PBS will air “Make ’Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America” over three consecutive nights starting Jan. 12.

The six-hour documentary, hosted by Billy Crystal and narrated by Amy Sedaris, will explore more than a century of American comedy through social and political change, with each episode highlighting a different comic genre.

The series will combine performance, biography and history, including more than 90 interviews with comedy writers, producers and performers including Judd Apatow, Roseanne Barr, Anne Beatts, the Smothers Brothers, Carol Burnett, Sid Caesar, George Carlin, Larry David, Will Ferrell, Cheech Marin, Steve Martin, Chris Rock, Mort Sahl and Dick Van Dyke.

“Make ’Em Laugh,” which is being produced in HD format by Thirteen/WNET and Ghost Light Films, will be supported by a hardcover companion book, a comprehensive interactive Web site and a far-reaching educational outreach effort.