smart, funny, GENTLE, non-edgy comedy
May 5, 2022 11:30 AM Subscribe
Please recommend your favorite very funny but gentle comedy - observational humor, silliness, absurdity, with a minimum of meanness or contemptuous mockery. I'm especially looking for stand-up, but other forms (like sitcoms or radio shows) are also welcome.
As examples of what I like: I enjoy Steven Wright and Bob Newhart.
I do NOT like cringy humor. I don't like jokes that denigrate individuals or groups of people. Punching up is obviously better than punching down, but I would prefer no punching at all.
I don't require G-rated material, but I do kind of lean that way.
I know there won't be a lot of comics who are 100% nice all the time, but I appreciate any suggestions of comedy with a strong propensity toward niceness.
Individuals from a wide range of demographics are most welcome.
So: please recommend your favorite nice, gentle comedians, comedy shows, and sources of laughter - and, if possible, tell me where I can get them. (Online free streaming is great; DVDs are fine. My only current subscription is to Amazon Prime, but I rotate through other services from time to time.)
Thank you!
As examples of what I like: I enjoy Steven Wright and Bob Newhart.
I do NOT like cringy humor. I don't like jokes that denigrate individuals or groups of people. Punching up is obviously better than punching down, but I would prefer no punching at all.
I don't require G-rated material, but I do kind of lean that way.
I know there won't be a lot of comics who are 100% nice all the time, but I appreciate any suggestions of comedy with a strong propensity toward niceness.
Individuals from a wide range of demographics are most welcome.
So: please recommend your favorite nice, gentle comedians, comedy shows, and sources of laughter - and, if possible, tell me where I can get them. (Online free streaming is great; DVDs are fine. My only current subscription is to Amazon Prime, but I rotate through other services from time to time.)
Thank you!
I recommend Mike Bribiglia and Jim Gaffigan
posted by tomjoadsghost at 11:35 AM on May 5, 2022 [17 favorites]
posted by tomjoadsghost at 11:35 AM on May 5, 2022 [17 favorites]
You might be interested in this recent AskMeFi thread.
posted by Artifice_Eternity at 11:39 AM on May 5, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Artifice_Eternity at 11:39 AM on May 5, 2022 [1 favorite]
Cabin pressure (soundcloud link to episode 1) is delightful.
posted by Acari at 11:40 AM on May 5, 2022 [12 favorites]
posted by Acari at 11:40 AM on May 5, 2022 [12 favorites]
I recommend to your attention the hilarious, profoundly moving, elegant three-hour work of art that is the 9th season ("Series 9") of the sketch comedy show John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme. By the creator of Cabin Pressure which Acari mentioned above! Warning that there's a major character in Cabin Pressure who often (especially early on) engages in needling and teasing another one, but everything works out ok.
My recollection is that Aparna Nancherla is a comic whose work you would possibly like.
posted by brainwane at 11:43 AM on May 5, 2022 [4 favorites]
My recollection is that Aparna Nancherla is a comic whose work you would possibly like.
posted by brainwane at 11:43 AM on May 5, 2022 [4 favorites]
Ted Lasso
posted by aubilenon at 11:45 AM on May 5, 2022 [14 favorites]
posted by aubilenon at 11:45 AM on May 5, 2022 [14 favorites]
If Cabin Pressure works for you (it is delightful), Wooden Overcoats might also be a good fit. It is a a tiny bit cringe on occasion, but mostly because absolutely everyone is a doofus to some degree.
posted by minsies at 11:45 AM on May 5, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by minsies at 11:45 AM on May 5, 2022 [1 favorite]
I think that John Mulaney's various specials on Netflix and other places probably, would be great for you. Alison Bea is imho also hilarious and not very punchy, but quite silly. A quick check on youtube should let you know if you like either of them.
posted by Iteki at 11:47 AM on May 5, 2022 [5 favorites]
posted by Iteki at 11:47 AM on May 5, 2022 [5 favorites]
Tom Papa has an hour-long special on Netflix that is called "You're Doing Great" which I think you will like.
