Whitney Cummings has revealed that she had to cut several jokes about Donald Trump before performing at the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. The comedian also claimed that another was edited out of Netflix’s filmed special of the event.

Cummings shared the details during a recent episode of her podcast, where she discussed the jokes she removed and explained why she decided not to perform them.

Speaking on her podcast, Cummings said concerns about the political climate surrounding the Kennedy Center partly influenced her decision to cut some of her jokes about Trump.

The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor ceremony was held at the Kennedy Center, where Cummings performed.

According to the comedian, she was surprised to learn that President Donald Trump serves as chair of the Kennedy Center’s board. She also claimed staff members warned her that certain jokes could cost them their jobs.

“We’ll get fired if you say that,” she recalled being told during rehearsals, adding that it was “the worst thing you could hear before [going on] as a comic.”

“Like what a dork,” Cummings said of Trump. “I’m like, if he even watches this, he is such a dork. Um, but I did cut a joke.”

The Trump Jokes Whitney Cummings Decided To Scrap

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Among the jokes Cummings removed was a punchline about Trump putting his name on the Kennedy Center.

She joked that Trump had “always hated John F. Kennedy because the Kennedys had Marilyn Monroe before he had a chance to grab her,” referencing Trump’s infamous “Access Hollywood” remarks.

Another joke she had planned was that Trump could not attend the show because he “got caught in sex traffic.” Cummings claimed she performed that joke for the live audience but later realized producers had removed it from the Netflix special.

Reflecting on the experience, Cummings argued that comedians should not have to second-guess whether political jokes are acceptable before taking the stage.

Netflix Says Kennedy Center Controlled Trump Joke Edit

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On X, the comedian continued the discussion by posting a cryptic message alongside a clip from her Mark Twain Prize performance.

“Mark Twain Prize for @billmaher now on @NetflixIsAJoke. Netflix didn’t cut any of my jokes. Some were cut. Use your noggin,” Cummings wrote.

Entertainment journalist Matthew Belloni later appeared to clarify who was responsible for removing the “sex traffic” joke from the special.

He wrote, “New: Netflix tells me it wasn’t their call to omit Whitney Cummings’ Trump ‘sex traffic’ joke from Mark Twain Prize show: ‘While it’s our preference not to cut jokes from anyone’s set, The Kennedy Center has the contractual right to do so.’”

Trump’s Kennedy Center Shake-Up Sparked Controversy

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Trump’s controversy with the Kennedy Center began after he removed former president Deborah Rutter, replaced former board chair David Rubenstein, and dismissed several board members appointed by former President Joe Biden.

He later appointed a new board that included several allies, including Second Lady Usha Vance, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Fox News host Laura Ingraham, before installing himself as chairman of the center.

The controversy later escalated after Trump announced plans to rename the institution the “Trump-Kennedy Center.”

The White House press secretary said the Kennedy Center board had unanimously approved the proposal, citing “the unbelievable work President Trump has done in saving the building.”

Judge Blocks Trump’s Kennedy Center Name Change

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Last month, Judge Christopher R. Cooper of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia blocked the proposed name changes and paused renovation plans at the Kennedy Center.

Cooper ruled that the proposal appeared to violate the 1964 federal law establishing the Kennedy Center as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy and as a symbol of the nation’s commitment to the arts.

He further stated that any attempt to rename the institution would require congressional approval, noting that only Congress has the authority to amend the law governing the center.

Following the ruling, Trump’s legal team sought to pause the decision while pursuing an appeal. However, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the lower court’s decision would remain in effect while the appeal proceeds.

Margaret Qualley was spotted publicly for the first time amid her split from estranged husband Jack Antonoff.

The Substance actress, 31, returned to the horror movie genre on Wednesday, July 22, when she filmed scenes for the remake of the cult classic Possession in New Jersey, per People.

