Dear Nick, you may be thinking, you seemed like a pretty manic depressive guy. How do you keep so up beat? Well first, thanks for noticing and Second, the answer is simple. This was a great year for comedy. This comes in several forms, but all fairly consistently incredible.
1. Marc Maron
Perhaps, you don’t know Marc Maron or heard of him from the early 90s on Dr. Katz or something, however he has made huge comeback. Starting a little over two years ago with a new podcast, WTF, he has slowly grown a huge influence in the comedy community. In a mixture of emotional pain and humor, he interviews the funniest minds of our time in his ~90 minute podcast, twice a week. It is truly impressive. This is coupled with his constant stream of new stand up routines and seeming endless insecurities and genuine attempts to understand all other comedy will not only impress you, but make you love other comedy more. This why he is first, he made me appreciate other comedy so much more.
iTunes only has the 50 most recent episodes before you subscribe.
2. Archer
I am not a general fan boy. I have friends who are week to week with shows or day to day with late night, not me. I will, in general, record a few episodes and watch them back to back. Archer is the exception. I have never waited for a show more or been more upset if there was an issue with a missed recording than Archer. Since so many of the actors are local, it feels like an Atlanta show. The general idea is that he is simultaneously the worst (drunk, womanizing, inattentive) spy in the world, but somehow is the best spy in the world. In a mix of James Bond and the Office, the show is really amazing. The comedy is fresh and the show is fantastic. Watch it when it comes back on Jan. 19th.
First Season Streams on Netflix
3. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
I am not a highly attentive person, but all my friends told me that the last couple seasons of It’s Always Sunny had been on the decline; even I had to admit that there were few episodes I could remember from the last two seasons, which is pretty sad for a show I enjoy so much. However, this last season has been absolutely incredible. The show has never been stronger.
4. Louis CK 
In every way, Louis CK is the comedian of the year, his show Louis is probably one of the most creative shows ever, he is defining comedy. His online only video sold over 250,000 copies and that is truly impressive.
All of Show and a few routines Stream on Netflix
5. The Bugle/John Oliver
In the year in review, I think most of the jokes that I stole came from the Bugle. The weekly comedy podcast the Bugle is possibly the best made weekly news reivew. It is not only hilarious, but is a show that rewards it’s viewers. However, due to what they assume is due to their attacks on News International, they have been canceled. While they look for a new way to become profitable, they are reaching out to their fans so meet them halfway on this; comedy should not be stifled. On top of this is John Oliver himself. Andy Zaltzman is a funny man who did a great Edinburgh show, but the comedy chops this year really belongs to John Oliver. His continuing work on the Daily Show is incredible this is coupled with the second season of John Oliver’s New York Stand Up Show, which is helping to introduce a new era of comedians to Americans. He is possibly the best political comedian on the scene today.
First Two Seasons Stream on Netflix
6. David Mitchell and Robert Webb
Unfortunately, the last season of the best sketch show on the air just hit the states. That Mitchell and Webb Look was, by far, the funniest non-sequitor comedy I had seen in a long time. Their fake game show Numberwang, their alcoholic not-mystery solving parody of Sherlock Holmes Sir Digby Chick Caesar, their post-apocalyptic Quiz Show Remain Indoors, coupled with their other random stuff makes it brilliant. While this, unfortunately is ending, their other show Peep Show, is also highly original. This otherwise mundane sitcom is made all the more original by the use of inner monologue that is self-deprecating. It is amazing.
Everything Streams on Netflix.
Enjoy,
Nick
Part 2 Tomorrow!