This chapter charts the evolution of American political satire from colonial times to today. Focusing on significant figures and works from a variety of genres – literary, editorial cartoons, satiric news, and performance – the chapter sets the stage for the tradition of American satire. While the focus of the book is on sketch comedy, this chapter expands the lens somewhat to explore the contributions of comic luminaries such as Ben Franklin, Mark Twain, Bert Williams, Thomas Nast, Will Rogers, MAD Magazine, the Smothers Brothers, and National Lampoon, as well as more contemporary satiric players like The Daily Show and Last Week Tonight.