The most talked about comedy special of 2018 critiqued comedy itself

The criticism often levelled at "Nanette" - it's not stand-up, but a solo show - is an unintentional compliment

What does it mean that the most talked about comedy special of the year offered a biting critique of comedy itself? And that the most memorable talk show rant took aim at talk show rants? Maybe nothing — after all, comedy has long looked inward — but for an art form, tough criticism is one sign of health. Here are a few more.

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When I asked the heads of comedy at Netflix about my theory that Hannah Gadsby’s “Nanette” is less popular than its massive media coverage made it seem, they declined to answer. Truth is: It doesn’t matter.