Qualley perfectly recaptured the spooky elegance that original Possession star Isabelle Adjani embodied in the 1981 movie, having been photographed on Wednesday wearing a black long-sleeved, button-up shirt, a dark knee-length skirt and leggings as well as ballet slippers as she screamed in terror for the camera.

Smile writer-director Parker Finn is partnering with producer Robert Pattinson to remake filmmaker Andrzej Żuławski’s supernatural thriller about a spy’s wife who experiences unexplainable horrors when she asks for a divorce. (Callum Turner, Paul Dano and Diego Calva are all starring with Qualley in the new version of Possession.)

Related: Who Did Jack Antonoff Bring to Taylor Swift’s Wedding Amid Margaret Split?

Jack Antonoff didn’t show up solo to Taylor Swift‘s wedding amid his separation from wife Margaret Qualley. News broke on Wednesday, July 9, that Qualley, 31, and Antonoff, 42, had split after three years of marriage. Rumors swirled about the couple’s status after Qualley was absent from Swift’s wedding to Travis Kelce at New York […]

Qualley got back to work two weeks after reports emerged that she’d quietly separated from Antonoff, 42, after three years of marriage.

Speculation arose about the couple’s marital status when Jack attended longtime friend and collaborator Taylor Swift’s wedding to Travis Kelce at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on July 3 with his sister, Rachel Antonoff, rather than Qualley.

On July 9, Us reported via an exclusive source that Qualley and Jack split “recently” but were “having issues for the last few years.”

“Margaret initiated the separation,” a source told Us. “Both of their busy schedules and distance were factors, along with many other things.”

The insider added, “They were still trying to work on the marriage a few months ago, but it ultimately wasn’t working. At some point, the rose-colored glasses came off for Margaret, and she felt she needed to take a step back.”

Us learned from the source that Jack also “had expressed to friends” that “it was difficult being married and that there were struggles” in his relationship with Qualley.

“[They] don’t have divorce plans yet,” the insider confirmed.

Qualley’s spokesperson subsequently spoke out on July 10 to shut down persistent theoried that there were “trust issues” in the actress’s marriage.

“The narratives running in the press about Margaret and Jack are categorically untrue,” her rep told Us at the time. “There are no trust issues. There was no infidelity or anything outside of respect and partnership in this relationship. They have deep love and care for one another.”

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Related: Margaret Qualley and Jack Antonoff’s Relationship Timeline

Margaret Qualley and Jack Antonoff kept their romance under the radar before getting married. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your email Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from Us Weekly Deal of the Day Cool […]

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The rep continued, “There are only two people in this marriage, and the sources who are talking to the press and commenting on their relationship are not people who know them. Please respect their privacy.”

Antonoff and Qualley were first spotted together in August 2021 before eventually tying the knot in Long Beach Island, New Jersey, in August 2023. Their star-studded wedding guest list included Swift, 36, Lana Del Rey, Zoë Kravitz and the bride’s mother, Andie MacDowell.

Prior to her marriage to Jack, Qualley dated comedian Pete Davidson in 2019 and was with Shia LaBeouf the following year. Jack was in a long-term relationship with Girls creator Lena Dunham for more than five years before they split in late 2017.

There is a very fine line between the moronically mundane and the mindfully magnificent, between the momentary appeal of nonsensical silliness and the enduring legacy of excellence. Some of the most brilliant television series ever released have toed this line with astonishing skill, presenting thought-provoking observations on contemporary society beneath a foolhardy façade of unassuming asininity.

Ranging from vulgar teenage comedies to the awe-inspiring absurdity of adult animation, and even to the underrated impact and influence of some of the boldest family sitcoms the medium has ever seen, each of these 10 series has a depth and a genius to them that many overlook on first viewing. Slapstick silliness and smut may abound in these shows, but audiences shouldn’t think that is all they offer.

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‘The Office’ (2005–2013)

Image via NBC

Based on the UK series of the same name, and even emulating its mockumentary format, The Office excels as an absurd distortion of workplace chaos as it immerses viewers in the Scranton branch of a paper supply company. Under the management of the well-meaning but often offensive and misguided Michael Scott (Steve Carell), the employees balance their time between going about their work and embarking on numerous misadventures that lead to all kinds of calamity.

