TCB Debriefing 2/12-2/15/24: Bad Play, This Fool, Adam Sandler, Hannah Gadsby, Abbott Elementary, Caleb Hearon
1. Big Tobacco, the sketch group and not the corporate beast, made one of the best satires/mash-ups of an art form we’ve ever seen with a wonderfully searing send up of prestige live theater, Bad Play. Round of applause to Brad Beidman, Brian Fitzgerald, Lyndsey Kempf, and Eli Lutsky and a thanks to them now that Bad Play is on YouTube for you to watch just in case you couldn’t make it to the Yard Theater or the Hollywood Fringe when it first made a big splash. Please enjoy Bad Play here.
2. Hulu makes an utterly stupid move by cancelling This Fool (THR) after two critically acclaimed seasons. So much for a full on Bear x This Fool crossover ep.
3. Adam Sandler’s next special will be directed by one of Josh Safdie, whom Sandler previously worked on in pulse pounding sports gambling thriller, Uncut Gems (Deadline). Perhaps, we’ll get an answer to what a handheld stand-up special would be like, especially with some sort of dire ticking clock at play.
4. While it has been a bit since a big time comedian (maybe just a couple of years?) has put their name on a stand-up comedy showcase to present their favorite comedians, we’re really glad to see Hannah Gadsby throw their hat in this ring with a showcase of gender redefining comedians including ALOK, Chloe Petts, DeAnne Smith, Ashley Ward, Jes Tom, Mx. Dahlia Belle, and Krishna Istha (i.e. some of the best stand-ups working today). It really is going to be grand Mar. 5th when Gender Agenda premieres. See for yourself with the first trailer here, then set a remind for Mar. 5th to watch this immediately.
5. Abbott Elementary, the latest torchbearer of the Christopher Guest lineage of mockumentaries and, perhaps, one of the most heartfelt, touching ones yet is renewed for season 4 just as season 3 premiered (Variety).
6. One of the very best in comedy these days, Kyle Kinane, (just go watch Shocks & Struts if you need a refresher) has slated his latest hour, Dirt Nap, for March 4th. You can pre-order it now and get your first peep of it right here.
7. Caleb Hearon is already a star, but is about to have his IMDB STARmeter get upped to where it’s supposed to be with him starring in Lily Wachowski’s upcoming dramedy, Trash Mountain (Variety).
8. We’ll leave you with this: While the Ace Hotel is going to close, the theater formerly known as The Theatre at the Ace Hotel will live on as The United Theater on Broadway (a nod to its past as The United Artists Theater). The big gala shows for Netflix Is a Joke Festival are safe.
