8 Bits That Made Comedians Famous

With Nick Swardson’s new show Pretend Time debuting this week (Happy birthday, Nick – he turned 34 last week) along with the release of “I Am Comic” on DVD, we thought we’d take a look at the best “bits” that caught on with the American public. The following routines brought each comedian out of the comedy clubs and onto the main stage. Here are 8 bits that made comedians famous. (Obvious Note: NSFW)

Richard Pryor’s “Setting Himself on Fire”
from “Live On the Sunset Strip”

It’s hard to pinpoint just one thing about Richard Pryor’s stand up that resonated with audiences, since by the time of his special Live on the Sunset Strip, he was already a household name. But his bit about setting himself on fire because of his addiction is a great example of what makes everyone like him.

Patton Oswalt’s “KFC Famous Bowls”

Patton Oswalt has a unique ability to blend absurd nerdism into hilarious bits like science going too far, Christian Rock and, of course, KFC Famous Bowls. Patton simplifies American culture of laziness and obesity into a sad, hilarious tale.

Dave Chappelle’s “Taken to the Ghetto”
from “Killin’ Them Softly”

His hilarious sketch show, Chappelle’s Show propelled him to pop culture phenomenon. Dave’s Richard Pryor-esque storytelling style was easy to relate to. There’s no better proof than his story about being taken to the ghetto.

Louis CK’s “Everything is Amazing and Nobody’s Happy”

Louis CK had been bubbling on the edge of blowin’ up for a number of years. Since his wonderful stand-up special Shameless, Louis has been mining the depths of marriage, fatherhood and masculinity into defining stand up specials and TV shows like Louie. Appearing on Conan with a bit from his special Hilarious, his logic on the flying experience became a viral hit and proved that if anyone can make something as tired as airplane material funny again, it’s Louis CK.

Brian Regan’s “Eye Doctor”

Brian Regan transcended the division of club vs alternative comic with his genuine hilarity. Brian Regan seems to be the only comedian working today that makes audience of all ages laugh along with the comedians in the back of the room. The best way to experience Brian Regan is to see him live. Just the look on his face is all you need to laugh at his Eye Doctor bit.

George Carlin’s “7 Dirty Words”

If there was any bit that was synonymous with a comedian and his style it’s George Carlin’s bit on the 7 dirty words, it’s exhaustive in the best possible way, making sure he explores all the absurdity of saying such wicked words. He rips through them like they’re not dirty, giving the FCC pause to ponder.

Jim Gaffigan’s “Hot Pockets”

You’ve heard people saying it. “Hot Pockets!” in a high pitched voice. Before Gaffigan’s bit on the microwavable delicacy, there wasn’t anything really odd or hilarious about Hot Pockets. What makes the bit so great? Is it the attention to detail or the creative process behind the jingle? Excuse us, we have to go to the bathroom.

Nick Swardson “Old People”
from “Seriously, Who Farted?”

Nick’s probably best known for his role as the gay rollerblading prostitute on Reno 911 or as the old lady lover in Grandma’s Boy, but he broke onto the scene with this lil’ diddy about seniors.

The 5 Best TV Shows on Netflix Watch Instantly

If your DVR’s full or you’re allergic to DVDs, Netflix’s “Watch Instantly” feature is extremely handy. Netflix does an amazing job of constantly updating their database, making Watch Instantly one of the most popular services on the internet. Though the selection was scant at its inception, the library quickly expanded and is most often used to catch up on entire seasons of that TV show you’ve missed out on. Now, there’s so much to watch, where do you start? Here are 5 of the best TV shows currently on Netflix Watch Instantly.

Battlestar Galactica

One of the best sci-fi drama shows in recent years was the revamped Battlestar Galactica. With its sprawling story lines and epic space battles, BSG can now be watched anywhere you have an internet account. Did I mention it’s streaming in HD? Out of this world.

 

Friday Night Lights

Clear eyes. Full hearts. Can’t lose. Friday Night Lights is like that great sports movie that comes around every other year. Except with FNL you can watch that movie every week. The show about football, that you don’t have to like football to watch is beloved by critics and fans alike. Just make sure you watch it alone if you don’t want people to see you cry.

The Office (British)

Yeah I know, every nerd when you tell them you watch the American Office will ask if you watched the British version and it’s annoying. But the thing is, it really is worth it. There’s a reason the mockumentary style is so blatantly ripped off for shows, because the British Office did it so well, with resounding success. And now that it is on Netflix Watch Instantly there’s no excuse to saying you haven’t seen it.

Frontline

Not everyone just wants to watch sitcoms and dramas. Some people want to stay informed and with that there’s no better program than Frontline. The probing documentary series isn’t as stuffy as you might think and after watching a few programs you will see the glaring void of great journalism in today’s media.

The Whitest Kids U Know

If you loved The Kids In The Hall, then you shouldn’t have any problems with this sketch show featuring the young comedy group made up of Sam Brown, Zach Cregger, Trevor Moore, Darren Trumeter, and Timmy Williams. Entering its fifth season, the show currently airs on IFC. You might remember 2 of the members were behind the underrated comedy “Miss March.”

5 Comedy Podcasts That Will Make You LOL

Are you ever on the bus and hear someone obnoxiously laughing to themselves? Or see someone walking down the street trying to contain their laughter? Chances are those people are listening to funny podcasts and I would know, because I’m that guy. Here are 4 podcasts that will make it impossible to make your commute with a straight face.

The 404

A pop-cult fix for a generation that grew up playing Nintendo and watching Saturday morning cartoons, the 404 podcast, with hosts Jeff Bakalar, Wilson Tang, and Justin Yu, gives you the latest news in gadgets, social media, video games, and movies with snarky commentary and the occasional tasteless joke. If you missed our appearance on The 404 earlier this week check it out!

youtube-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmTi9XdsyVk]

Comedy Death Ray Radio

From the creator of the excellent Comedy Death Ray Show at the UCB Theater in LA, Scott Aukerman hosts the radio version at Earwolf Studios with various guests ranging from comedians, actors and musicians. Each episode brings a guest host and an array of comedic characters for a making of tear inducing laughter.

Never Not Funny

The award winning podcast from stand up comedian Jimmy Pardo and co-host/producer Matt Belknap bring in a comedian for an engaging and quick witted show. Imagine what it would be like to hang out with the funniest comedians in the country. Well there’s no need, just listen to Never Not Funny.

Doug Loves Movies

Doug Loves Movies is pretty self explanatory. Doug. Loves. Movies. But in addition to that, Doug has guests to discuss movies and play the cult favorite Leonard Maltin Game. Because it is taped in front of an audience, the live atmosphere creates for one of kind moments that can now be heard by everyone.

The Ricky Gervais Podcast

The World Record Holder for most podcast downloads is also one of the funniest podcast around. British Office co-creators Ricky Gervais and Steve Merchant have conversations with the bottomless well of funny that is Karl Pilkington. With the animated podcast on HBO and a Karl’s new British travel show An Idiot Abroad, soon the whole world will be hunched over with laughter from hearing Karl Pilkington.