Its gleeful, energized delight goes hand-in-hand with its frenetic lunacy, but the true masterstroke of The Office—and the quality that distinguishes it from Ricky Gervais’s British predecessor—is its underlying sense of heart. The silliness is grounded in emotional realism, making the characters more than just walking punch-lines or shallow caricatures, but nuanced and deeply relatable spins on stereotypical workplace personalities. Its infectious goofiness works in tandem with its heartfelt warmth to make for the ultimate comfort comedy, one that is still enjoyed and rewatched by the masses well over a decade on from its conclusion.

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‘Trailer Park Boys’ (2001–2026)

Image via Blue Fox Entertainment 

Another hit series that soared with its mockumentary format, Trailer Park Boys is an unrestrained descent into absurdist brilliance anchored by strong and unforgettable characterizations. The comedic Canadian TV series follows the mania and hilarity that ensues when three ex-cons start living together in a trailer park. The trio embark on all manner of mischievous misadventures while struggling to adjust to their new lifestyle.

It leans heavily on inspired depravity, pairing the lowbrow obscenity and criminal instincts of the characters with a sneakily sweet air of loyalty, community, support, and brotherhood. It doesn’t invest in these qualities to the point of becoming soppy or sentimental, but the presence of the three men’s sincere connection allows for their antics to boast a sense of good-natured chaos, even if the results of their labor are typically disastrous.

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‘Futurama’ (1999–Present)

Image via Hulu

A series that is perhaps undervalued in the wheelhouse of animated comedy, Futurama was dismissed by many as being a sci-fi knockoff of The Simpsons due to its similar animation style and comedic tastes, and the creative in-put of Matt Groening and David X. Cohen. However, its ability to combine lowbrow crassness with advanced scientific concepts, refined philosophical points, and a litany of memorable and beloved characters is testament enough to its genius.

Fry (Billy West) is a pizza delivery boy from 1999 who ends up 1000 years in the future when he accidentally places himself in a cryosleep chamber. Awakening at the dawn of the 31st century, Fry finds work for an interplanetary delivery company and enjoys a series of wacky adventures with his colleagues. The series’ ability to embark on feverishly absurd tangents and include ridiculous gags without sacrificing narrative quality is one of its defining strengths, as is its gradual character arcs and melancholic themes that ground the series in emotional earnestness and prevent the zany humor from feeling hollow.

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‘Monty Python’s Flying Circus’ (1969–1974)

Image via BBC

There are few in the history of film and television who have perfected the nature of stupid comedy quite like Monty Python. The British troupe is fondly remembered for their work in comedy cinema, with enduring classics like Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Monty Python’s Life of Brian. However, before those pictures came to be, they first ingratiated themselves to British audiences with their sketch comedy series, Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

Through short and snappy skits, Monty Python’s appetite for sheer ridiculousness is even more profound than it is in their movies, with everything from crude innuendo to sight gags, animated chaos, deadpan absurdist satire, and even abrupt outbursts of musical mayhem being used to conjure laughs. Beneath its frenzied chaos, however, the sketch comedy series makes pointed and surprisingly timeless observations on the idiosyncrasies of British life, the nature of class, and the perplexing lunacy of social norms. Its four-season run is a treat of comic purity that features everything from lowbrow smut to intelligent philosophical musings.

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‘Bob’s Burgers’ (2011–Present)

Image via FOX

Even more so than many other animated comedy series, Bob’s Burgers leans heavily into the appeal of stupidity as it follows third-generation restaurateur Bob Belcher (H. Jon Benjamin) as he manages his struggling burger shop with help from his uptight wife and their three underachieving children. However, the series never stoops to mean-spirited satire to conjure laughs, actively subverting the “disaster family” sitcom formula as it explores a loving and wholesome blue-collar family dynamic.

