Assalamu Alaikum
It's great that you are learning more about your deen. If there are things that you did not know before, Allah will not count it against you inshallah because you sinned out of ignorance.
As for what is considered permissible joking, you can read here:
https://islamqa.info/en/22170
Reading novels and watching tv is different because you are not the actor or the character. If you're wondering whether it is permissible to read these things, then it depends on the nature of the book or program you are watching. You shouldn't watch nor read anything which lacks morals, insults islam, or glorifies sinful actions or people. It should also be of some benefit to you such as by imparting wisdom or exemplifying good deeds, even if fictional, and it should not be something which you become addicted to or waste time on.