B Movies Blog

Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping some of my favorite comedy specials into the ol’ VCR. 

Now listen. I love comedy. I’m very fortunate to have seen some heavy hitters perform live, including Marc Maron, John Mulaney (twice), and Bo Burnham (shocker). I even tried my hand at stand-up but let a couple of gross dudes get in my head, and I regret it. I digress. 

I’ve seen roughly 19,000 specials in my day, so forgive me if I’m forgetting a big one. Additionally, and this should go without saying, but there are sometimes jokes within comedy that either a) don’t age well or b) are offensive. 

I think a lot of these are pretty tame compared to a lot of specials, but I would just keep that in mind. 

Without further ado, it’s time to hold for laughter and get to the punchline. 

John Mulaney’s New In Town – This special ignited my love of comedy. Who knew college dorm room basic cable would lead to a life-long appreciation?

Mike Birbiglia’s My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend – Mike Birbiglia has actually become one of my favorite comedians, and I really admire how he weaves comedy, storytelling, and performance together. 

Chelsea Peretti’s One of the Greats – It’s worth watching for the audience cuts alone. *Chef’s kiss*. 

Bo Burnham’s Inside – YEAH YEAH. 

Nick Kroll and John Mulaney’s Oh, Hello on Broadway – Too much tuna and too much good comedy. 

Fortune Feimster’s Sweet & Salty – I’ll never say Hooters the same way. 

Hannah Gadsby’s Nanette – [CW/TW: r*pe, SA, homophobia] I don’t have a joke for this one; it’s just truly one of the most powerful shows I’ve ever seen. 

Bo Burnham’s Make Happy – Yeah, so, Bo Burnham’s on here twice. What are you gonna do? Tell him? Please, god, don’t. 

Atsuko Okatsuka’s The Intruder – There are few things that make me laugh out loud like Hilary Duff in A Cinderella Story. This is one of those things. 

Adam Sandler’s 100% Fresh – I know it sounds crazy, but I find myself revisiting this special more than I thought I would. Also, I dare you not to cry during the Chris Farley tribute. 

Garfunkel and Oates’s Trying to be Special – I’m still mad that their show only got one season. 

Maria Bamford’s Old Baby – If you love Space Ghost: Coast to Coast, you’ll love Maria Bamford.