5 comedy specials on Netflix you need to see

April 26, 2020 | Kevin

Netflix reportedly added 15 million more subscribers with everyone in quarantine, so that’s millions more scrolling around trying to find the right show for their mood or something they have not seen before. The need to laugh at anything right now feels more immediate, so what’s the best comedy shows we may have missed or lost in the ever-changing algorithms of streaming video? You’ve seen more popular comics like Kevin Hart and Bill Burr, so what else is on the Flix of Net?

Here are 5 must-see new(er) comedy specials for you to stream right now. 

‘Middledietch & Schwartz: Completely Improvised Comedy Specials’ are just that gracefully performed long-form comedy made up on the spot sets in the tradition that filled many theaters in Chicago for decades. These two accomplished screen actors Thomas Middledeitch (Silicon Valley) and Ben Schwartz (Parks & Recreation) deliver three unique sets on a single audience suggestion each time with an undeniable sense of playfulness ringing through it all.. 

Bumping Mics with Jeff Ross and Dave Attell is another unique take on a performance style we’re pretty familiar with: stand up comedy. This 2018 three-part special sees these two mic masters will humor out of every single random audience member, turning from seemingly prepared material to roasting the pants off some celebrities at the acclaimed Comedy Cellar in New York City. If you have binged through the more common stand up specials with a single comic on stage in a theater, this alternative presentation leans into a more looser energy. It feels like a party from the start. 

Bert Kreischer ‘Hey Big Boy’ sees the shirtless raunchy monster  back once again with his original take on stories of embraced dysfunction and the fallout of being  a family man in the process. If you have not felt the Bert alert already, he has several special but his latest one which dropped in March is great starting point. Yes, he keeps his shirt off the entire time. 

The Degenerates is another go-to for comedy fans who simply want to see the gloves off without any apprehension that seemingly floats over those things ‘you are not supposed to talk about in 2020’. This series now with 2 seasons sees a who’s-who of comics from Nikki Glaser, JIm Norton,  Big Jay Oakerson, and more in 30 minute or so episodes.Chicago’s very own Kyle Kinnane and Liza Treyger should be where you start here.

 

Nate Bargatze ‘the Tenenesee Kid’ starts with tender intro from Nate’s daughter with the endearing southern charmer spinning smart ass takes on life. It may be more the traditional of the bunch but Nate’s wave that’s churning into shore. Think of a band that you want to listen to before your dorky little brother gets a hold of it. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watch the Killers perform new song ‘Blowback’ & cover Tom Petty

April 26, 2020 | Kevin

We may not be able to see our favorite bands play live in person right now but so many are stepping up with a lot of special content online like the Killers who taped a session for CBS This Morning. The sessions featured Brandon Flowers on piano and drummer Ronnie Vanucci on guitar as they laid down some very emotive renditions of new songs off the upcoming ‘Imploding the Mirage’ album.

This is the first we have heard of the woman-in-torment ballad ‘Blowback’ which may reach a lot of us trying to deal with these very challenging times we are enduring currently.

It’s been a few years since the rock world lost the working class muse that was Tom Petty so it hit a good note in our soul to hear Brandon and Ronnie lay down this guitar cover of Petty and the Heartbreaker’s classic ‘the Waiting’.

 

Not enough of the desert sons of Nevada? Listen to another new studio track from the Killers called ‘Fire in Bone’ which has a real Pete Gabriel 80’s new wave pop vibe to it.

Post Malone’s Nirvana tribute livestream

April 25, 2020 | <3 Lauren

Last night Post Malone along with Travis Barker of Blink 182 on drums, Brian Lee on bass and Nick Mack on guitar did a Nirvana tribute livestream show from his house in Salt Lake City with proceeds going to the World Health Organization (p.s. you can still donate and Google will match $5M) watch all blazing 117 minutes of it (there are a couple naughty words involved FYI)

I think Kurt would be proud. Krist is.  <3 Lauren

setlist:

Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle
Drain You
Come as You Are
Lounge Act
School
Heart-Shaped Box
Something in the Way
About a Girl
Stay Away
Lithium
Breed
On a Plain
Very Ape
Territorial Pissings
In Bloom

Were you supposed to get hitched during the pandemic?

