Podcast Summary: Good One: A Podcast About Jokes
Episode Title: Best Comedy Specials of 2024 with Kathryn VanArendonk
Release Date: January 7, 2025
Hosts: Jesse David Fox and Kathryn VanArendonk
Introduction
In the episode "Best Comedy Specials of 2024," Vulture's Senior Editor Kathryn VanArendonk joins host Jesse David Fox to discuss and rank the top comedy specials of the year. The duo delves into their selection process, compares their lists, and provides insightful critiques of each featured special.
Ranking Process
[01:15]
Jesse David Fox introduces the tradition of biannual discussions where he and Kathryn compare their lists of the year's best comedy specials. He mentions that while their lists share similarities, there are notable differences, teasing listeners with the promise of both lists being available in the show notes.
[01:41]
Kathryn VanArendonk explains her approach to creating the list, emphasizing that it reflects her personal experiences and what resonated with her throughout the year. She likens her list to an autobiographical act, capturing her feelings and the moments that mattered to her in 2024.
Top 10 Comedy Specials of 2024
10. Ali Wong – Single Lady (Netflix)
[03:33] - [07:47]
Kathryn opens the list with Ali Wong's "Single Lady." Both hosts appreciate how Wong expands her comedic persona from her previous special "Baby Cobra," transitioning from themes of pregnancy and marriage to divorce. Kathryn highlights Wong's fearless embrace of her individuality, stating:
"This embrace of herself as somebody who does not care about whether you like the person that she is... it continues to build on this Persona that she has been developing."
— Kathryn VanArendonk [04:05]
Jesse notes that while "Single Lady" isn't at the top of his list due to fewer punchlines, it remains a compelling continuation of Wong's authentic storytelling.
Notable Quote:
"I'm not trying to reward confession for confession's sake... it's reflections of what I care about."
— Kathryn VanArendonk [03:01]
9. Langston Kerman – Bad Poetry (Netflix)
[13:18] - [17:37]
Langston Kerman's "Bad Poetry" secures the ninth spot. Kathryn praises Kerman's ability to juxtapose his genial onstage persona with the harsher realities of his jokes, effectively "weaponizing" his likability. She commends the special's structure, especially the use of voicemails from older men, which adds a unique dissonant touch to the performance.
Notable Quote:
"He is able to essentially weaponize what looks like the geniality of his initial presentation."
— Kathryn VanArendonk [14:36]
Jesse acknowledges the special's excellence but places it slightly lower on his personal list, noting its consistency and technical prowess.
8. Rami Yousef – More Feelings (Netflix)
[20:27] - [23:42]
Rami Yousef's "More Feelings" takes the eighth spot. Kathryn discusses how this special evolves from Yousef's previous work, maintaining a thematic continuity while delving deeper into personal and politically charged topics. She appreciates its reflection of the tumultuous year and its alignment with broader societal issues.
Notable Quote:
"More Feelings... fits very well with how, sitting at the end of 2024, look back and think about what the year feels like."
— Kathryn VanArendonk [21:05]
Jesse expresses reservations about the special's topicality, questioning its longevity beyond the immediate context of 2024.
7. Kyle Kinane – Dirt Nap (YouTube.com)
[27:13] - [34:43]
"Dirt Nap" by Kyle Kinane ranks seventh. Kathryn admires Kinane's storytelling, particularly his focus on a single, compelling narrative about moving to the suburbs during the pandemic. She notes that while the special excels in its main story, some segments feel filler, slightly diminishing its overall impact.
Notable Quote:
"Nobody else is doing it like this. And I think it would be higher on my list if what is happening with the rest of the hour didn't feel quite so like I need to fill something else."
— Kathryn VanArendonk [28:45]
Jesse concurs, highlighting the special's strength in its central narrative but aligning it differently on his own list.
6. Courtney Perroso – Vanessa 5000 (Dropout)
[34:43] - [43:07]
Courtney Perroso's "Vanessa 5000" secures the sixth spot. Kathryn praises the special's conceptual depth, portraying herself as a sex robot and exploring themes of commercialization and sexuality. She commends the physicality and directorial vision, noting its seamless blend of humor and introspection.
Notable Quote:
"Particularly because he cannot simply pivot to different styles... there's a kinetic quality to his performance that remains authentic."
— Kathryn VanArendonk [56:29]
Jesse lauds the special's resilience and creative ambition but notes his personal reservations regarding its execution.
5. Anthony Jeselnik – Bones and All (YouTube.com)
[54:10] - [63:14]
Anthony Jeselnik's "Bones and All" claims the fifth spot. Kathryn appreciates Jeselnik's meticulous joke crafting and the special's reflective nature, which touches on themes like cancel culture and artistic integrity. She highlights the opening ten minutes as particularly insightful, discussing the evolution of edginess in comedy.
