What is meta humor?

Meta humor is a type of comedy that involves making jokes or references about the nature of humor itself, often breaking the fourth wall and acknowledging the artificiality of the comedic medium. This can involve self-referential jokes, parodying common comedic tropes, or making fun of the conventions of the genre.

Meta humor can be found in various forms of entertainment, including television shows, movies, stand-up comedy, and literature. It is often used to comment on the absurdity of certain comedic situations, critique the expectations of the audience, or create a sense of irony within the humor.

Some famous examples of meta humor include shows like "30 Rock," "Community," and "Arrested Development," which often incorporate self-aware jokes and meta commentary into their storytelling. Comedians like Louis C.K. and Bo Burnham also use meta humor in their stand-up routines to play with audience expectations and challenge the traditional structure of comedy.

Overall, meta humor adds an extra layer of complexity to comedy by drawing attention to the artificiality of jokes and humor, creating a more self-aware and intellectually engaging form of comedy for audiences to enjoy.