Best Of: Comic Nikki Glaser / 'Hacks' Co-Creator Paul W. Downs
Aug 3, 2024
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Nikki Glaser, an Emmy-nominated comic known for her candid stand-up, discusses the challenging balance between humor and offense, diving into her unique take on sex and personal struggles. Paul W. Downs, co-creator of HBO Max's acclaimed series 'Hacks', reveals how his creative partnership with his wife flourishes even in the chaos of parenthood. They also explore the delicate dynamics of roast humor and the intricate relationships portrayed in their show, emphasizing vulnerability and connection in comedy.
Nikki Glaser discusses the delicate balance in comedy between addressing personal insecurities and navigating the risks of offending audiences.
Paul W. Downs highlights the creation of 'Hacks' to reflect the disparities in opportunities and respect for female comedians in the industry.
Deep dives
Nikki Glaser's Exploration of Sex in Comedy
Nikki Glaser emphasizes that sex has always been both frightening and intriguing for her, forming a central theme in her comedy. Having experienced a late onset of sexual experiences, she spent years battling insecurities about her body, which fueled her desire to discuss these 'unspeakable' topics openly. Through her stand-up, she aims to communicate the confusion and embarrassment often surrounding sexual encounters, especially for women who may have similar fears and questions. Glaser believes that addressing these experiences in her humor sheds light on a subject that is typically avoided in conversation, bridging a critical gap in sexual education.
The Complexity of Celebrity Roasts
Glaser illustrates the challenging dynamics of writing and performing at celebrity roasts, where humor can walk a fine line between funny and offensive. She humorously acknowledges that after writing for a roast, her mindset can become somewhat dark as she focuses on finding the most biting and revealing jabs. Glaser highlights her recent roast of Tom Brady, noting how the atmosphere allows for exploration of vulnerabilities, which she navigates carefully, ensuring she has consent to joke about sensitive aspects of a person's life. This process often leads her to reflect on her own insecurities, as those performing roasts often end up on the receiving end of similar critiques.
The Thin Line of Comedy and Cancel Culture
Glaser speaks candidly about the implications of her humor amidst the increasing concern over cancel culture in the comedy world. She acknowledges the risks comedians face regarding audience perceptions, wanting to balance honesty and humor without crossing the line into cruelty. Despite her comedic intent being to elicit laughter and foster connection, she admits to sometimes grappling with whether her jokes may offend someone. This tension between authenticity and audience reaction drives her to reflect on her comedy's societal impact, illustrating her internal struggle as she aims to remain relatable while pushing comedic boundaries.
Paul W. Downs on 'Hacks' and Comedy's Evolution
Paul W. Downs discusses the inception of the series 'Hacks,' which stems from conversations about the disparities in respect and opportunities for female comedians compared to their male counterparts. He mentions borrowing from personal experiences and observations within the comedy world to create characters that resonate with complex themes like evolution in comedy and self-perception. Downs believes these narratives are crucial for understanding the pressures faced by both emerging and established comedians, revealing that their comedic success often intertwines with personal struggles. The dynamic between the older and younger characters unveils generational conflicts in comedy, blending traditional values with modern humor.
Comic Nikki Glaser talks with Terry Gross about finding the line between offensive and funny, hurt feelings, and why she started making jokes about sex. Her new Emmy-nominated stand-up special on HBO is Someday You'll Die.
Ken Tucker reflects on the New York Dolls' album Too Much Too Soon for its 50th anniversary.
Paul W. Downs co-created the acclaimed HBO Max show Hacks with his wife, Lucia Aniello and their friend and collaborator, Jen Statsky. Downs talks with Ann Marie Baldonado about how they came up with the idea for Hacks, and how his wife continued directing the show while she was in labor. Hacks is nominated for 16 Emmy Awards this year.