This paper shapes some communicative issues regarding the limits of humorous intent. In a theoretical section, the link between humorous intent, Neo-Gricean maxims and stages of humorous discourse are debated. Here, a Humour Maxim is presented to be the communicative equal of humorous intent. For this maxim, a principle of detainable execution is initiated. Then, humorous intent and its default are distinguished in two participations frameworks which derive from fixed TV comedy formats: a sitcom within a sitcom and candid camera comedies. Finally, some solid humorous intent constellations are debated: humorous intent in the audience only (spontaneous humour), humorous intent notified, but not accomplished, and humorous intent taken back.