Before we get into this, let’s just remember what an incredible year it’s been for women in comedy.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag is arguably the most talked about TV series both in the UK and America right now. In fact, its popularity led to the revival of Waller-Bridge’s one-woman show, which instantly sold out.

We also waved goodbye to Sharon Horgan’s Catastrophe with what was considered by critics and fans alike as a “perfect” ending episode. Horgan soon returned, alongside Aisling Bea, with her highly-anticipated new series, This Way Up, which has received praise once more. 

And Hannah Gadsby returned to the stage with Douglas, following her hit Netlix show Nanette. The stand-up comedian became a global star overnight thanks to her unique and hilarious way of unpicking her LGBTQ+ experiences. 

This list could go on and on and on. But, you get the picture. 

And yet, the tired and extremely boring “women aren’t funny” trope still lives on in 2019.

Earlier this week, director Olivia Wilde discussed the comments she often hears about Booksmart being “the female version of Super Bad”. Speaking to Yahoo Entertainment, she said: “I mean, hopefully, we get to a point where every female movie doesn’t have to become the female version of a male film.” 

We couldn’t have put it better ourselves. 

Now, a video of four white men sitting on couches, smoking cigars and discussing women in comedy has gone viral. Brace yourselves…

The Daily Wire roundtable, headed by Ben Shapiro, shows the men saying that “comedy is inherently masculine”. One of them goes on to say that Sarah Silverman is only funny because she “emulates a man”. Another then shares an example, saying: “That’s why my wife laughs her head off everytime I clock my head on the stove. Whereas if she clocked her head on the stove, I wouldn’t laugh for a second”. 

Deep breaths, people…

Among the many, many people who quickly called out the four men for their comments, was Derry Girls star Nicola Coughlan. And her response was absolutely perfect. 

She wrote:

“Comedy Derry Girls (Lead by 4/5 young women) has been:

- @Channel4 biggest comedy launch since 2004

- The most successful comedy launch ever on @All4

- The most watched show in Northern Ireland on record.

- One of the top 10 Most Watched on @NetflixUK.”

Coughlan then added: “Dusty old dudes forcing me to humblebrag this early in the day, you hate to see it!” 

She also uploaded a video which showed her giving a mock statement on women in comedy and unconscious bias, poking fun at the “women aren’t funny” trope.

Coughlan’s responses were poignant, sharp and hilarious. And the perfect proof that women are very bloody funny indeed.

Images: Getty, Channel 4