posted by gauche at 11:48 AM on May 5, 2022 [3 favorites]
posted by gauche at 11:48 AM on May 5, 2022 [3 favorites]
On the more absurdist end of things, I would recommend the Comedy Bang! Bang! TV show. I’m not sure where you can stream it on demand these days, but sometimes it plays on Pluto’s IFC channel.
posted by bananana at 11:59 AM on May 5, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by bananana at 11:59 AM on May 5, 2022 [1 favorite]
Podcast wise: Three Bean Salad
posted by JJZByBffqU at 12:07 PM on May 5, 2022 [4 favorites]
posted by JJZByBffqU at 12:07 PM on May 5, 2022 [4 favorites]
I don’t watch much stand up, but a comedian I love is Ryan Hamilton. He is very funny, observational, gentle, clever but non-mean. I’ve watched his Netflix special many times and it’s funny and comforting every time.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 12:10 PM on May 5, 2022
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 12:10 PM on May 5, 2022
The Good Place! Our Flag Means Death! (Both funny shows that are in a typical sitcom format.)
posted by BlahLaLa at 12:16 PM on May 5, 2022 [8 favorites]
posted by BlahLaLa at 12:16 PM on May 5, 2022 [8 favorites]
2nd-ing Tom Papa's "You're doing great" special.
posted by furnace.heart at 12:18 PM on May 5, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by furnace.heart at 12:18 PM on May 5, 2022 [1 favorite]
Chris Fleming is a living muppet slash national treasure, although in my experience either he REALLY LANDS with you or he doesn't. Most of his jokes poke fun at himself, people's reactions to his androgyny, or the theater/dance/art world that he inhabits. He punches sideways occasionally, at smug "well actually" guys, or hypermasculine dudes, or polyamorous couples who can't read the room, but it hasn't felt overly cruel to me.
posted by castlebravo at 12:19 PM on May 5, 2022 [4 favorites]
posted by castlebravo at 12:19 PM on May 5, 2022 [4 favorites]
gonna go out on a limb and say stath lets flats.
posted by AlbertCalavicci at 12:33 PM on May 5, 2022
posted by AlbertCalavicci at 12:33 PM on May 5, 2022
I wonder if you would enjoy Brian Regan?
posted by kensington314 at 12:37 PM on May 5, 2022 [4 favorites]
posted by kensington314 at 12:37 PM on May 5, 2022 [4 favorites]
There may be some up-punching that I can't specifically recall, but Tig Notaro fits with this for me, I find her really heartwarming. Kind of deadpan, acerbic heartwarming, if that makes sense? But somehow she pulls it off.
posted by Jon Mitchell at 12:46 PM on May 5, 2022 [13 favorites]
posted by Jon Mitchell at 12:46 PM on May 5, 2022 [13 favorites]
Seconding Mike Birbiglia, thirding Tom Papa's You're Doing Great, adding Demetri Martin.
For podcasts, Make My Day with Josh Gondelman. He asks a single guest on each episode a series of questions that they have to answer in a way that both cheers him up and makes him laugh, then they both give a pep talk to someone/thing that needs it. Also every guest is the highest scoring guest ever and he gives them $100 to give to charity that they then discuss. It is wonderful and I wish there were more episodes.
posted by headnsouth at 12:47 PM on May 5, 2022 [2 favorites]
For podcasts, Make My Day with Josh Gondelman. He asks a single guest on each episode a series of questions that they have to answer in a way that both cheers him up and makes him laugh, then they both give a pep talk to someone/thing that needs it. Also every guest is the highest scoring guest ever and he gives them $100 to give to charity that they then discuss. It is wonderful and I wish there were more episodes.
posted by headnsouth at 12:47 PM on May 5, 2022 [2 favorites]
Sarah Millican is another great comedian who is quite nice.
posted by Glinn at 12:49 PM on May 5, 2022 [11 favorites]
posted by Glinn at 12:49 PM on May 5, 2022 [11 favorites]
Todd Barry, even his delivery is calm. Here's a sample. I believe he has a special on Netflix and his comedy albums can be found on Spotify and Apple Music. The only thing I wouldn't recommend is his Crowdwork Tour because that's him razzing the audience... but even then it's way nicer than you'd expect.
posted by thebots at 12:49 PM on May 5, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by thebots at 12:49 PM on May 5, 2022 [1 favorite]
Podcasts:
Mission to ZYXX is an improvised science fiction podcast - I don't even listen to it myself, I don't have time, but my husband often has it on while he's doing chores and I have gotten caught up in it and it's still funny without knowing the whole storyline. Being science fiction, it's largely a story of personalities and absurdities rather than taking aim at anything specific.
