12 Reasons You Should Watch Bo Burnham's "Make Happy" Right Now
Start writing a post
Entertainment

12 Reasons You Should Watch Bo Burnham's "Make Happy" Right Now

Bo Burnham's new special examines what it truly means to be funny.

708
12 Reasons You Should Watch Bo Burnham's "Make Happy" Right Now
PBS

Last Friday Bo Burnham's new comedy special "Make Happy" was released on Netflix. The special is consistent with Bo Burnham's style from his previous acts, as it juxtaposes raw, dark emotion with intentionally immature gags as to better amplify his critiques of performance and entertainment.

"Make Happy" is not only energetically hilarious, but it forces the audience to reconsider their notions of comedy and how it can act to reflect and critique life as a whole. Compared to his previous specials, "Make Happy" is ironically much heavier. "Make Happy" exhibits a great amount of existential anxiety and tortured self-awareness, as Bo Burnham tears down modern conceptions of what it means to be happy. While the performance may not necessarily prove to make happy, it certainly functions to dismantle sad.

If that doesn't have you intrigued already, here are some more reasons why "Make Happy" is worth a watch:

1. For a good laugh

Whether he's singing at his piano, rapping through dramatic light shows or pantomiming the making of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich while under the influence, Bo Burnham's special will keep you laughing.

2. To check your privilege


Bo Burnham's work is always phenomenally socially aware, and "Make Happy" is no exception.

3. If you're still trying to understand the concept of meta

Is it too meta to discuss the meta-ness of the performance within the performance about performing? Regardless, the self-awareness of "Make Happy" is as intellectually stimulating as it is refreshing.

4. To examine the human condition

Bo Burnham illuminates how members of modern society attempt to create meaning through incessantly performing for one another on social media.

5. To examine depression in the context of a post-modern society

Or, as Bo Burnham goes on to explain after this song in his act, "Don't."

6. For brilliant commentary on every facet of the entertainment industry

From over produced shows to beat fetishism in hip hop to inauthentic stadium country music, no genre is left unscathed in "Make Happy."

7. And for brilliant commentary on just about everything else

"Lower Your Expectations" is not only great advice, but may also be the greatest love song of our generation.

8. If you want to get new songs stuck in your head

Nothing is more #relatable than a Kanye West inspired track about receiving an overfilled burrito at Chipotle. Any of the clips included in this listicle should be able to get the job done too.

9. To initiate an existential crisis

What is the meaning of life? What is happiness? Bo Burnham riddles his act with these difficult questions and begs us to question not only the concept of happiness in the abstract, but also how it relates to comedy.

10. To find some existential relief

Misery loves company, and Bo Burnham seems like he's more than happy to join all of us on our crazy search pursuit of an elusive sense of self-worth.

11. To enjoy an incredible performance from a continually groundbreaking comic and entertainer

Bo Burnham never fails to shake his audience out of the familiar and throw them into the purely absurd. "Make Happy" does not disappoint as another example of Bo Burnham's quest to examine life through the medium of comedy.

12. Because you can stream it on Netflix right now

As if you had better plans.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71208
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133239
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments