Atsuko Okatsuka: Father

Her unique upbringing of being raised in multiple cultures and having a dance background shows in the way she emotes and tells jokes, something that is very specific to Atsuko. I love how the jokes are not just stand alones but live to also make the greater themes and arc of the whole hour connect.

You know you're watching an instant classic when you turn this one. It's incredible!! And stay tuned for the deconstruction of a Dad joke in the end!!! Chef's kiss!!! Father is the perfect title.

I've been a fan since I saw her perform in Berkeley for The Intruder. I'm excited to see her come back to the Bay Area at the Masonic this fall!

This is the first time I'd heard of Atsuko and since this show wasn't supposed to come out until tomorrow (as I am writing this, there's no IMDb rating yet) I started watching. It's not terrible, the live audience found it hilarious. I don't want to be mean but I watched the whole thing and didn't laugh even once.

I kinda feel like giving this a 5 is generous.

Obviously I am not a professional movie critic, I rarely post anywhere about anything but I was hoping for so much more from this, especially since she was on The Tonight Show last week pumping this show.

I really wanted to like this but it just didn't happen for me.

Atsuko's just one of those special once-in-a-lifetime comedians who approach comedy with such joy that it's contagious! She knows exactly how to set up a joke and ensures it pays off well. The material this time also resonates well with me, as the daughter of an immigrant man. Her facial expressions and the way she interacts with the audience is hilarious too! I highly recommend this special for everyone to watch. Gonna be for sure one of my favourite comfort comedy specials!

Truly love her and her work. I cannot wait to see more from her whether it's another special or a different something in store :)

I hope she creates more :)

Atsuko Okatsuka is the friend you haven't met yet. A formerly undocumented immigrant, Atsuko gives viewers a glimpse into the unique life she has lived with approachable storytelling. Her branded bowl-cut and sharp, whimsical style will keep you glued to your screen as she recounts odd and entirely personal stories. There is no question about it: Atsuko is the life of the party, and for an hour, you can listen to stories you've never heard from the type of person you won't find in an office cubicle.

Step outside of your comfort zone. Try something new in the realm of comedy. Tiktok and Youtube have recently given platforms to anyone brave enough to try an open mic night. In a world full of hateful rhetoric, political comedy, shock comedy, and audience roasting, consider something light, fun, and intentional in its joy.

Kept me laughing all throughout. Atsuko never fails to connect with the audience and tickle them with her brand of humor. Watch it and you'll feel a lot better after.

The writing is smart and dry, with dialogue that crackles and characters that feel fully lived-in. Atsuko herself is a brilliant lead-funny, self-deprecating, and just the right amount of emotionally unhinged. The flashbacks to her father's younger years provide not only backstory but some of the biggest laughs, especially as the generational and cultural differences come into play.

What makes Atsuko's Father truly stand out is its ability to find levity in loss without diminishing its emotional core. It's a comedy with depth, a story about letting go, holding on, and figuring it all out one awkward, hilarious step at a time.