The podcast No Such Thing As A Fish is actually a fact-trivia show made by comedians, originally writers for the QI panel show.
BBC Radio's The Kitchen Cabinet is a panel show about food and cooking, very funny and quippy and interesting.
Sawbones, a comedy show about medicine, does take a number of potshots at Pliny the Elder, but only when he really deserves it.
Youtube:
Evan and Katelyn - they make stuff, like a mood ring toilet seat or a (new and improved) catio.
Lost In The Pond is a Brit who's lived in the US for 14 years and compares the two countries and cultures.
Useless Farm does sully the character of her animals sometimes but she actually loves them all. Even Karen the emu.
Simone Giertz makes shitty robots and a bunch of other really cool things, and she's hilarious.
posted by Lyn Never at 12:52 PM on May 5, 2022 [4 favorites]
Mission to ZYXX is an improvised science fiction podcast - I don't even listen to it myself, I don't have time, but my husband often has it on while he's doing chores and I have gotten caught up in it and it's still funny without knowing the whole storyline. Being science fiction, it's largely a story of personalities and absurdities rather than taking aim at anything specific.
The podcast No Such Thing As A Fish is actually a fact-trivia show made by comedians, originally writers for the QI panel show.
BBC Radio's The Kitchen Cabinet is a panel show about food and cooking, very funny and quippy and interesting.
Sawbones, a comedy show about medicine, does take a number of potshots at Pliny the Elder, but only when he really deserves it.
Youtube:
Evan and Katelyn - they make stuff, like a mood ring toilet seat or a (new and improved) catio.
Lost In The Pond is a Brit who's lived in the US for 14 years and compares the two countries and cultures.
Useless Farm does sully the character of her animals sometimes but she actually loves them all. Even Karen the emu.
Simone Giertz makes shitty robots and a bunch of other really cool things, and she's hilarious.
posted by Lyn Never at 12:52 PM on May 5, 2022 [4 favorites]
Emo Phillips could carry the "absurd" part handily.
posted by bricoleur at 1:09 PM on May 5, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by bricoleur at 1:09 PM on May 5, 2022 [2 favorites]
Another for the mix: Nate Bargatze
posted by yclipse at 1:14 PM on May 5, 2022 [8 favorites]
posted by yclipse at 1:14 PM on May 5, 2022 [8 favorites]
Strongly 2nding Demetri Martin
posted by a box and a stick and a string and a bear at 1:21 PM on May 5, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by a box and a stick and a string and a bear at 1:21 PM on May 5, 2022 [1 favorite]
Mitch Hedberg
posted by wats at 1:26 PM on May 5, 2022 [9 favorites]
posted by wats at 1:26 PM on May 5, 2022 [9 favorites]
This is perhaps a long shot, but if you are at all open to listening to funny people play long-form rpgs, I have never laughed harder or more consistently than while listening to the Star Wars campaign of the Campaign podcast.
Premise: set slightly before Star Wars: A New Hope, four goodhearted but not particularly competent rebels have various increasingly absurd adventures while also trying to take care of the tiny Jedi child they accidentally adopted. It is extremely silly, occasionally very heartwarming, and never mean.
(The current campaign on the podcast - Skyjacks - is also very good and very funny, but I'm about a year behind in listening, so I can't give accurate info on it right now.)
posted by darchildre at 1:36 PM on May 5, 2022
Premise: set slightly before Star Wars: A New Hope, four goodhearted but not particularly competent rebels have various increasingly absurd adventures while also trying to take care of the tiny Jedi child they accidentally adopted. It is extremely silly, occasionally very heartwarming, and never mean.
