Lewis is crazy, all over the place, random, compulsively referencing...

...and I mean all of these as compliments, if that makes sense. Richard Lewis's first TV stand-up comedy special is also the first of his I've seen, though I once heard some of his stand-up work on CD. On camera, it is actually a much more rewarding, and hysterically funny, experience than just with the audio. Lewis doesn't do particularly 'physical' comedy, but it makes his material gel best if you see him just doing it up there, never in one place, his hand motions and arms going about at times in manic motions. It's his off-kilter, random humor that makes him completely worthwhile. He talks here about doing stand-up in Maine and the deep south, his family (from whom he once thought about getting a "family by-pass surgery"), his romantic life (or lack thereof), and so forth. Although the intermittent interruptions of the stand-up, featuring the likes of Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, Harold Ramis, and even Lewis's shrink, are amusing at first, it's really a sort of drag when it comes to wanting to see the real goods. Still, that so much is packed into such a short amount of time, and that as a viewer you have to stay alert to all the references and topical/Jewish humor, is really captivating. You may not even remember some of the jokes or lines once it's over, but you may want to watch it again anyway.

Stand-up comedy is a form of comedic performance in which a comedian stands on stage and delivers a series of humorous monologues, anecdotes, jokes, and observational humor to entertain an audience. The comedian typically speaks directly to the audience, often addressing a wide range of topics including everyday life, personal experiences, social issues, and cultural observations.

John Mulaney in John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous at Radio City (2018)

The comedy genre refers to a category of entertainment that aims to amuse and entertain audiences by using humor, wit, and comedic situations. Comedies are created with the primary intention of eliciting laughter and providing lighthearted enjoyment. They encompass a wide range of styles, tones, and themes, appealing to various tastes and audiences.

Will Ferrell, Angela Grillo, and Lap-Gei Cheung in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

The documentary is a form of non-fiction storytelling that aims to present factual information, insights, and perspectives on real-world subjects, events, issues, or people. Documentaries can cover a wide range of topics, including history, science, culture, social issues, nature, biographies, and more.

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A live performance by "neurotic" stand-up comedian Richard Lewis. Includes tongue-in-cheek interviews with fellow comedians.

The Richard Lewis 'I'm in Pain' Concert (1985)

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"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

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The Richard Lewis 'I'm in Pain' Concert

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