Shrill!!!

I started watching Shrill about a week ago. Since then, I haven't stopped wondering...

Why the hell did I sleep on this show for so long? It's great! I was cringing and lol-ing within five minutes. (For those who have never heard of the show, the trailer will get you up to speed.)

A handful of reasons why Shrill is so damn good: Awesome cast -- how can you not love Aidy Bryant! Sharp, funny, relatable dialogue. Really cute wardrobe. Interesting relationships between characters. Bonkers the dog!

It's refreshing to watch a show that feels smart, honest, and also hilarious. The first episode alone covers tough issues head-on -- ambition, self-determination, body image, personal fulfillment, confidence -- without making you feel emotionally wiped out or like you're being preached to. 

If you like Insecure and Broad City, then Shrill is an easy shoo-in for your next favorite thing to stream. I should probably confess that I (already) finished the series this morning lol IN MY DEFENSE, there are only eight episodes per season. It goes by quick! Thankfully, season three comes out in May. Until then, I'll be right here, waiting impatiently ;)

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Fun Animated Shows For A Friday Night In

Man, it is SOGGY in Montreal today. Sunshine hasn't peeked through the clouds once, nor has the rain stopped since morning. If the weather keeps up this way, then I predict we're all in for an evening of streaming and food delivery. 

These are three of my favorite animated shows, basically ever. They can brighten up a dreary, bleary night. Before you roll your eyes, I promise that they are definitely cartoons for grown-ups. It's a weird coincidence they all start with the letter B, lol.

  

I've seen most episodes of Bob's Burgers multiple times and they still make me laugh. It's the easiest show to watch on this list because, unlike the other two, Bob's is the most similar to a standard family sitcom. The jokes, however, are not canned or conventional. Give it a shot and, I swear, you'll be five episodes deep before you even realize!

Take-out: Burgers from Burger De Ville, duh.

Big Mouth is hilarious, insanely raunchy, and repeatedly has me wondering, Is it okay to be watching this??? (To my own parents: I'm telling you now, this show is NOT your thing.) Big Mouth follows a group of thirteen-year olds as they navigate their first steps into puberty. The show does not hold back. Like, you're seeing full-frontal nudity in the first episode. But animated! Which makes it okay?

Take-out: Skip delivery. Swing by the dep for cotton candy and gummy bears.

Lastly, BoJack Horseman has an altogether different vibe -- the tone is more serious and, sometimes, pretty freakin' dark. Great for when you're in the mood for some mid-level existentialism with a side of comedy. Once you get into it, you realize the show is actually deeply heartfelt and moving.

Take-out: As BoJack would say, "a few feel-better pizzas" from your favorite spot. 

Happy binge-watching :)

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3 Comedy Specials (To Get You Through A Rainy Weekend)

Look, the last few weeks have been challenging, if not outright rough. We can all benefit from a big belly laugh. Since Montreal is basically grounded for another two weeks, and this weekend's weather forecast is looking not-so-sexy, why not sidle up on the couch and stream some stand-up. (Don't forget the snacks.)

Here are three comedians whose work consistently has me lol-ing to the point of mild physical pain. Seeing them listed in a row, I definitely spot similarities between them: Their material is clever, chatty, relatable. And very funny (duh). I want to be friends with all three of them. Maybe you'll feel the same way! 

I'm new to the Michelle Buteau bandwagon -- but better late than never! Her new special, Welcome to Buteaupia (on Netflix), is a lot of fun to watch. She can be a little crass and somehow super cute at the same time. I love her stories about being a first-time mom, and can barely catch my breath when she talks about her husband's super European family. Click here to watch the trailer :)

It's hard not to love Hannibal Buress! Josh (my sherpa for all things stand-up) introduced me to him years ago and I've been a fan ever since. Hannibal released Miami Nights (free on Youtube!) back in July. Some of his jokes are so goofy -- those crack me up the most. I'm helpless against silly one-liners and random observations. He also gets into the time he was arrested in Miami. Who knew police injustice could literally be so ridiculous.

I actually saw Iliza Shlesinger perform Elder Millenial (on Netflix) at Just For Laughs a few years ago! She's an incredibly strong performer and storyteller, but has also been accused of being woman-hating or anti-feminist. And fine, maybe some of her material takes a derivative view on female friendships. The thing is, those bits speak directly to my own experience as a younger person -- almost like she lifted actual events from my own time as a member of a group of suburban frenemies. Is that a good thing? I don't know. Does it strike a chord that shakes free some serious laughs? You better believe it.

Long story short: Iliza's bits about lady-sheep, party goblins, and trying to locate something in your purse are great. And if you like this special, then she has four or five more (also on Netflix) that will be right up your alley :)

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Who are some of your favorite comedians? Who cracks you up the most? 

Image credit: I totally screwed up and lost the sources, sorry!

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