Notable Quote:
"He designs it as an anniversary special... the standout element of the special is the first 10 minutes."
— Kathryn VanArendonk [63:15]
Jesse, while acknowledging Jeselnik's mastery, critiques the special for being somewhat formulaic and lacking broader creative exploration, placing it slightly lower on his personal list.
4. Nikki Glaser – Someday You'll Die (HBO)
[70:24] - [76:55]
Nikki Glaser's "Someday You'll Die" rounds out the top four. Kathryn commends Glaser's ability to blend humor with vulnerability, particularly in her discussions about body anxiety and reproduction. She admires the special's intimacy and the seamless integration of her comedic persona with deeper, more personal themes.
Notable Quote:
"The closer is also the kind of demonstration of her ability to just absolutely commit to a physical performance."
— Kathryn VanArendonk [73:44]
Jesse echoes Kathryn's sentiments, highlighting the special's emotional depth and Glaser's commitment to pushing comedic boundaries.
Top 3 Comedy Specials of 2024
3. Adam Sandler – Love You (Netflix.com)
[77:15] - [86:20]
Adam Sandler's "Love You" clinches the third spot. Kathryn is impressed by the special's unconventional direction, likening it to the Safdie Brothers' filmmaking style. She praises Sandler's portrayal of frustration and the special's raw authenticity, noting its departure from traditional comedy specials.
Notable Quote:
"It manages to be both inside his brain and outside his brain at the same time."
— Kathryn VanArendonk [79:38]
Jesse lauds the special as possibly the best-directed stand-up special, emphasizing its innovative approach and emotional resonance.
2. Ali Siddiq – Domino Effect, Part Three (YouTube.com)
[95:24] - [105:51]
Ali Siddiq's "Domino Effect, Part Three" secures the second spot. Kathryn highlights Siddiq's masterful storytelling, detailing his life from childhood to incarceration. She appreciates the special's narrative depth and its ability to intertwine personal anecdotes with broader societal reflections.
Notable Quote:
"He is the most interesting narrator of his own life in these moments... it's a portrait of him as much as it is him talking about the things that he cares about."
— Kathryn VanArendonk [105:07]
Jesse praises Siddiq's ability to blend humor with poignant storytelling, recognizing it as a standout work that transcends traditional stand-up formats.
1. Adam Sandler – Love You (Netflix.com)
[86:20] - [112:35]
In a surprising twist, Jesse ranks Adam Sandler's "Love You" as the top comedy special of 2024. While Kathryn places Sandler at third, Jesse believes the special's direction, emotional depth, and innovative structure warrant its premier position. He commends Sandler for pushing the boundaries of what a stand-up special can entail, drawing parallels to transformative art forms.
Notable Quote:
"This is the best directed special probably ever... it really conceived of how the interruptions and pacing work."
— Jesse David Fox [83:23]
Kathryn, while supporting Sandler's excellence, maintains her position, emphasizing the unique contributions of other specials on her list.
Conclusion: Comparing Lists
While Kathryn and Jesse share mutual admiration for several specials, their rankings diverge based on personal preferences and interpretations of each special's impact. Kathryn values the autobiographical depth and conceptual innovations, whereas Jesse prioritizes directorial excellence and emotional resonance.
Kathryn's Number One: Ali Siddiq – Domino Effect, Part Three
Jesse's Number One: Adam Sandler – Love You
Both hosts agree on the exceptional quality of the top specials, celebrating the diverse approaches comedians took in 2024 to push the boundaries of stand-up comedy.
Final Thoughts
"Best Comedy Specials of 2024" offers listeners a comprehensive and engaging analysis of the year's standout performances. Through insightful discussions and thoughtful critiques, Jesse and Kathryn provide valuable perspectives for comedy enthusiasts seeking to explore the evolving landscape of stand-up comedy.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
-
Kathryn VanArendonk [03:01]:
"They are reflections of what I care about captured in a moment like an impressionistic painting." -
Kathryn VanArendonk [04:05]:
"This embrace of herself as somebody who does not care about whether you like the person that she is... it continues to build on this Persona that she has been developing." -
Jesse David Fox [83:23]:
"But as a person who wrote a whole book about it... Comedy is good." -
Kathryn VanArendonk [73:44]:
"The closer is also the kind of demonstration of her ability to just absolutely commit to a physical performance." -
Jesse David Fox [95:24]:
"If I think of the great works in the history of stand up comedy from this year, I would say it is..."
These quotes encapsulate the depth and philosophy behind the rankings, offering listeners a glimpse into the critical analysis that shapes their opinions.
Note:
Both lists referenced in this summary are available in the show notes for deeper exploration. Listeners are encouraged to watch the featured specials to fully appreciate the discussions and critiques presented in the episode.