Becoming an adult is hard. You realize that there are things you simply can’t find the time to do anymore, such as watching as many movies as you did as a teen. And in fact, there are things you simply don’t feel like doing anymore, such as watching as many sad and depressing movies as you did as a teen. Also, if you do watch a movie, you definitely neither have the time nor the will to write about it. That’s why you, dear readers, haven’t heard from me in a while. To the two people that read my features, I’m very sorry for the lack of posts.
Even though I haven’t seen anywhere near as many movies as I used to, nor many high quality ones, I did find myself enjoying a lot of stand-up shows on my laptop. Stand-up is awesome if your main tv watching times are a) when you’re hungover b) when you’re so tired you can’t move or c) when you’re hungover. Which I do realize doesn’t sound that adult. Maybe after finishing university I’ll get back to the good taste and personality I had as a teenager. That aside, here are some of my favorite stand-up shows from the Netflix and the YouTube.
NETFLIX
Chelsea Peretti: One of the Greats
Some female comedians talk a lot about sex, and I don’t mind that because I love talking about sex too. Who doesn’t, haters? But it’s still refreshing to see someone like Chelsea Peretti, who really talks about a lot of other topics, particulary social awkwardness and anxiety. Her super ego and comedic confidence made me laugh through most of this special. I just don’t think it needed all the fictive elements, they were a little distracting (except for the dogs, of course).
Jen Kirkman: I’m Gonna Die Alone (And I Feel Fine)
This woman has some of the darkest and driest humor I have seen in stand-up so far. In the beginning, I considered not finishing her show because I didn’t understand what kind of atmosphere she was going for. But the more I watched, the funnier it got. It’s a rare quality to slowly build up a stand-up show instead of throwing out some great jokes right in the beginning, and I think Jen Kirkman deserves a big applause for making it work.
Iliza Shlesinger: Freezing Hot
In contrary to many other female comedians, I think Iliza Shlesinger might be one of those who will appeal mainly to women and gay men. Because she pinpoints the ridiculousness of femininity so perfectly, I think many men will just find this show annoying in that it reminds them of annoying situations they’ve experienced. But women don’t always realize how weird the things they are doing are, so it’s absolutely hilarious to hear Iliza point them out. Also, she mocks a lot of (existing) female stereotypes, which I just think men might not be interested in – but if you’ve got ovaries (or would like some), this show is for you. PS: do not watch her other Netflix special War Paint, it’s nowhere near as good as this.
John Mulaney: The Comeback Kid
How can you help but fall in love with John Mulaney? This man is the word ‘adorable’ in person. His humor reminds me a lot of SNL, which makes sense, since he’s been a writer for them. With a lot of love for details, he finds humor in everyday situations and is wonderful at re-creating those. Also, he looks dashing in that suit.
Aziz Ansari: Dangerously Delicious, Buried Alive, Live at Madison Square Garden
I have had an obsession with Aziz Ansari since I read his wonderful book ‘Modern Romance’, which is a humoristic yet scientific look at relationships in the modern world. Turns out that Aziz’s stand-up is pretty much like the book; extremely sweet, very self-ironic, suprisingly optimistic and very funny. If you have the time – and by that I mean if you’re so hungover you can’t move one day – you should watch all three of the shows that are on Netflix in chronological order. It’s interesting to see Aziz evolve, while he gets more famous every time. The latest one is a huge extravaganza at Madison Square Garden that is just perfect – so if you only have time to see one special, do watch this one.
YOUTUBE
Amy Schumer: Mostly Sex Stuff
While many Americans probably knew Amy Schumer ages ago, I only found her by typing ‘funny American stand-up’ into YouTube, when I was trying to ‘learn’ American humor during my year abroad. I immediately fell in love. This is an older show but it has all the trademarks that have made Amy Schumer famous recently – she’s honest, witty and very sexual. Some of her jokes in this were used in Trainwreck as well, which is fun to see. There isn’t much more to say because let’s be honest, Amy Schumer is pretty much perfect.
Dylan Moran: Monster
Dylan Moran is one of the creators of a way-too-short British cult sit-com called Black Books. Seriously, YouTube that sh**. You will never look back. This special is basically Black Books in stand-up form. Dylan Moran is perfectly Irish, while also being self-conscious and ironic about it. His strength is ranting and babbling about nothing and making it unbearably funny. He is the master of exaggeration. You know when someone goes on and on with a joke, to the point where it’s almost not funny anymore… but then it gets even funnier? That’s Dylan Moran. With a lot of mumbling and red wine in between.
Women Who Kill (Amy Schumer, Rachel Feinstein, Nikki Glaser, Marina Franklin)
When I was looking through all the Amy Schumer stuff that ever made it to YouTube, I found this gem of a comedy special featuring four wonderful comedic ladies. If anyone knows where I can find more Rachel Feinstein, please do tell, because that woman is awesome. I can not get over her awkward-ish craziness. Nikki Glaser was okay, a little forgettable maybe, but I also really dug Marina Franklin. It’s a shame she hasn’t done much more than this, or at least nothing else has really made it to the internet. Oh and Amy Schumer is perfect, as always. I love her sort of lazy, drunk style of humor here, she doesn’t get to do that often anymore.
If you know some great stand-up shows you’d like to recommend, please do! Or tell me why I should watch movies instead of laughing my a** off every sunday.