Page 41 - Katherine Ryan press pack 2015-20

Best gag: “Some young women drink so much they black out and can't remember
what happened the night before. If that's you, don't worry, I made a video.”
17. Aziz Ansari: Buried Alive (2013)

Aziz Ansari
In a nutshell: Before Master of None established Ansari as the millennial Woody
Allen, the South Carolina comic was already a superstar stand-up. An early calling
card was his 2013 Netflix special, in which he commented drolly on the trials of
romance in the 21st century and delivered laconic observations on racial tensions in
America.
Best gag: “White babies are disgusting. They’re like regular babies that aren’t ripe
yet.”
18. Bo Burnham: Make Happy (2016)

Bo Burnham CREDIT: Handout
In a nutshell: Music and comedy can make for an uneasy mix. But Burnham wears
his virtuosity lightly and is also effortlessly hilarious. Be Happy is mix of riotous sing-
along – his comedy raps are terrifically catchy – and self-aware chuckle-fest.
Best gag: “The churches never made me/ Feel ashamed of who I am/ But I get
emails from Zappos/That Gmail doesn't mark as spam...” (from his song Straight
White Male)

19. Trevor Noah: Son of Patricia (2018)

Trevor Noah
In a nutshell: The Daily Show’s South African-born Noah has a conversational style
that sets him apart from the gag-a-minute crew. His second Netflix special draws its
name from a lesson his mother taught him on how to redirect negative energy
spewed from the mouths of racists. Race and immigrant identity are big themes.
Best gag: “We are living through a time when we’re all learning about the
presidency at the same time as the President. That’s never happened.”
20. James Acaster: Repertoire (2018)

James Acaster CREDIT: Silviu Nutu Vegan Joy
In a nutshell: The master of innocuous trivia and inconsequential silliness delivers
four hour-long episodes for the price of one. Each is a joy, as Acaster wades through
linguistic curiosities, Brexit teabag jokes and jury service. Oh, and he wears a
different shade of corduroy in each episode.
Best gag: “I love French cuisine. That’s why this story takes place in Pret a Manger. I
love to manger their yoghurt.”

21. Louis CK: 2017 (2017)