Real Time with Bill Maher Ep. #597: Bob Odenkirk, Caitlin Flanagan, Mary Katharine Ham
Apr 23, 2022
This week’s guests include Bob Odenkirk, an Emmy-winning writer and actor famed for 'Better Call Saul', and Caitlin Flanagan, a staff writer at The Atlantic. They dive into the struggles of modern media, touching on Disney's current controversies and the decline of major platforms like CNN Plus. Bob shares insights from his comedic journey, revealing the pressures faced by comedians today. The conversation also critiques the shifting political landscape regarding voting rights, highlighting the fragility of democracy in America.
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Mr. Show’s Unique Format
- Bill Maher was a big fan of Bob Odenkirk's show, Mr. Show.
- He appreciated the unique format where sketches were connected, unlike other shows like Saturday Night Live.
Thriving Outside SNL
- Bob Odenkirk, Larry David, Sarah Silverman, and others thrived outside SNL despite not fitting in there.
- Their comedic styles, often subtle and nuanced, might not have been suitable for SNL's broader, immediate demands.
Anger in Comedy
- Both Bill Maher and Bob Odenkirk believe comedy should have an element of anger.
- They appreciate comedy that has depth and pushes boundaries, rather than simply aiming for laughs.