Chris Gethard: Career Suicide

I've been watching a lot of stand-up comedians lately, discovered some very funny comedians that I will follow in the future, but also stumbled on some annoying not very funny wannabe comedians like Chris Gethard. I don't know any of his previous shows, this was the first one for me (and for sure also the last one), so it was waiting to get surprised or bored, and boring it was. He reminds me of the show Nanette from Hannah Gadsby, another depressing person ranting about things nobody cares, so if you're a fan of Career Suicide, if you like watching depressing people give that one a go as well. Career Suicide is first of all way too long, I can't believe people would pay to watch a guy talking about his depression for that long. Chris Gethard talks like he's a motivational speaker for the local group of people with suicidal tendencies. He looks like he's going to start crying any moment in his show, very funny if you ask me (I'm being sarcastic). Not only is his monologue long and boring, it's also just not funny besides the odd mild joke every now and then. Chris Gethard and Hannah Gadsby should do a show together, just to see who can whine the most, to see who will bore someone to death the first.

Constant babbling with a laugh track thrown in. Almost all shots of the audience they are just sitting there seemingly waiting for permission to leave. Another over confident un-funny talker. There's a select group with front row couch seat that look particularly miserable.

A courageous effort of inner beauty;of self-insight much beyond that of the vast majority of humanity... AND HE'S FUNNY!!

I can both relate to his admission to self of pathos and failings, and the use of humor to soothe the soul and advance with renewed strength and a smile.

Be honest, did not know Chris' work before catching this extraordinary one-man show, but years ago, when dinosaurs roamed, I worked in the industry.

First and foremost, this is one of the most skilled story-tellers I have ever seen. He combines the intensity of George Carlin (whose stage persona was exactly like his real-life persona) with the glibness and likability of early Cosby. A rare combination.

Of course, the one-man show is focused on his personal demons -- and there are many -- so you cannot expect the traditional "set" where the jokes start small and then build to a thunderous climax.

Which does not mean there are not massive "pockets" of grade-A comedy in the show that potentially can leave you rolling on the floor gasping for breath. The small segment about his "Batman blackout" is itself one of the funniest bits I have ever heard - EVER! - and could instantly, without the need to call for a vote, go into the Comedy Hall of Fame.

Chris mentions in the show that he has been doing standup since he was 20 years old. Whether or not this by itself explains his tremendous ability to hold an audience I don't know, but, demons or not, this is a very gifted young man, and I would recommend this 90 minute special without reservation.

Ah, yes, I doubt I can say much that has not been said before. I identify completely. Have been on every medication that Gerhardt mentions and have experienced most everything he has in some form, aside from the alcoholism- my "addictions" differ only ostensibly, because I believe the root cause is all the same, and I no doubt have the addictive personality to fill a void.

But to hear him express it in such a soothing voice is something akin to his unabashed adoration for Morrissey & The Smiths. He gets me. Fast forward a few years, he still gets me! I would love to meet this guy. He seems like he would be a great teddy bear to commiserate with!

I would love to meet Barbara, his therapist, who has moved to Mexico. I, maybe inappropriately, always long for that therapist that slightly crosses boundaries to be first and foremost my friend. Only slightly- but significantly so- before being my professional healthcare provider.

Career Suicide is indeed exactly that. A courageous, vulnerable, necessary, and valuable risk to take in standup. And it pays. At least for me and the mental health community. And honestly, who cares about anyone else in this context? We matter!

; represent!