My Favorite Things in Entertainment from 2022

I know that 2023 has just started, but before we jump too far into the new year, I wanted to give you my 5 favorite things in entertainment, including books, podcasts, shows, stand-up specials and more, from 2022. I hope you find them as entertaining and as inspiring as I did.

Here we go.

My Favorite Book of 2022: (tie) Hello, Molly! by Molly Shannon and Comedy, Comedy, Comedy, Drama by Bob Odenkirk

Hello, Molly!
This memoir, written by SNL’s Molly Shannon, hooked me from the first few pages, when she talked about her mother, sister and cousin dying in a car accident with her dad at the wheel when she was only 4 years old. Her story is gripping and brutally honest as she talks about her relationship with her father, as well as her struggle to get cast on Saturday Night Live.

She shares with the reader all the range of emotions she felt being on the show and the reality of show business. She is reflective about her time on SNL as well the tough decision she made to leave the show and that there is more to life than having a successful career.

I highly recommend this compelling story filled with so much heart and humor.

Comedy, Comedy, Comedy Drama
I wrote about this book last year, and it’s worth bringing it up again. In this memoir, Odenkirk looks back at his career in show business, and it’s not only inspiring, it’s downright funny, too. At one point in the book, I actually laughed out loud, and I rarely laugh at anything, let alone something written. What I really liked about this book is that it highlights both his successes and failures, making the subtle point that you have to have a lot more failures than successes to succeed in show business.

Odenkirk talks about creating the iconic SNL sketch with Chris Farley where Farley played the motivational speaker, the hard work that it took to get the cult classic sketch show Mr. Show on TV, and how he originally turned down Better Call Saul.
One of the themes that was prevalent in both books is that making it in show business takes a lot of hard work, perseverance, and being willing to fail and get help from others. A good lesson for all of us.

My Favorite Podcast of 2022: Conan O’Brian needs a friend

Conan has become funnier, wiser and more thoughtful in his old age, and if you haven’t heard his podcast yet, I highly suggest you check it out. The free-wheeling podcast format serves him even better than the confined late night talk shows because he has more room to rif. Plus, his great supporting cast of Matt Gorley and Conan's long-time assistant, Sona Movsesian, aren't afraid to team up on him and call him on his shit.

The interviews are revealing, as he gets some of the biggest names in comedy to share inspiring stories about their career struggles and their creative process.

Favorite Documentary of 2022: Stutz (Netflix)

In this documentary, Jonah Hill interviews his therapist, Phil Stutz, who also co-wrote the book The Tools and is a shrink to the stars. Although it’s shot in black and white and it’s just the two of them talking, I found it riveting. Stutz demonstrates some of his techniques and shares his unconventional philosophies. Stutz is also dealing with Parkinson’s Disease, so we see him willing to be human and vulnerable with Hill. Hill is open about his relationship with his weight and career and explains that his success did not bring him the happiness he thought it would. I found that Stutz’s Tools were very helpful for any of us seeking a bigger life. It's really quite a beautiful piece of work.

Favorite Streaming Show of 2022: The Bear (FX/Hulu)

This one wasn’t even a contest. Hands down, my favorite show of last year was The Bear. This series is definitely binge-worthy. I should know, I speak from experience. It's a Chicago story about a master chef's brother (Jeremy Alan White) who takes over his family’s beef stand after his brother commits suicide. The beef stand is in bad shape when he takes over, so he tries to make changes and is met with resistance from the skeptical staff and his hot-headed, alpha-male cousin, perfectly played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach.

This feels like an ensemble and the other actors are perfectly cast and totally believable.

The way the food is shot and how they capture the frenetic pace of the restaurant is a work of art, not to mention the acting, writing and directing. It’s really a perfect show that captures a slice of the city that feels familiar and authentic, and along with the music and images of Chicago, it plays like a valentine to the Windy City.

Favorite Stand-Up Special: Blocks (Netflix)

Neal Brennan is probably best known for being the co-creator of the Dave Chappell Show, but in this stand-up special, he really establishes himself as an innovative comedian.

He first came to my attention with his first special, Three Mikes, which I thought was quite good.

And what I liked about this special is it does a great job of mixing both observational and personal comedy. When it's over, you feel you got to know his struggles in life. In traditional stand-up specials, the comedian typically ends on the funniest bit. But in this one, that was not the case. Instead, he went for more pathos, which I thought was brave and fulfilling, plus there was plenty of hard laughs along the way.

Want to improve your improv? Don't miss Jimmy's virtual Intro to the Art of Slow Improv Workshop on Feb. 4 or the in-person Two-Person Scene Tune-Up on Feb. 11!