All articles tagged with #stand up
Raanan Hershberg's new YouTube special Morbidly Jewish captures a moment when Jewish comedy grapples with anxiety over Israel, Gaza, and antisemitism; his sharp, subtext-heavy bits and provocative Nazi joke about overreacting to antisemitism illustrate a charged era in which liberal Jewish humor weighs its anxieties against humor.
The Times argues that Marcello Hernández could become SNL’s next breakout star, with his Netflix special American Boy showcasing leading-man charisma, a relatable immigrant family background, and a hungry, high-energy comedic style—though whether he becomes a true superstar will depend on luck and future opportunities.
A New York Times critic argues Ricky Gervais’s Netflix special Mortality, which won the Golden Globes for best stand-up on TV, underlines a perceived decline and lack of respect for stand-up. The review calls the special dull, recycled, and self-pitying, accusing Gervais of preaching about cancel culture without offering fresh insight, and suggests the Globes rewarded fame over true stand-up artistry, reflecting broader questions about how stand-up is recognized in awards. A correction note clarifies a mistaken detail about a joke in the piece.
Will Arnett, traditionally known for comedic roles, showcases his dramatic talent in his stand-up show 'Is This Thing On?', revealing a different side of his acting abilities.
Andrew Santino's Hulu comedy special 'White Noise' pushes boundaries with provocative jokes, including about Disney adults, which faced some censorship from Disney. Santino emphasizes the importance of comedy's freedom to address uncomfortable topics and discusses his career focus on stand-up and digital content over traditional TV and film, highlighting the changing landscape for comedians.
Nate Bargatze, a top stand-up comedian known for his family-friendly humor, has achieved significant success in 2024, including hosting the Emmy Awards and making a mark with his charitable work and upcoming projects like a movie and potential theme park. He emphasizes operating in 'chaos' and values a balanced, normal family life while expanding his career into acting and production.
English-language stand-up comedy is rapidly growing in Europe, driven by expatriates and international audiences seeking live humor experiences post-pandemic. Comedians navigate cultural differences and stereotypes, often making self-deprecating jokes about their own backgrounds to connect with diverse audiences in cities like Berlin, Amsterdam, and Barcelona, fostering a vibrant, inclusive comedy scene.
A collection of 50 humorous jokes from some of the funniest comedians, covering a wide range of topics from everyday life to relationships, with a humorous and often sarcastic tone.
Rob Schneider claims he performed a full 50-minute set at the Republican event, disputing reports that he was removed from the stage after 10 minutes. He asserts that he was paid $50,000 for the performance and criticizes the devaluation of his paycheck, attributing it to Joe Biden. Schneider refuses to apologize for his jokes and denounces "woke bullshit," while defending his material as featured in his latest special. The controversy raises questions about the agreement between Schneider and the event organizers regarding the content of his set.
Alex Edelman's new HBO comedy special "Just for Us" is a must-watch, blending humor with a true story about infiltrating a meeting of white nationalists in Queens. The 90-minute special, developed in nightclubs and comedy clubs, features pathos and silly observations, and has garnered widespread attention. Executive produced by Mike Birbiglia, the show is based on a real story but includes composites and condensations for entertainment value. Edelman's long-time collaborator, Adam Brace, who died, is dedicated in the special, which premieres on HBO on April 6.
Jerrod Carmichael discusses his relationship with Dave Chappelle, revealing that Chappelle wanted a public apology after Carmichael questioned his anti-trans legacy. Carmichael, who came out as gay in 2022, expressed concern over the impact of gay jokes in comedy and shared his conflict with his sexuality. While Carmichael intended his comments as constructive criticism, Chappelle reportedly viewed them as an attack, leading to tension between the two comedians.
Comedian Kevin Hart is honored with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, with celebrities and comedians praising his work ethic and dedication. Hart, known for his energetic stand-up style and successful film career, joins an elite group of honorees including Richard Pryor, Whoopi Goldberg, and Dave Chapelle.
Comedian Ramy Youssef discusses crafting his first Israel-Palestine joke after October 7, addressing the sensitivity of the topic and the emotional impact it had on him and his audience. He reflects on the phone calls he received and the challenge of making serious feelings funny, while also acknowledging the duality of the situation. Youssef also touches on the role of comedians in addressing complex issues and the influence of Jon Stewart in processing absurdity through comedy.
Comedian Neal Brennan's new Netflix special, "Crazy Good," explores the upside of "bad mental health" and challenges the expectation that he should be sad, while also delving into the role of comedians as cultural leaders. Brennan discusses the risks of being a comic in today's climate, his decision to direct the special himself, and the title's significance. He also mentions referencing famous friends in the set and his growing comfort in the spotlight, and shares his excitement for up-and-coming comedians like Brian Simpson and Fahim Anwar.
Comedian Nick Swardson was escorted off stage by security during a stand-up set at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek, Colorado, after the audience reacted furiously, demanding refunds. Videos posted online showed the crowd visibly unimpressed as Swardson attempted to rally them, with some shouting for refunds and expressing disappointment. The venue's director of operations apologized and announced that all tickets would be refunded, while Swardson responded on social media, attributing the incident to the effects of alcohol and edibles at high altitude.