April 24, 2020 | <3 Lauren

Miller High Life aka the Champagne of Beers want to help a few couples out who were supposed to get married during this crazy time.  Enter to win $10K and a wedding at your doorstep.  That is, if you still want to go through with it after quarantining together this long XD <3 Lauren

To enter, couples can email [email protected] with a description (150 words or less) of how their wedding plans have changed in 2020, and how they still plan to celebrate with Miller High Life. Entries will be closed in just over a week on May 1, and winners will be announced on May 5. You can find the full contest details and rules on their website.

Photo by Pegleess Barrios from Burst

How’s your brain? Is your mental health okay?

April 24, 2020 | jnettlebeck

Those of us who are blessed with depression or any mental health issues are really being tested at a time like now. Covid-19 threw a wrench in our mental game that we were not ready for. Even some of those with healthy and strong mental health have been affected lately by the change in daily routines, the economy, health and well-being. To add gasoline to the dumpster fire we have also all been working together and staying indoors to get rid of this awful virus which has clearly added more stress to our lives. I consider myself a home-body but damnit I need some freedom! I imagine every single one of us is ready to bust through our walls like the Kool-Aid man.

So how are you keeping your mental health strong? Have any suggestions or pointers?

Personally I am surprised by the strength of my mental health right now. I normally don’t do well with change and the last few months all of our lives have been impacted and have changed dramatically. I tend to pace my tiny apartment a lot, I’m averaging 19,000 steps a day. I think keeping my legs moving is helping me keep my mind off of things. Doing the show from a super small closet is insanely difficult for me. I am a ball of energy and even at 4AM I can’t hold still. Brian, has been doing an awesome job of letting me know when I have a few minutes so I can leave the closet, stretch my legs and get some fresh air. I have the coolest job in the world and would do if from a dog cage if that’s what it took but I do miss being in the studio.

I see a lot of support for people’s health and it’s awesome to see the world come together and show compassion for each other. But one thing I’m not seeing a lot of is support for mental health. Let’s do our part. If you know someone who is ‘blessed’ with mental health struggles, reach out! Say hi. FaceTime that person. See their smile, give them a smile!

We keep saying “we’re in this together” but let’s really be in this together by doing something.

Love ya’ll! I hope everyone is doing well and can’t wait to see everyone faces in person soon.

Air hugs!

-Justin

Blue Angels and Thunder Birds perform flyovers for essential workers

April 24, 2020 | jnettlebeck

This is awesome.

The Blue Angels are doing flyovers all across the country to show support to essential workers during these crazy times.

Usually you have to be a pro sports star to get one of these bad boys.

Really goes to show you how important all of the essential healthcare workers are!

Thank you so much!!

What you can watch on HBOMAX?

April 24, 2020 | Kevin

Yet another big streaming service is entering the video wars with Netlfix, Hulu, and Disney+ as Warner Media is  launching HBOMAX next month. The new subscription service that will have a ton of content to lure in your eyes. Offering a ton of exclusive content from TBS, TNT, CNN, HBO, Warner Bros films, DC Comics, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, and big budget originals. It could be a fair challenge to the other video offerings but it does have the biggest price tag of the bigger streaming sequels at $15 a month. It will be available on May 27th.

The service also snagged South Park at a reported big price tag of more than $500 million, and dropped another fortune to get the rights to ‘Friends’ which was supposed to have a reunion special for the launch but that has been delayed. House of Dragons, a prequel series to Game of Thrones will also be produced, so prepare for freakouts from everyone you know who loved that show. Industry sources claim $5 billion will be invested in the platform over the course of the next five years, so they are definitely trying to shake up the game.

The DC Cinematic Universe has had some hits and some misses but you will be able to get see all of of it here including the recent Oscar nominated ‘Joker’ available on launch. HBOMAX will also featue every DCU movie along with a new series featuring Green Lantern and a half hour comedy with female DC characters all trying to get through teen life in high school.

Conan O’Brien who is in the fold with TBS, will produce comedy specials but somehow Elmo from Sesame Street will host a late night style talk show.

The panel at Fandom went even deeper and looked at how Harry Potter could be included in this exciting library.

