As humorists, comedians find funny and witty anecdotes in the mundane things of life. One such thing that is ubiquitous to every living room is a couch. Often overlooked as just another piece of furniture, it provides a comfortable medium for lounging, binge-watching TV, snacking and even taking naps. But have you ever wondered how the couch can also be a source of comedy? Enter Couch Candy.
Couch Candy is a term used by comedians to describe the miscellaneous items found among couch cushions. It ranges from food crumbs, coins, small toys, remote controls, tissues, pens, paper clips, and even unspeakable personal items. These random objects can trigger spontaneous laughter during stand-up comedy or satirical sketches on couch-confined scenarios.
A classic example of utilizing Couch Candy as comedy is Late Night TV host Jimmy Fallon's infamous segment called "Hashtag the Panda." In this skit, a person dressed in a giant panda suit infiltrates various couches of unsuspecting guests while they are watching TV. The panda interrupts their program, causing chaos, but then hands them a card with a hashtag challenge. For instance, #AddAWordRuinan80sSong or #MyWeirdNeighbour. Viewers start trending on social media, sending screenshots of their clever replies. While the panda entertains kids, adults enjoy the Couch Candy-discovery element of the routine.
In a similar vein, comedian Ellen DeGeneres plays games on her show with various celebrities, often involving couches. Her notorious "5 Second Rule" game asks players to name three things related to a given topic within five seconds – while sitting on a sofa. For example, during a game with Jennifer Aniston, who was wearing a bathrobe, Degeneres asked: "Name three articles of clothing you wouldn't want to wear on a date," to which Aniston replied, "Bra, underwear, and a diaper." The humor comes from the absurdity of the answers and the casual settings contrasted with celebrity status.
Couch Candy can also be a personal reference, as comedian Ali Wong doesn't shy away from bringing up some gross encounters with sofas during her stand-up routines. In a Netflix special, she recounts an incident where she was house sitting for friends and decided to make popcorn. Hungry and alone, she plopped the bowl on the couch and continued snacking. Only after stuffing her face did she find out that there was a hole in the popcorn's bottom. She spent hours looking for the missing kernels while trying to hide the oily stain on the furniture. Her storytelling and facial expressions are hilarious and relatable for anyone who has ever faced a similar circumstance.
In conclusion, Couch Candy is not just about finding weird stuff in the cushions. It's about using everyday things in surprising and amusing contexts. Comedians have mastered the art of taking something simple and making it hysterical, and the couch is no exception. Whether they're sharing personal experiences or including audience participants, Couch Candy adds another layer of entertainment to comedic performances. So take a deep dive into your own sofa and see what you can find – it might spark a comedy routine one day!