(The current campaign on the podcast - Skyjacks - is also very good and very funny, but I'm about a year behind in listening, so I can't give accurate info on it right now.)
posted by darchildre at 1:36 PM on May 5, 2022
Nate Bargatze is squeaky clean but he’s ridiculously funny, better than Jim Gaffigan IMO. Check out his Netflix special.
posted by cakelite at 1:41 PM on May 5, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by cakelite at 1:41 PM on May 5, 2022 [2 favorites]
Nthing Useless Farm. In fact, I'm wearing one of their shirts right now.
Not only do they love their animans, the animals they have taken in have been rejected by other places. Now, they have a new life, of just being. They have no 'roles' or 'jobs', which is why they're 'useless'.
Pencil is my favorite useless animal.
posted by spinifex23 at 1:43 PM on May 5, 2022 [2 favorites]
Not only do they love their animans, the animals they have taken in have been rejected by other places. Now, they have a new life, of just being. They have no 'roles' or 'jobs', which is why they're 'useless'.
Pencil is my favorite useless animal.
posted by spinifex23 at 1:43 PM on May 5, 2022 [2 favorites]
100% agree on Aparna Nancherla and also Jo Firestone. Bonus: they did a delightfully silly web series together. You'd also probably like Emily Heller (that link is a full special on youtube)
posted by O9scar at 2:00 PM on May 5, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by O9scar at 2:00 PM on May 5, 2022 [2 favorites]
Our flag means death is very silly, with moments of real tenderness. It’s on hbomax.
posted by missmary6 at 2:16 PM on May 5, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by missmary6 at 2:16 PM on May 5, 2022 [2 favorites]
Ryan Hamilton. Super nice guy, very funny, very clean, pokes fun at himself.
posted by jennstra at 2:17 PM on May 5, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by jennstra at 2:17 PM on May 5, 2022 [1 favorite]
You really do gotta check out Sarah Millican!
posted by wellifyouinsist at 2:23 PM on May 5, 2022 [4 favorites]
posted by wellifyouinsist at 2:23 PM on May 5, 2022 [4 favorites]
Gareth Reynolds might be worth considering. Best Friends Forever, the COVID lockdown show he made with his cat, isn't a terrible place to start. (I realize the first episode on his site does involve both euthenasia and genitals, but even then it's not mean or explicit.) The latter ones are often quite sweet.
Most of his standup/improv stuff might qualify. He gets angry about politics sometimes, but isn't ever mean to individuals. Even the album "riddled with disease" is actually mostly about nice things despite the title. (It's a reference to frolicking with quokkas.)
posted by eotvos at 2:47 PM on May 5, 2022
Most of his standup/improv stuff might qualify. He gets angry about politics sometimes, but isn't ever mean to individuals. Even the album "riddled with disease" is actually mostly about nice things despite the title. (It's a reference to frolicking with quokkas.)
posted by eotvos at 2:47 PM on May 5, 2022
thirding sarah millican!
posted by koroshiya at 2:49 PM on May 5, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by koroshiya at 2:49 PM on May 5, 2022 [2 favorites]
Maybe funny music acts? Victor Borge, Canadian Brass, PDQ Bach (though avoid Oedipus Tex), Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain (their pandemic series is adorable)?
posted by humbug at 2:50 PM on May 5, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by humbug at 2:50 PM on May 5, 2022 [1 favorite]
James Acaster, of course! Notably his four-part special on Netflix. (Also, his food podcast, Off Menu, with Ed Gamble.)
posted by kickingtheground at 2:58 PM on May 5, 2022 [6 favorites]
posted by kickingtheground at 2:58 PM on May 5, 2022 [6 favorites]
Very old, ancient now, I suppose: James Thurber.
posted by Rash at 3:07 PM on May 5, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by Rash at 3:07 PM on May 5, 2022 [2 favorites]
Maybe funny music acts?nting Borge and, with less familiarity, the rest. Also adding much of Noël Coward's radio stuff, and with caveats that there are a few songs that are racist and sexist (but less than you might expect from a white American born in 1928) Tom Lehrer. To go in a weird direction, The Portsmouth Sinfonia is cruel only to some of the instruments and delightful to listen to. I'm not entirely sure it's comedy, but it makes me laugh.
posted by eotvos at 3:07 PM on May 5, 2022
Nthing Nate Bargatze, also suggesting Fortune Feimster. Both have specials on Netflix.
