an amusing scene, incident, or speech introduced into serious or tragic elements, as in a play, in order to provide temporary relief from tension, or to intensify the dramatic action.
2.
relief from tension caused by the introduction or occurrence of a comic element, as by an amusing human foible.
Origin
1815-25
Examples from the web for comic relief
Apparently, our fans needed a little comic relief the day after the tragedy.
Sci-fi films too often resort to an irritating, cuddly alien for comic relief.
For comic relief, show monkey approaching a skunk and getting sprayed.
He is not a sports commentator as much as he is comic relief who does not know when to simply shut up.
But his weirdly epicene intruder is little more than a colorful buffoon, a bit of comic relief, in the proceedings.
In the country house, sheer white curtains frame views of lavish woods, and loyal family servants provide comic relief.
Many are anecdotal and told, often for mere comic relief, years after the event.
In a metaphorical sense-and for a little comic relief-permit me to illustrate how the popular media also can confuse the matter.
Well, comic relief is necessary in our work, especially now.
The subplots simply added fluff, filler, and comic relief.