The Aristocrats (2005)

In "The Aristocrats," a provocative documentary as daring as it is hilarious, Penn Jillette and Paul Provenza invite us into the exclusive backstage world of comedy. Over 100 luminaries from the entertainment industry - including the likes of George Carlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Drew Carey, and Sarah Silverman - gather to deconstruct, interpret, and deliver their unique renditions of an infamous joke known only to comedians. The joke - a family act so obscene it cannot be performed in public, revolves around a man who walks into an agent's office, pitching the most outrageous act imaginable. The punchline? They're called "The Aristocrats." The charm lies not in the punchline but in the journey there, with each comedian infusing their own creative twist into the narrative, pushing the boundaries of the joke's lewdness while keeping their fellow humorists on their toes. The film's inspiration stems from a pivotal moment in comedy history. Three weeks after the 9/11 attacks, during the Hugh Hefner roast, Gilbert Gottfried dares to break the silence with a shockingly obscene version of the joke. The audience, previously on edge, erupts in laughter, setting the tone for the rest of the evening. "The Aristocrats," is more than just a joke. It's a testament to the art of storytelling, the versatility of humor, and the shared camaraderie among comedians. Each comedian breathes life into the narrative, making it their own, and in the process, they reveal an insider's view on the mechanics of comedy, showcasing the joke every comedian knows but never tells on stage. This documentary is a bold exploration of the line between humor and obscenity, a celebration of creativity, and a peek behind the curtain of the comedy world's most guarded secret.

The Aristocrats is a comedy movie featuring Jason Alexander and directed by Paul Provenza.

The Aristocrats is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Crackle, Freevee, Kanopy, Peacock, Peacock Premium, Plex, Plex Player, Pluto TV, Redbox, Shout! Factory TV, The Roku Channel, Tubi TV and VUDU Free and it's also available on fuboTV.

It is also possible to buy The Aristocrats on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.