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 3:40 PM on May 5, 2022
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 3:40 PM on May 5, 2022
Painting with John (HBO Max). It’s like a big, weird, surreal kids show for adults. The titular John Laurie is a musician, actor, and artist, who moved to the Caribbean after a series of health problems. In the show, John paints, he tells real stories that sound fake (like the time Klaus Nomi helped him move a couch so Jean-Michel Basquiat wouldn’t have to sleep on the floor), he tells fake stories, there’s musical bits, there’s a reoccurring segment where he and his house keepers dress up like cowboys, he gets in a fight with the moon… I felt better after each episode.
posted by chrisulonic at 4:09 PM on May 5, 2022 [3 favorites]
posted by chrisulonic at 4:09 PM on May 5, 2022 [3 favorites]
No one has mentioned How To With John Wilson. It's on HBO.
Not standup, but a series of meandering meditations on various topics, each of which is really jumping off point for examining life's absurdity. I want to describe his wit as delicate, if that's a thing. I am very fond of this show.
posted by sl1ce at 4:40 PM on May 5, 2022 [8 favorites]
Not standup, but a series of meandering meditations on various topics, each of which is really jumping off point for examining life's absurdity. I want to describe his wit as delicate, if that's a thing. I am very fond of this show.
posted by sl1ce at 4:40 PM on May 5, 2022 [8 favorites]
The comment is way up there, but let me second the Ryan Hamilton special.
posted by wittgenstein at 4:43 PM on May 5, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by wittgenstein at 4:43 PM on May 5, 2022 [1 favorite]
Dave Cooks the Turkey makes me laugh every time.
posted by MonkeyToes at 5:31 PM on May 5, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by MonkeyToes at 5:31 PM on May 5, 2022 [2 favorites]
Paula Poundstone.
posted by Dolley at 5:51 PM on May 5, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Dolley at 5:51 PM on May 5, 2022 [1 favorite]
Going to recommend Maria Bamford. I will mention that she takes on some difficult topics, many related to her own mental health struggles.
posted by jquinby at 7:02 PM on May 5, 2022 [4 favorites]
posted by jquinby at 7:02 PM on May 5, 2022 [4 favorites]
Julio Torres - My Favorite Shapes (review) (trailer)
posted by nertzy at 8:10 PM on May 5, 2022 [3 favorites]
posted by nertzy at 8:10 PM on May 5, 2022 [3 favorites]
Taskmaster! Five comedians doing absurd tasks. There’s some very tongue in cheek taking the piss, but everyone is in on the joke. You are laughing with rather than at. It’s my ultimate comfort watch. If you are in the US, it is free on YouTube.
posted by HonoriaGlossop at 8:42 PM on May 5, 2022 [4 favorites]
posted by HonoriaGlossop at 8:42 PM on May 5, 2022 [4 favorites]
Seconding Taskmaster! One of the funniest things I've ever seen. There's some mockery but it's all in fun. One of the best things about it is watching five random comedians / celebrities who may not know each other very well in Episode 1 become dear friends who've lived through some things together by Episode 10.
Seconding James Acaster, watch his four Netflix shows in order for the best experience.
Middleditch and Schwartz (also on Netflix) is one-hour episodes of extended improv, I don't usually do improv but it's hilarious.
Seconding everything Joe Pera has ever done.
Would I Lie to You (search on YouTube, also on BritBox) is a British panel show that is consistently entertaining and all of the "punching" is in good fun.
The Afterparty (Apple) is a silly murder mystery with each episode presented in a different genre (horror, action, cartoon, etc.)
Murderville (Netflix) is a silly murder mystery but each episode's special guest star isn't given a script and has to improvise being a detective.
posted by mmoncur at 10:17 PM on May 5, 2022 [2 favorites]
Seconding James Acaster, watch his four Netflix shows in order for the best experience.
