Comedy and the New York City subway

The MTA runs New York City’s subway system, for what that’s worth. The funny things you may see or experience on a subway ride are another story, and NYC-based TV shows, movies and comedians have enjoyed this platform to share them with us over the years.

Last week was a big week for subway comedy, as Broad City opened its second season on Comedy Central with an obstacle course of commuting chaos for Abbi and Ilana to maneuver around, while in real life, Improv Everywhere mounted its 14th annual No Pants Subway Ride on Jan. 11.

How do these encounters stack up against previous depictions of the New York subway transit line?

Woody Allen faces off against Sylvester Stallone in Bananas.

The cast of Seinfeld, in season three, found themselves in a variety of subway situations.

Louis CK cleans up a strange mess, in this scene from FX’s Louie.

Two years ago, we saw the Panhandler Party stunt imagine what would happen if several competing entertainers and beggars came through the same subway car at the same time.

And from last season on Saturday Night Live, Josh Hutcherson joins Kenan Thompson and Jay Pharoah in the subway breakdance group, Matchbox 3.

Do you have a favorite subway comedy scene? If it’s not listed here, please share it in the comments! Thanks.

Sean L. McCarthy

Editor and publisher since 2007, when he was named New York's Funniest Reporter. Former newspaper reporter at the New York Daily News, Boston Herald and smaller dailies and community papers across America. Loves comedy so much he founded this site.

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