Masterclass in Storytelling
Long-form narrative bits where the journey matters as much as the punchline. These comedians prove that patience and craft can transform a simple story into something transcendent.
“Because the light was on.”
The Moth Joke
Norm Macdonald
Late Night with Conan O'Brien, 2009
“When you're on fire and running down the street, people get out of your way.”
The Fire
Richard Pryor
Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip, 1982
“You ain't got no ice cream. You didn't get none.”
Ice Cream Man
Eddie Murphy
Delirious, 1983
“Aunt Bunny fell down the steps!”
Aunt Bunny Falls Down the Stairs
Eddie Murphy
Delirious, 1983
“I saw things as a kid that I didn't understand until I was an adult.”
Growing Up in Peoria
Richard Pryor
Various specials, 1971-1982
“Death said: 'Richard... you know you done fucked up, right?'”
The Heart Attack
Richard Pryor
Richard Pryor: Live in Concert, 1979
“Her time is more expensive than your time.”
Elephant in the Room - Time
Patrice O'Neal
Elephant in the Room, 2011
“And that's when the teacher fainted.”
Dirty Johnny
Norm Macdonald
Various appearances
“I am a professional.”
The German Guy
Norm Macdonald
Norm Macdonald Live, various talk show appearances
“My dad was so old, his childhood stories were about the Depression. The actual Depression.”
My Dad Was 70
Theo Von
Various specials and This Past Weekend podcast
“People's yards had animals in them. Not pets—animals.”
Growing Up in Louisiana
Theo Von
Various specials and podcast appearances
“My dad's a magician. Which sounds cool until you realize it means we were poor.”
The Magic Show
Nate Bargatze
The Tennessee Kid / Various specials