Middleditch and Schwartz (also on Netflix) is one-hour episodes of extended improv, I don't usually do improv but it's hilarious.
Seconding everything Joe Pera has ever done.
Would I Lie to You (search on YouTube, also on BritBox) is a British panel show that is consistently entertaining and all of the "punching" is in good fun.
The Afterparty (Apple) is a silly murder mystery with each episode presented in a different genre (horror, action, cartoon, etc.)
Murderville (Netflix) is a silly murder mystery but each episode's special guest star isn't given a script and has to improvise being a detective.
posted by mmoncur at 10:17 PM on May 5, 2022 [2 favorites]
Seconding Julio Torres! “My Favorite Shapes” is a soft, absurd, and wholly adorable special. I also HIGHLY recommend his show Los Espookys on HBO, which is a very sweet, weird, and REFRESHING comedy series that is unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
posted by a.steele at 10:29 PM on May 5, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by a.steele at 10:29 PM on May 5, 2022 [1 favorite]
Another recommendation for Our Flag Means Death, and also BBC Ghosts.
posted by Morfil Ffyrnig at 12:57 AM on May 6, 2022
posted by Morfil Ffyrnig at 12:57 AM on May 6, 2022
The funniest for me is this vlog: how to renovate a Chateau (without killing your partner). Link to YouTube.
This features a youngish couple renovating a Chateau in Normandy. She is British, he is from northern italy (from the German speaking part). They do very much themselves, and occasionally hire french professionals for what they cannot do.
And a french Kid for mowing the lawn.
It is worth watching chronologically, to see the astonishing transformation.
The guy has a very dry humour, and neither of them takes themselves seriously on camera.
Tldr gentle humour, interspersed with real life diy
posted by 15L06 at 4:12 AM on May 6, 2022
This features a youngish couple renovating a Chateau in Normandy. She is British, he is from northern italy (from the German speaking part). They do very much themselves, and occasionally hire french professionals for what they cannot do.
And a french Kid for mowing the lawn.
It is worth watching chronologically, to see the astonishing transformation.
The guy has a very dry humour, and neither of them takes themselves seriously on camera.
Tldr gentle humour, interspersed with real life diy
posted by 15L06 at 4:12 AM on May 6, 2022
MonkeyToes has it! For smart, funny, GENTLE comedy you want Stuart MacLean and the Vinyl Cafe. Some on YouTube, or buy CDs/mp3s.
posted by evilmomlady at 4:28 AM on May 6, 2022
posted by evilmomlady at 4:28 AM on May 6, 2022
If you can find stuff by the storyteller Kevin Kling, he's pure, distilled Minnesotan. Talks about himself and his family, very plain but super funny. (Though I am biased: I grew up there. *shrug*)
Here is a video from 1991 where he talks about getting hit by lightning and swings and other things.
And here is a video from 2021 where he talks about Minnesota.
posted by wenestvedt at 5:50 AM on May 6, 2022
Here is a video from 1991 where he talks about getting hit by lightning and swings and other things.
And here is a video from 2021 where he talks about Minnesota.
posted by wenestvedt at 5:50 AM on May 6, 2022
Definitely Tig Notaro! She has a unique silliness and comic timing, and while she's done some shows that deal with heavier topics (recovery from breast cancer, the death of her mom), her comedy is very warm and personal, never mean spirited.
posted by picardythird at 6:41 AM on May 6, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by picardythird at 6:41 AM on May 6, 2022 [2 favorites]
Abbott Elementary on Hulu
Vicar of Dibley on Amazon Prime
Derry Girls on Netflix
posted by panther of the pyrenees at 6:59 AM on May 6, 2022 [1 favorite]
Vicar of Dibley on Amazon Prime
Derry Girls on Netflix
posted by panther of the pyrenees at 6:59 AM on May 6, 2022 [1 favorite]
So many recommendations, but Taskmaster is a show that has very, very pleasant comedians that make funny jokes about how well - or - not well they complete little tasks. Sometimes there's light ribbing, but it's a very wholesome show. It's made better that the comedians return each episode for a whole season, so they get to know each other and self-referential jokes get more common over time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dudmIc5AWR0&list=PLRWvNQVqAeWLksz49j1YmlkfgQelECDb0
posted by bbqturtle at 7:21 AM on May 6, 2022 [1 favorite]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dudmIc5AWR0&list=PLRWvNQVqAeWLksz49j1YmlkfgQelECDb0
posted by bbqturtle at 7:21 AM on May 6, 2022 [1 favorite]
Came in to mention Tig Notaro and Demetri Martin, found that other folks with great taste have already recommended them. I love this echo chamber here on the green.
