Why Is It Called National Lampoon Vacation?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re a fan of classic comedies, you’ve probably heard of the National Lampoon’s Vacation movie franchise. But have you ever wondered why it’s called “National Lampoon Vacation”?

Well, to answer that question, we need to go back in time to the early 1970s when a humor magazine called “National Lampoon” was at its peak. The magazine was known for its satirical take on politics, pop culture, and just about everything else.

In 1978, the first “National Lampoon’s Vacation” movie was released. It followed the misadventures of the Griswold family as they traveled across America in search of fun and relaxation. The movie became an instant classic and spawned several sequels.

So why did the filmmakers choose to include “National Lampoon” in the title? The answer is simple: brand recognition.

At the time, National Lampoon was a household name. By including it in the title, the filmmakers were able to tap into an existing fan base and attract even more viewers.

But it wasn’t just about marketing. The National Lampoon brand also represented a certain type of humor – irreverent, edgy, and often controversial. This style of comedy was a perfect fit for the Vacation movies, which often pushed the boundaries with their raunchy jokes and slapstick humor.

Over time, the National Lampoon brand began to lose some of its luster. The magazine folded in 1998, and subsequent attempts to revive it were largely unsuccessful. But even today, more than 40 years after its heyday, the name still carries some cachet among comedy fans.

In conclusion, “National Lampoon Vacation” is called that because it was part of a successful franchise that capitalized on an already established brand name. While National Lampoon may no longer be as prominent as it once was, its legacy lives on through these classic comedies. So if you’re in the mood for some laughs, fire up your DVD player and join the Griswold family on their wacky adventures across America.