Good One: Best Specials of the Year So Far
Released on June 18, 2024
Hosted by Jesse David Fox and Catherine Van Arendonk
Introduction and Context
In the seventh year of Good One: A Podcast About Jokes, host Jesse David Fox announces a shift from the bi-weekly release schedule to a seasonal one, allowing for a refreshed approach to production while maintaining the show's core essence—interviewing comedians about their craft. In this episode, co-host Catherine Van Arendonk joins Jesse to discuss their curated list of the best stand-up specials released so far in the year. They emphasize that the list is alphabetical and not ranked, highlighting the exceptional quality of multiple indie specials that have emerged as standout performances.
Jesse David Fox [00:10]: "But the show will always remain the same. Me interviewing comedians about how they do what they do."
Catherine Van Arendonk [02:17]: "What we're seeing this year is stuff that people didn't release last year because they worked on it for a longer period of time and has really been gestating…"
1. Alex Edelman – Just for Us
Platform: HBO/Max
Alex Edelman's special, Just for Us, delves into his experience attending a neo-Nazi party, intertwining themes of identity, tribalism, and political division. Catherine praises the special for its intricate writing and structural precision, noting its departure from traditional stand-up formats.
Catherine Van Arendonk [06:16]: "It is constructed in a way where the frame story is so well built to support all of the things that he wants to, to imbue in it."
Jesse highlights Edelman's deliberate pacing and storytelling finesse, comparing his approach to theatrical forms that raise questions rather than provide answers.
Jesse David Fox [10:42]: "He wanted to be what theater does, which is, like, raises questions more than answers questions…"
The special stands out for its nuanced exploration of contemporary issues without sacrificing comedic elements, making it a significant addition to the year's offerings.
Catherine Van Arendonk [09:09]: "It has been a real breakout, sort of non-comedy geeks comedy special this year…"
2. Nikki Glaser – Someday You'll Die
Platform: HBO/Max
Nikki Glaser's Someday You'll Die is lauded as potentially the best joke stand-up special in recent memory. The special is praised for its concise joke structures, deliberate pacing, and profound exploration of themes like aging, anxiety, and sexuality.
Jesse David Fox [16:57]: "It's the best joke stand-up special in recent memory. I can't think of a better special where a person stays true to sort of the joke form or the joke pacing."
Catherine appreciates Glaser's ability to intertwine personal reflections with universal themes without turning the special into a mere life update.
Catherine Van Arendonk [14:16]: "Instead of doing the... it's like, here's where I was... turns it into this really, like, virtuosic hour of considerations…"
Glaser's mastery in maintaining energy and delivering punchlines seamlessly makes her special a standout choice for the list.
Jesse David Fox [20:50]: "What he wanted is deliberate in terms of how stories are paced and how the comedy is paced. And that takes time and work."
3. Kyle Kanane – Dirt Nap
Platform: YouTube
Kyle Kanane's Dirt Nap offers a contrast to Nikki Glaser's precision-driven special. Catherine commends Kanane for his long-form storytelling, which blends personal anecdotes with broader existential themes without relying on meticulously crafted joke structures.
Catherine Van Arendonk [22:00]: "He is a guy who kind of leans back on his hip as he stands on the stage and then just kind of goes."
Jesse draws parallels between Kanane's narrative style and traditional storytelling, highlighting the comedian's ability to weave unrelated scenes into a coherent and engaging narrative.
Jesse David Fox [24:44]: "He can put the pieces together. He knows that this is part of it. Like the joke is a 50-minute thing that's like a series of vignettes that are interrelated."
The special is recognized for its depth and originality, positioning Kanane as a modern master of stand-up storytelling.
Catherine Van Arendonk [27:32]: "This is like Peabody shit… It really is an accounting of the world that so few people have seen presented in this way."
4. Jacqueline Novak – Get on Your Knees
Platform: Netflix
Get on Your Knees is celebrated for its philosophical depth and unconventional approach to stand-up. Catherine describes it as a "tour de force," blending humorous content with profound reflections on self-expression and vulnerability.
Catherine Van Arendonk [30:01]: "This is an incredible, fantastic… it's a special about the inability of words to express oneself."
Jesse acknowledges the special's ability to transcend traditional stand-up by balancing content richness with minimalist performance aesthetics.
Jesse David Fox [32:56]: "It's always hard for comedians to do topical specials, but Jacqueline navigates this by having perspective…"
Despite some delays in its release, the special's eloquent presentation and accessibility have solidified its place on the best-of list.
Catherine Van Arendonk [30:19]: "It's an incredible, fantastic… it's a special about the inability of words to express oneself."
5. Taylor Thompson – HaveItAll
Platform: Netflix
Taylor Thompson's HaveItAll offers a self-possessed and reflective take on personal success and the pressures of maintaining an audience. Catherine finds it compelling for its honest exploration of the "have it all" ideology and its impact on personal identity.
Catherine Van Arendonk [53:34]: "This one I think is such an interesting way of doing what is essentially the life update kind of special…"
Jesse commends Thompson for her ability to intertwine self-assuredness with vulnerability, making the special both entertaining and introspective.
Jesse David Fox [56:59]: "There is something about having an audience and trying to in front of the audience for them to enjoy."
The special stands out for its balance between humor and deep-seated personal exploration, reflecting the complexities of modern success.
Catherine Van Arendonk [59:35]: "It's a conundrum… more internally conflicted and I think therefore more exciting thing to watch."
6. Ram Youssef – More Feelings
Platform: HBO
Ram Youssef's More Feelings closes the list with a blend of personal anecdotes and broader political commentary. Catherine praises Youssef for his serialized approach, intertwining his experiences with reflections on contemporary geopolitical issues.
Catherine Van Arendonk [64:26]: "He is very, very, very, very good at the ability to create different voices and different characters…"
Jesse highlights Youssef's unique storytelling style, which defies conventional comedic narratives by presenting raw and unfiltered personal stories intertwined with societal observations.
Jesse David Fox [73:06]: "The thing is, you just do a really good job of not just sort of showing a different way of doing a special like this."
Despite minor critiques regarding the visual presentation, the special is lauded for its depth, humor, and the ability to tackle sensitive subjects with finesse.
Catherine Van Arendonk [70:27]: "I'm just trying to kill myself. It is very much thematically in keeping with everything that Rami is about."
Conclusion
Jesse and Catherine commend this year's lineup for its diversity in storytelling approaches, ranging from meticulously structured joke forms to expansive, narrative-driven performances. The emphasis on personal identity, societal issues, and innovative comedic techniques has set a high bar for stand-up specials, making the year's offerings particularly noteworthy.
Jesse David Fox [73:44]: "The tonal balance of it, I think, is just sort of really stupendous."
Catherine Van Arendonk [71:21]: "I have a perspective on it… everything that I'm talking about is inside of that."
As the podcast transitions to its new seasonal format, listeners are encouraged to explore these exceptional specials that not only entertain but also provoke thoughtful reflection on contemporary societal themes.
Produced by Jesse David Fox and Jelani Carter. Theme song by Gavin Srinchin. For more insights and discussions, visit vulture.com and explore Catherine Van Arendonk’s curated list of best stand-up specials.