Neal Brennan: Blocks

I get this guy on so many levels. He's not afraid to tackle the 'taboo' subjects. He is intelligent, funny, and real.

I saw a 1/10 comment that basically invalidated his mental health struggles with the stereotypical "no idea" what true sadness and clinical depression is really like. It is a mental health illness. And the classic, "oh he's got money so that somehow he must be happy".

The last five minutes will be forever stored in my brain for myself, and for others that I see fighting this insidious disability.

Anyone who has somehow fighting the good fight, get them to watch this. To laugh in the face of diversity, is the best laugh of all. Thank you Neal.

I dare say it was as enjoyable and thought provoking as Chappelle's special. Same high quality level. One of the best specials I saw this year. Unforgettable.

He has a great comedy mind and even though he calls it 'traumedy' the emotional parts are exactly what makes it unique. I am a big fan of 3 Mics and before watching this I was exactly hoping for something similar. Comedy plus emotional revelations I too can relate to.

Hands down this had some of the most original and funniest jokes i've heard in quite a while and the last part was so moving I am sure it'll stay with me for a few days.

Thank you Neal for your comedy and also for sharing these deeply personal moments with us.

Watch Neal unload everything weighing on his mind. He puts it all out there, and delivers one of the most thoughtful, hilarious, and unifying performances I've ever seen. He divulges more in front of the world than most people would in therapy sessions. This man was pivotal in launching Dave Chappelle into superstardom, and questions his own value, as we all do.... whether we choose to admit it or not. If someone like Neal Brennan can feel this way, it's okay for you to talk about what's on your mind also. There are people who want to listen, and genuinely want to help. I hope Blocks was as therapeutic for Neal as it is for everyone who sees it. Peace to all-

It's hilarious but be prepared for it to also be touching and poignant- even a bit sad. But it's balance at its best bc it's perfect humanity. I've never seen anything like it. And I don't toss around words like 'brilliant' lightly. It's so human and relatable and supremely entertaining all at the same time. I'm a new fan and definitely one of his biggest! I don't know why IMDB is requiring I write so much more bc I feel I've said enough but here it is: it's absolutely fantastic so do yourself a favor and watch it!! It's so very great and different. You will laugh and come close to crying - or like me, find yourself wanting to call him to meet for a coffee and a chat.

At one point you get tired of even the best comedians doing another Netflix special. You start to get their commonly shared condition of self-loathing, self-deprecation and self-harm and it diminishes your joy about what you see and hear and are supposed to laugh about.

Neal Brennan in this (and his previous) set unmasks this condition and gives you insight. And instead of laughing about him you will give him your sympathy and laugh for him.

That is what makes this Netflix comedy special (oddly categorized as "documentary") so much more sustainable.

There is nothing forced or acted out or phony about it. Neal Brennan is authentic even when, at the end he reveals a little optical trick that he skillfully prepared throughout the entire act.

The result is an extremely funny, entertaining and heart-warming exercise in self-analysis that many non-comedians can relate to, as well.