Aided by its brilliant conversational nature, a byproduct of the cast recording their lines together and allowing for organic improvisation and overlapping dialogue, Bob’s Burgers finds its comedic heart in the art of witty wordplay and the relatability of fluid family bickering. The absurd brilliance of the animated sight gags only adds to this intriguing and warm-hearted dimension, making Bob’s Burgers one of the most resonant and charming animated sitcoms television has to offer.

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‘American Vandal’ (2017–2018)

Image via Netflix

A hysterical and ceaselessly brilliant skewering of the true crime phenomenon that has erupted in recent years, American Vandal is a delightful blending of parody and potty humor. It follows two high school students as they investigate pranks carried out by their peers to determine who was truly behind them. Season 1 sees them looking into a case where 27 faculty cars were vandalized with phallic imagery, while Season 2 revolves around a mystery concerning contaminated cafeteria lemonade in a Catholic school.

Despite the juvenile nature of its premise, American Vandal soars as an all-consuming satirical masterpiece. It conjures surprisingly engrossing central mysteries while offering considered queries on the exploitative state of today’s entertainment and engaging with notions of social media and the modern teenage experience with authenticity and intelligence. In this regard, it uses its license for obscenity and absurdity fantastically, making for a profound and piercing parody that is as confident and assured in making penis jokes as it is illuminating essential issues in modern society.

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‘Rick and Morty’ (2013–Present)

Image via Adult Swim

There is a peculiarity to the intelligence and genius of Rick and Morty. On one hand, anyone obsessively dictating to you that it is smart only proves that it has an appeal to stupid people. On the other hand, there is an inspired brilliance to its comedy that has to be respected. The animated series marries cartoonish absurdity and sci-fi intricacy as it follows the many misadventures of a depressed, eccentric, and alcoholic mad scientist and his naïve and kind-hearted young grandson.

The magnificence of Rick and Morty resides in how seamlessly it juggles its many different comedy styles, tones, and ideas. Many of its most well-known gags are examples of unadulterated lunacy and low-brow humor, and yet there is a philosophical might to the series that has a certain knack for blindsiding viewers amid all the tomfoolery. Its grasp on complex scientific theories and its extensive mockery of pop culture are also factors that serve as a testament to the series’ excellence and perhaps overlooked intelligence.

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‘Mr. Bean’ (1990–1995)

Image via ITV

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There is so much about Mr. Bean that feels like it offers a momentary chuckle, only to be instantly forgotten and never thought of again. And yet, despite the fact that the series consists of just 15 episodes across one season, which was released 30 years ago, the offbeat British sitcom remains one of the most well-known titles in comedy television. The series simply follows Rowan Atkinson’s eponymous character in his daily misadventures as his unusual wit and his peculiar perspective of the world always conspire to get him in awkward situations.

There is a certain simplicity to the idea that is timeless, while Atkinson’s mastery of physical humor and visual gags has made the character truly universal. Many would be quick to suggest that Mr. Bean’s childlike naivety and slapstick silliness are what makes it stupid, but these qualities imbue the series with the ability to appeal to absolutely anyone in the world, while also making Bean himself a surprisingly endearing and sympathetic character despite his muteness and absurdity.

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‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ (2005–Present)

Image via FX

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In any form of narrative writing, it is seldom advised that one make all their main characters as despicable, unlikable, and irredeemable as is humanly possible. Somehow, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia did exactly this and struck comedy gold, and that is not something that can be accomplished by accident. The irreverent sitcom follows five toxic and completely immoral friends in their efforts to manage a decrepit Irish bar in Philadelphia, with the group being led on many manic and monstrous misadventures in the process.

Profound, nihilistic, and always finding new ways to shock fans with its characters’ depravity, the hit series has thrived with its exceptional comedy performances and writing. Perhaps the greatest testament to its genius, however, has been its longevity, with the series’ consistent excellence highlighting that it doesn’t entertain with mere shock value, but through its unbridled creativity and its ceaseless sense of dare to push the boundaries of what society will deem to be acceptable.