posted by number9dream at 7:37 AM on May 6, 2022
posted by number9dream at 7:37 AM on May 6, 2022
If you're interested into veering into the slightly absurd I would recommend Reggie Watts.
posted by winterportage at 8:13 AM on May 6, 2022
posted by winterportage at 8:13 AM on May 6, 2022
Conan O’Brian Needs a Friend (& Fan mini episodes) is a consistently funny podcast, although the guest conversations can get a little inside baseball on the comedy profession (but nowhere near as name-checking as WTF with Marc Maron). Always kind-hearted with some good riffing on crazy scenarios, and occasionally blue humor but not in a major way. The Fan ones where he talks to random people for 15-20 minutes are sweet and feature some people with really entertaining lives.
posted by freecellwizard at 8:47 AM on May 6, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by freecellwizard at 8:47 AM on May 6, 2022 [2 favorites]
Seconding: James Acaster, John Mulaney, Sarah Milican, Mitch Hedberg, WILTY
Adding Michael MacIntyre (Netflix), Hannah Gadsby (gentle in the sense of not denigrating others, though with some difficult autobiographical topics at least in her Nanette Netflix special)
posted by meijusa at 11:25 AM on May 6, 2022 [1 favorite]
Adding Michael MacIntyre (Netflix), Hannah Gadsby (gentle in the sense of not denigrating others, though with some difficult autobiographical topics at least in her Nanette Netflix special)
posted by meijusa at 11:25 AM on May 6, 2022 [1 favorite]
Somebody mentioned Sawbones up there, but I would also recommend My Brother, My Brother, and Me - three brothers give terrible advice and give each other a gentle hard time.
Schitt's Creek, also. Very good-hearted.
posted by missrachael at 1:04 PM on May 6, 2022
Schitt's Creek, also. Very good-hearted.
posted by missrachael at 1:04 PM on May 6, 2022
James Ancaster has some great stories on the British panel show Would I lie To You?
An especially WONDERFUL, gentle, silly, absurd guest on that show is Bob Mortimer. There's an FPP with a list of links to some of his best bits.
posted by brachiopod at 1:36 PM on May 6, 2022 [3 favorites]
An especially WONDERFUL, gentle, silly, absurd guest on that show is Bob Mortimer. There's an FPP with a list of links to some of his best bits.
posted by brachiopod at 1:36 PM on May 6, 2022 [3 favorites]
I will second Josh Gondleman. In addition to his delightful podcast mentioned above, his standup is very funny and smart and positive.
If you like Stephen Wright, you might like Myq Kaplan. He's not as one-liner-focused as Stephen Wright, but he's funny in a similarly cerebral, playful way. His standup is very upbeat, as his podcast Broccoli and Ice Cream.
You can find Gondleman and Kaplan's albums on Apple Music and I'm guessing other streaming services (or buy them directly from their websites.)
DISCLAIMER: I consider Myq a friend and I have been on his podcast. Although arguably the way in which I became his friend provides evidence of his upbeat nature: I was a fan of his standup and I emailed him out of the blue inviting him to have tea with me the next time he found himself in London. He was optimistic enough about humanity that he accepted an offer to meet up with a total stranger, and that's how we became friends.
posted by yankeefog at 1:40 PM on May 6, 2022 [1 favorite]
If you like Stephen Wright, you might like Myq Kaplan. He's not as one-liner-focused as Stephen Wright, but he's funny in a similarly cerebral, playful way. His standup is very upbeat, as his podcast Broccoli and Ice Cream.
