Awesome Comedy

Whether you live in New York City or have visited, you know that for as much as the city seems simple to navigate, it can also be confusing. In this amusing SNL animated short, two explorers (Bowen Yang, Michael Longfellow) lay the haphazard groundwork for Manhattan’s master plan.

Mysterious and surreal TV series like Severance, Devs, and Maniac sometimes lead us down endlessly weird rabbit holes. Comedian Alasdair Beckett-King pokes fun at such convoluted storylines that may or may not lead anywhere and may never answer our questions. We’re looking at you, J.J. Abrams and Damon Lindelof.

Inspired by local newscasts from the 1990s, Andrew Ball created his own amusing version of the hyperbolic news programs. Ball portrays all the characters, embellishing the newscast with retro graphics and old-school commercial breaks. If you don’t pay attention to the ridiculous stories (and wigs), you might mistake it for an actual broadcast.

(PG-13: Language) Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong lit up the comedy scene in the 1970s with their rock-and-roll approach to humor. This documentary/road movie dives into the pothead duo’s history, from their days in standup through their movie career and the end of their partnership. In theaters, it is 4.25.2025, with a special early showing on 4.20, naturally.

Andy Kaufman’s absurdist approach to comedy was unlike anything anyone had experienced before. Filmmaker Alex Braverman’s upcoming documentary offers a fresh look at the enigmatic performer’s life through rare footage and interviews with his friends, colleagues, and admirers. Coming to theaters and streaming on 3.28.2025.

It’s 3000 years in the future, and somehow, The History Channel is still cranking out the same content. What kind of Ancient Secret Mysteries will they encounter? Wizards with Guns takes the controls of a remote archeological rover and drives it into the hidden chamber of some dude still living in his parents’ basement.

The guys from Aunty Donna can always be relied on for the big ideas. Their latest business venture is a sperm bank that works more like a financial institution, paying interest on your deposits and armed guards providing security. Like most of their sketches, it goes totally off the rails by the end.

“Have you ever seen an Indian homeless person in America?” Standup comedian Hasan Minhaj returns to the stage after that asinine “fact-checked scandal” with a new Netflix special. Off With His Head sees Minhaj tackle The New Yorker’s malicious article about him, along with midlife crisis, and of course ye olde politics and race. Streaming now.

(PG-13: Language) An assistant director and his colleagues frantically try to prevent the maniacal director and stars of a superhero flick from ruining their careers. HBO’s new series The Franchise is a satirical look at Hollywood’s now dying comic book movie machine. Starring Himesh Patel, Daniel Bruhl, and Aya Cash. From the creator of Veep + Avenue 5.

This week’s Saturday Night Live featured some hilariously warped sketches, including this one featuring guest host Nate Bargatze as a golfer who just can’t seem to get a break during a charity tournament. Hungry for more inappropriate laughs? May we suggest a Mile-high burger or some sushi?

(PG-13: Language) “Your eyes are looking a little watery there…” A fearless barbarian is caught in the Medusa’s petrifying gaze. But it looks like he found a loophole. Who will prevail? YouTuber Dungeon Soup makes a hilarious short film out of a simple what-if scenario and beautifully sticks the landing.

“This is something new I’m working on. It’s gonna be: Select Chain.” Ever wonder where those CAPTCHA images come from? It’s all thanks – or no thanks – to this woman. Or not. YouTubers Kim & Aliya imagine what it would be like if someone did take those mundane shots for a living. Wait sorry, because they love it.

(PG-13) “They loomed threateningly.” “Protesters?” “That’s what I thought too at first.” In this star-studded surreal comedy film, the members of the G7 bicker and flounder after getting lost in the woods in the middle of an unspecified global crisis. Starring Cate Blanchett, Charles Dance, Takehiro Hira, and Alicia Vikander. Premieres 10.18.24.

(PG-13: Language) “Everybody’s a relationship guru!..” A time traveler tries to plead with the man who came up with the podcast to let his idea go. The always on-point comedy group RDCworld pokes fun at the opinionated masses and their omnipresence in this all too accurate skit. And yes, the irony is crisp.

(PG-13: Language) “I’m never going to be smart, happy, or thin ever again.” Amy Adams stars as an artist turned housewife in this comedy drama. Based on Rachel Yoder’s eponymous novel, Nightbitch sees our heroine beaten down and disillusioned at her new life. As her mental state worsens, she becomes convinced that she’s turning into a dog. Premieres 12.2024.

The awesome YouTube channel A World Without makes animated shorts that imagine what it would be like if we didn’t have some of the most fundamental and essential things, like windows, elbows, or in this case, religion. Lower your pitchforks; it’s all harmless fun. And yes, cooking meat beyond medium rare is heresy!