6

‘All in the Family’ (1971–1979)

Image via CBS

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If modern audiences were to revisit the iconic 70s sitcom All in the Family, the chances are they would consider it funny, but ultimately outdated and completely out of taste. After all, the brash and insensitive style that marked the comedy of that era has become archaic. However, what viewers of today perhaps wouldn’t initially understand is how pioneering the series was, with it being the first sitcom to actively address trending social issues in a manner that is both insightful and fun.

It follows the Queens-based Bunker family as they navigate the trials of working-class life with Archie Bunker’s (Carroll O’Connor) prejudiced and narrow-minded views often clashing with the perspectives of his wife and children. All in the Family’s boof-headed veneer often gives way to great discussion points and observations about issues such as discrimination, gentrification, and the impact of the Vietnam War on American society. Its formula of laughs and enlightenment has been adopted by countless sitcoms since, making All in the Family not only a stroke of writing genius, but one of the most influential series of all time as well.

Dressing for triple-digit temperatures is no joke, but Eva Longoria just gave us a hack for staying cool and looking cute at the same time. No matter if you’re going to the gym, out to lunch or a day of shopping, an athletic dress is a smart option for all of it. You see, the style has all the elements that make being comfortable — even in this unforgiving summer weather — actually possible.

Longoria went out to lunch with a friend while out in Spain. The actress dressed smartly for the heat in a black and white athletic dress, slip-on sandals, sunglasses and a designer tote bag — and an up-do hairstyle. She looked effortlessly polished, and luckily, a lookalike wasn’t hard to find, thanks to the Desol Square-Neck Athletic Tennis Dress.

Get the Desol Square-Neck Athletic Tennis Dress for $15 (originally $30) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

On sale for $15 right now, this one-piece looks just like Longoria’s with the black base and white trim. However, it comes in 10 other colors and patterns, including polka dots, so you can take advantage of the limited-time deal. It’s just as easy to wear this dress to play tennis as it is to run errands.

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Related: 17 Loose, Comfy Sundresses That Look Great on Women Over 55

Summer is in full swing, but our penchant for sundresses never goes out of season. Especially for women over 55, loose, figure-flattering sundresses offer that sophisticated, warm-weather polish that’s always cool and chic. Right now, there’s no better place to shop sundresses for women over 55 than Amazon, which is packed with options in every style, […]

What makes this athletic dress so ideal for summer is that it has an airy sleeveless design, a comfortable four-way stretch and convenient built-in shorts with pockets. So, you don’t have to worry about not being able to move in it or feeling exposed by the short length. This style is flattering, too, because the V-shape waist detail cinches you in before bubbling out just a bit.

Amazon reviewers agree that this athletic dress is a smart choice no matter what activities are on the agenda.

“The square neckline gives it a flattering and stylish look, while the built-in shorts provide great coverage and comfort. The fabric is lightweight, stretchy and breathable, making it perfect for tennis, golf, workouts or casual outings,” a happy shopper shared.

“Love how this dress fits. It’s perfect for going to theme parks. The pockets are a good size, and [the] fabric is almost water-resistant. We got rained on A LOT, and it dried so quickly!! Felt comfy and pretty all day long,” another verified buyer said.

When dealing with scorching temperatures and just wanting all-day comfort, Longoria found the secret — and all it takes is one affordable piece on Amazon.

Get the Desol Square-Neck Athletic Tennis Dress for $15 (originally $30) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more athletic dresses here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

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Related: 17 Breathable Dresses That Hold up in 90-Degree Heat

When temperatures start climbing, getting dressed in a cute outfit can feel a lot less appealing. Our tip? Skip the shorts-and-top combo, which can feel stiff and uncomfortable, and opt for a lightweight sundress instead. It’s so much easier to throw on, in more ways than one. Not only does a breathable dress offer a […]