A look inside Bo Burnham’s new Netflix special

I feel compelled to write this because apparently not everyone knows the comedian and musician Bo Burnham as the absolute sensation I do. For those of you who don’t already know, Burnham has released a new special on Netflix, Bo Burnham: Inside. Go and check it out; it’s a masterpiece. However, for those unfamiliar with Bo Burnham’s work, the rest is for you.

Meet Bo Burnham

Seemingly ages ago in the early “new millennium,” when YouTube was new and “Weird Al” Yankovic still seemed hilarious – Bo Burnham was a tween who wrote funny and eminently offensive songs, recorded videos of his performances and posted them online. While Burnham might not be the first to go mainstream, he was one of the first YouTubers to get a lot of attention, and eventually became the youngest person to do a half-hour special for Comedy Central and a ton of other hilarious specials, albums, and the awards come up with it, do it best.

It’s important to remember that things were very different back then when Burnham came up. When the internet started snowing and social media came up, offensive seemed much more of a great way to get attention than today’s socially unacceptable practice. There was no such thing as “pc police” – in fact, people were still outwardly hateful without understanding or considering that an outrageous outbreak could ruin their life, so comedy was, frankly, a lot edgier.

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Of course it was all a joke, but a lot of the songs Burnham designed just weren’t going to work today. For example, a white man singing about white supremacy in 2021 will be viewed much more critically – even if it’s a parody. However, unlike most other shock comics, there has always been some insight into Burnham’s productions that add appeal, even if you are absolutely disgusted with what he is saying. Not to mention that he’s so addicting to all of these awful topics that often you can’t help but sing along.

Well, for those of you reading this and still sticking to that Weird Al reference, it’s probably important that you check out this: New Math.

As you can see, clearly offensive, but damn catchy! And intelligent! His ability to turn jokes on their heads, give the crowd an anticipated punchline, and then turn at the last minute to another equally hilarious but unexpected destination is masterful. Experimenting with quick cuts and pitch changes from the start, the way he plays with his subject and the different perspectives one can have on it is a joy to watch. Though Burnham has always imparted an insight throughout his years, he has developed a maturity and emotional awareness over the course of his career that has seriously turned his job from funny puns to actually thought-provoking jokes. He plays with the serious in a way that reminds you of your childhood prospects – an almost whimsical take on what lies ahead. He’s never lost that perspective, but the way he relates it to today’s world is where the magic really happens.

Inside joke

As a kind of return to the stage, the comedian took a break from his performances a few years ago to get a better grip on his fear. It is clear that while Burnham’s break gave him the well-deserved mental reset he needed, he has not lost his keen sense of humor about modern society and his own shortcomings. Exploring the depressive lull we’ve all been forced into over the past year, Inside offers a bright look at the familiar and frustrating experience of the pandemic, with its special ability to tap into details that you may not have known were community feelings . You will likely laugh out loud, maybe even cry at times, but you will definitely feel what he is saying. Burnham once again turned his depression into something beautiful and a growth factor for the rest of us. He started his work himself from the start, so his latest project Inside is not so much a masterpiece of new skills, but an insanely brand-typical masterclass in what a man can do alone in a room with some equipment over the course of a year.

I don’t want to give too much detail about the actual special as it will likely ruin the moments, but be warned, it is peppered with tiny Easter eggs that you have to pause to fully watch.

It’s probably clear by now that I loved this special and think highly of its creator. So if this has been too much praise from your typical shitty talker, I get it, but you should trust me on this. Last but not least, looking at Inside will inspire you. It will motivate you to create. What Burnham could do alone in a room during the apocalypse we came closest to in our lives should show that you can do almost anything you imagine. For the past few days I’ve caught myself listening to the soundtrack on Spotify repeatedly and using it as fuel. Even without the visuals, Inside will motivate you to be your best and find ways to share this with your loved ones.