Post-Comedy by Alfie Bown is a sharp and thought-provoking exploration of how modern society has changed the meaning and function of humour. Bown argues that comedy once served as a shared space for connection—through teasing, joking, and laughter that brought people together—but in today’s world of social media outrage, identity politics, and performative morality, that sense of unity has been lost. He calls this cultural shift the “post-comedy” era, where jokes are no longer simply funny but often judged for their political or moral implications. Drawing from cultural theory, psychoanalysis, and media studies, Bown examines how capitalism, digital platforms, and ideological polarization have transformed comedy into something anxious and fragmented. The book is concise yet intellectually dense, offering a fresh theoretical perspective rather than a practical guide to humour. While some readers may find its academic tone challenging or its focus too Western-centric, Post-Comedy succeeds in sparking reflection on how humour both mirrors and shapes our current cultural tensions. It’s a recommended read for anyone interested in the intersection of comedy, politics, and digital culture, though it may appeal more to scholars and critical readers than to casual fans of comedy.