1. Truly, deeply rest in peace, Kenny DeForest. A wondrous human being and great comedian taken from us all far too early (as you can see in the outpour of tribute and grief in his name). For now, what might be best would be donate to his Memorial Fund that was formerly a Recovery Fund and also watch his latest special, Don’t You Know Who I Am?, which came out just a few months ago (again, Kenny was on the path doing many a great thing in comedy).
2. Netflix Is a Joke Fest makes its first announcement of many about the hundreds of big time comedians and dozens of venues that will be happening in and around LA come May 2024. Go peep the schedule and get tickets here.
3. Trevor Noah is back at the Grammys, Anthony Anderson is stepping up to the hosting plate for The Emmys, and Greta Gerwig, riding high off of Barbie, will be the Cannes Film Festival Jury President all next year. Come to think of it, we would be thoroughly intrigued at the prospect of Greta Gerwig hosting an awards show, especially since she also can do this.
4. Lena Dunham has an ex-pat rom com going at Netflix that’s set to star Meg Stalter (Hacks) and Will Sharpe (White Lotus S2) (Variety). Having Meg Stalter as the star of series/movies is definitely where the future of comedy should be headed.
5. We’ll leave you with this: Shout out to every comedy album and special that’s coming out right now and won’t be able to be considered for “2023 Best Of” lists.