, until the conclusion at the end turns a really funny, edgy sketch into a feel-good acceptance moment

I'm a huge fan of the show "Louie", but he's definitely a BP guy. I more admire his artistry in doing sitcom in a cinematic style, really interesting directing choices, and great performances from him and many secondary characters. But if I met the character in real life, I would stomp on him.

You may recall the scene where Louie gets emasculated by a high school bully (can't find the link).

On the other hand, there's still good alt comedy and more fun stuff and you look for it, I guess. Of all things, I saw Carlos Mencia live a year ago and he blew my mind. Nothing like his infamous TV show.

So... is it just chance that I happen to stumble across more BP stuff online and on TV? Or is it because TV has to be politically correct that they promote tepid BP comedy? Or, have the comedic sensibilities of the era changed, and if so, what reasons could you factor into that?