 

‘Parks & Recreation’ returning for one episode only

April 23, 2020 | Kevin

It’s been streamed millions and millions of times on Netflix. It’s one of the most beloved TV comedies of the last 20 years, so thankfully we get one more episode next week.

‘Parks & Recreation’ ended it’s run on NBC a few years ago, but these uncertain COVID-19 times have sparked the fine civil servants of Pawnee, Indiana to reassemble for a special one-off episode on April 30th. Amy Poehler will join all of the original cast in an episode that they filmed in their homes separately with all of the Parks & Rec family finding different ways to deal with life in quarantined isolation.

Every episode of Parks & Rec will move to NBC’s streaming service Peacock in July.

Here is the official teaser.

Gronk throws shade at Tom Brady’s manhood

April 23, 2020 | jnettlebeck

Football was not the same without Gronk, not just because of his talent on the field but because of the way he acted outside of football too.

Gronkowski was just traded to the Tampa Bay Bucs so he can play with his old team mate Tom Brady, and it sounds like based on this clip that things haven’t changed much.

It’s good to have Gronk back.

18 year old gets stuck in washing machine

April 23, 2020 | jnettlebeck

This is when hide and seek goes wrong people.

We re not cats, we can’t contort our bodies to fit into whatever we like.

But what a great hiding spot! I bet no one found her until she called out for help.

Amazing, maybe one of the best to ever play the game.

Dear diary…

April 23, 2020 | jnettlebeck
Dear diary…

Day 22 in the closet…damn today was a lot of fun. It’s so weird doing the show from my tiny closet. I have way to much energy to be caged up like one of Joe Exotic’s animals. Today I learned that it takes 7 minutes for my small closet to smell like my bad coffee breath.

I also learned that my closet is 52 knuckles wide. We should measure things by body parts more often. Everyone has body parts but who the f has a tape measure when they need one? Never! The only time you should even use a tape measure is when you need to be exact, other than that use steps, use your forearm, use knuckles, a leg..for now on its knuckles or nothing for me. – that’s stupid.

I licked coffee off the counter to save a paper towel. It was such a natural reaction, I’m a little disappointed in myself. I’m a monster.

From my window I can see people eating McDonald’s french fries and I’m noticing that only the weirdest of humans eat fries one at a time. Most people go for three fries at once. I respect that move.

Ohhhhhhhh who lives in a pineapple under the sea….

– Justin
KQXJustin on all social

Coronavirus must end so Big Poppa can go play with his friends

April 23, 2020 | jnettlebeck

Big Poppa loves playing with the neighbor kids around his apartment complex.

Except now due to social distancing, he can’t go see his friends. And it might be the saddest thing ever.

 

See we have to find a vaccine now. We HAVE TO!!

Big Poppa won’t be a happy pupper until we do, and we can’t let that happen.

Stay happy and healthy, and don’t forget to pet your dog.

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Michael Jordan & ’90s Bulls ‘Last Dance’ coming to Netlflix

April 23, 2020 | Kevin

If you grew up in Chicago, you know and appreciate the greatness of his Airness, Michael Jordan  and the once-in-a-lifetime Chicago Bulls. They are the talk of the not-too-active sports world right with ESPN’s ‘Last Dance’ 10-part docuseries which follows the team in their turbulent last run at a championship which premiered this past weekend. Well, if you don’t want spoilers (that’s for the really young people who don’t want to Google it) then you can wait because the whole show is coming to Netlfix in the United States in July according to Variety. 

Until then you can get the latest episodes of Sunday through the ‘worldwide leader in sports’.

For those with ESPN access, catch up on the first two episodes here.

 

Museums are fighting over who has the creepiest exhibit

April 22, 2020 | jnettlebeck

Since all museums are closed due to all of the lockdown restrictions throughout the world some are taking to twitter to keep themselves occupied.

Places like the Shedd Aquarium have their penguins roam around the empty halls, while others… um

Yeah that’s right, museums are fighting over who has the creepiest exhibit. Needless to say they all have nightmare fuel on deck to share with the world.

Really makes you think about the plot of Night at the Museum huh?

More like Nightmare at the Museum.

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