Before people got their jokes and memes from social media sites like Twitter/X, Facebook, or Reddit, we used to have to buy humor magazines. Here are 10 of the most popular:
- The New Yorker: While known for its diverse range of content, The New Yorker has always featured humor pieces, including witty cartoons, satirical essays, and humorous short stories. The “Shouts & Murmurs” section is particularly well-known for its humorous content.
- Mad Magazine: Mad Magazine was a satirical publication that parodied pop culture, politics, and various aspects of modern life. It gained a massive following with its humorous take on movies, TV shows, celebrities, and more. It was known for its iconic mascot, Alfred E. Neuman, and its irreverent humor.
- The Onion: The Onion is a satirical news organization that started as a print newspaper and later transitioned to an online platform. It presents fake news stories in a deadpan style, often poking fun at current events, politics, and popular culture.
- Private Eye: Private Eye is a British satirical magazine known for its investigative journalism, political cartoons, and humorous commentary on British and international politics. It’s been around since the 1960s and has maintained a strong following for its irreverent take on the news.
- Cracked: Cracked started as a humor magazine in the mid-20th century, publishing a mix of satirical articles and comics. In the digital age, it transitioned to a website that focused on pop culture commentary, lists, and humorous articles.
- Charlie Hebdo: A French satirical magazine known for its provocative and often controversial cartoons, Charlie Hebdo covers a wide range of topics including politics, religion, and society.
- Titanic: A German satirical magazine that was founded in 1979. It takes its name from the ill-fated ship RMS Titanic, which is reflected in the magazine’s motto: “The magazine that sinks with the highest circulation in Germany.” “Titanic” is known for its sharp and often controversial satire, covering a wide range of topics including politics, society, media, and popular culture. The magazine features articles, cartoons, parodies, and fake advertisements.
- Eulenspiegel: another well-known German humor magazine with a long history. It takes its name from Till Eulenspiegel, a popular trickster figure in German folklore. The magazine was first published in 1954 in East Germany (German Democratic Republic) and continues to be published to this day, although it has gone through various changes due to political and social shifts.
- The Chaser: An Australian satirical media empire that includes a humor magazine, television programs, radio shows, and online content. The magazine was originally launched in 1999 by a group of university students. It gained attention for its witty and irreverent take on politics, pop culture, and current events. The magazine is known for its satirical articles, fake advertisements, and humorous commentary on Australian and international topics. The Chaser team has also been involved in various high-profile pranks and stunts, contributing to their reputation as provocateurs in the world of comedy and satire.
- The Beaverton: A Canadian satirical news website and television show that parodies news and current events. Founded in 2010, “The Beaverton” offers a humorous take on Canadian politics, culture, and society. It’s often compared to “The Onion” in the United States for its use of fake news stories presented in a deadpan style. In addition to its online presence, “The Beaverton” has expanded into television with a television show that further explores and satirizes Canadian news and media.
