E28 | Aziz Ansari : Nightclub comedian (Stand-up comedy special)

<p>Aziz Ansari’s new Netflix special, <em>Nightclub Comedian</em>, teems with cynical energy. The comedian hits timely topics like the pandemic, anti-vaxxers, and elections in his tame jokes, dunking on the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Nicki Minaj (the latter for her viral tweet about her cousin). He casts a wary eye on the current state of affairs, especially addiction to celebrity gossip and social media—he even pulls out his flip phone for effect to show he doesn’t indulge.</p><p>Of course, Ansari may have other reasons for a social media blackout: The <em>Parks And Recreation </em>actor was accused of sexual misconduct in an article posted on the now-defunct Babe.net in 2018, for which he issued a public apology. He retreated from the public eye in the aftermath, then returned in 2019 with the stand-up tour and a Netflix special, <em>Right Now</em>, in which he somberly addressed the allegations. For <em>Master Of None</em>’s third season, Lena Waithe took center stage as Denise, while Ansari focused on writing and directing the series.</p><p>On January 25th, Ansari makes a relatively straightforward return to the televised stage with the half-hour <em>Nightclub Comedian. </em>The special was filmed in December 2021 at The Comedy Cellar in New York City in front of a small audience who didn’t know he was performing. Ansari relies on tepid humor to please the limited crowd. There’s a successful bit about how Ansari, unlike other celebrities, doesn’t own any beverage or skincare companies, and a forgettable one in which the comedian muses on what would happen if Timothée Chalamet accidentally enraged Asians by throwing away his boba tea.</p><p>As with <em>Right Now</em>, Ansari forgoes a suit in favor of casual clothing. His (smartly cultivated) easygoing appearance and demeanor add to <em>Nightclub Comedian</em>’s relaxed appeal. He uses his time to try and incisively examine the country’s political divide. It’s an unusual approach for Ansari, who sits here in close proximity to his audience, but doesn’