Bo Burnham: Inside

TV Comedy Special, 2021, TV-MA

Premise - Bo Burnham's medium is typically stand-up comedy live shows. After three years since his last live show, he was ready to come back to the stage. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the world of entertainment changed drastically as people around the world were mandated to stay inside. To keep himself sane during the pandemic, Bo Burnham created a comedy special from inside his house.

Review - The reason why Bo Burnham's comedy is so appealing is that he fully acknowledges his role as a White male comedian. The social commentary that is inseparable from his comedy often makes fun of not only White men as a concept, but specifically his own role in Whiteness and maleness. 

I think the entirety of the show can be summed up by a moment towards the beginning when he says that, maybe as yet another White male comedian dominating the entertainment sphere, he should just shut the fuck up. He then sits there for a bit, gets bored, and gets back to writing comedy.

Yes, White men have dominated most everything in human history, and yes they need to make space for minorities. But the solution isn't just to sit back and do nothing while women and people of color step up and solve the world's problems. Also, what a waste of human life if he were to do that. So, instead, he contributes to the world the way he knows best - comedy.

There's also a lot of self-aware comedy about the very nature of comedy being a distraction, rather than a call to action. Laughter isn't going to stop the world from burning around us, and therefore, his contribution being "comedy" feels superficial. 

I think audiences, as much as they agree on some uncomfortable level with Burnham's critique, still vastly benefit from a show like this. This is comedy that is uncomfortable in a way that I think inspires some real self-reflection. So even though Bo Burnham might not think he's helping the world, I personally think he is. (90/100)

Quote - "Is this heaven, or is this just a White woman's instagram?"

What to watch for - All of the musical numbers are iconic but I particularly liked "White Woman's Instagram" and the sexting song.

If you liked this special, I'd recommend Bo Burnham: Make Happy!

Directed by Bo Burnham

Distributed by Netflix