You can find Gondleman and Kaplan's albums on Apple Music and I'm guessing other streaming services (or buy them directly from their websites.)
DISCLAIMER: I consider Myq a friend and I have been on his podcast. Although arguably the way in which I became his friend provides evidence of his upbeat nature: I was a fan of his standup and I emailed him out of the blue inviting him to have tea with me the next time he found himself in London. He was optimistic enough about humanity that he accepted an offer to meet up with a total stranger, and that's how we became friends.
posted by yankeefog at 1:40 PM on May 6, 2022 [1 favorite]
One more note about the fun-poking in Taskmaster, which I wish to also endorse: of the two presenters, the guy in the "hapless assistant/straight foil" role, who gets playfully bullied by "the guy in charge", is the actual creator of the show and thus absolutely in on being the designated fool.
posted by NMcCoy at 1:37 AM on May 7, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by NMcCoy at 1:37 AM on May 7, 2022 [1 favorite]
Corner Gas. Its available in the states on imdb, amazon prime has it but it redirects to them so one doesn’t need to pay for amazon prime.
It’s a Canadian sitcom, very gentle but also very well written. I consider it the polar opposite of its always sunny in philadelphia- nice characters who have silly quirks and while its gentle overall it’s also hilarious.
posted by RichardHenryYarbo at 11:37 AM on May 7, 2022
It’s a Canadian sitcom, very gentle but also very well written. I consider it the polar opposite of its always sunny in philadelphia- nice characters who have silly quirks and while its gentle overall it’s also hilarious.
posted by RichardHenryYarbo at 11:37 AM on May 7, 2022
Pachelbel Rant
https://youtu.be/uxC1fPE1QEE
John Pinette
HTTPS://youtu.be/GmFDtgfgyD8
Sorry, I can't get the links to work. But they're worth the cut & paste.
posted by BoscosMom at 4:57 PM on May 7, 2022
https://youtu.be/uxC1fPE1QEE
John Pinette
HTTPS://youtu.be/GmFDtgfgyD8
Sorry, I can't get the links to work. But they're worth the cut & paste.
posted by BoscosMom at 4:57 PM on May 7, 2022
Taylor Tomlinson has a new special out on Netflix which does delve into some heavy topics (mostly her own mental health) but it's done in a way that is very light, and IIRC there's no punching at all.
Mae Martin's standup is another one.
posted by lunasol at 1:53 PM on May 9, 2022
Mae Martin's standup is another one.
posted by lunasol at 1:53 PM on May 9, 2022
Ooh, thought of another one: Off Book: The Improvised Musical Podcast. Zach and Jess, the two hosts, are very funny, very talented, and very positive. Each week, they have a guest improviser, and some of the guests may have different sensibilities than the hosts-- but Zach and Jess usually bring things around in a positive direction. It's one of my favorit epodcasts.
posted by yankeefog at 5:45 AM on May 15, 2022
posted by yankeefog at 5:45 AM on May 15, 2022
A lot of great picks above! I wanted to rec a lot of the same names:
Jim Gaffigan, Aparna Nancherla, Tig Notaro, Jo Firestone, Maria Bamford*
I think you'd really appreciate Paul F. Tompkins too.
He's got an underlying kindness that comes across when he's doing an interview or a bit with others- he's always willing to play along. Very silly, very fun, but at the same time very down to earth.
*especially Maria Bamford!
posted by ishmael at 9:53 AM on June 16, 2022
Jim Gaffigan, Aparna Nancherla, Tig Notaro, Jo Firestone, Maria Bamford*
I think you'd really appreciate Paul F. Tompkins too.
He's got an underlying kindness that comes across when he's doing an interview or a bit with others- he's always willing to play along. Very silly, very fun, but at the same time very down to earth.
*especially Maria Bamford!
posted by ishmael at 9:53 AM on June 16, 2022
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(Sitcom, not stand-up. Sorry, not in the US so I'm not sure what your watching options are there).
posted by penguin pie at 11:32 AM on May 5, 2022 [23 favorites]