The overdose of laughter continues with Sahara One launching the second season of Comedy Champions that will yet again feature comedians, majority of them the by-products of Laughter Challenge. Also, there will additions to the Pakistani team as well. The second season commences from 15 March, every Saturday and Sunday at 10.pm.

Despite promises to present new and fresh jokes, the content at the launch was nothing new. (Rajeev Nigam was the only exception). When reminded of this, Programming head Kalyan Sundaram said, “We’ve deliberately asked the artists not to use any of the new jokes at the launch. You will definitely see the difference in the show. We’ve strictly instructed all the artists that there should be 100% fresh content. Though, it may not necessarily make one laugh, the jokes will have to be refreshing. Also, you will just not see duet acts but there will be performances by a trio, which I believe will set a new trend.”

Another bane for viewers is that comedy today is increasingly becoming sexist and vulgar. Sadly, some of it was evident here at the launch with many artists once again crossing the line of decency. Defending such acts, Kalyan says, “With such humour, you’re always walking the tightrope. However, it must be noted that the target is always the male. Thus most jokes tend to cater to women but I’d again say that the line of decency should never be crossed.”

Going by the events at the launch, there’s not much incentive for the humour-starved viewers to watch Comedy Champions. Besides, it is indeed strange that the Programming Head saying that jokes needn’t necessarily make you laugh. Pray, tell us what are jokes supposed to do then?

Laughter or no laughter; one thing is certain – the participants will certainly be laughing all the way to the bank.