A night of laughter: Colin Jost and Michael Che’s live comedy special on Peacock
A bold new venture for Peacock
In an exciting move for comedy enthusiasts, NBCUniversal enlisted the dynamic duo from “Saturday Night Live,” Colin Jost and Michael Che, to headline the first-ever live comedy special for its streaming service, Peacock. The special, titled “Colin Jost & Michael Che Present: New York After Dark,” aired on Thursday evening, promising a unique blend of humor and spontaneity.
Breaking the ice with humor
Taking the stage at The Bell House in Brooklyn, Jost and Che wasted no time in poking fun at the untested format and their platform. Jost kicked off the night with a cheeky analogy:
“Tonight’s going to be like group sex. If it goes well, then we can do it again every couple months with our friends. And if it goes really bad and it’s a disaster, we’ll never talk about it again. And either way we’re going to film it.”
He continued with a playful jab at Peacock:
“We’re on Peacock! You guys know Peacock right? You know Peacock from the phrase, ‘I can’t believe the NFL made us download fucking Peacock.'”
Che, ever the quick wit, responded:
“The fuck is wrong with you man? Those checks didn’t clear? This is the experience that we have when we go in and drop into places. We wanted to give that to the country… Does Peacock play all over the country?”
A night of unexpected guests
The special featured a surprise lineup of comedians, each personally endorsed by Jost and Che. The roster included Alex English, Aida Rodriguez, Aminah Imani, and Carlos Miller. The night culminated with an appearance by Emmy nominee Mike Birbiglia, who humorously forced Jost into a Q&A session:
“I recently texted Colin and asked him to be on my podcast, ‘Working It Out.’ Do you remember what you wrote back?” Birbiglia teased. “Nothing.”
Adding to the hilarity, Sal Vulcano from “Impractical Jokers” and fellow “SNL” cast member Sarah Sherman made appearances. Sherman, in particular, delivered a memorable line:
“This place is close to my apartment, looks like you didn’t respect the restraining order.”
A reflection on live comedy
For fans of live comedy, this special was a refreshing reminder of the genre’s raw and unpredictable nature. The format allowed for a more intimate and spontaneous connection between the performers and the audience, something that pre-recorded shows often lack. The choice of venue, The Bell House, added to the cozy, almost underground feel of the event, making it a unique experience for both the comedians and the viewers.
The future of live specials on streaming platforms
This special marks a significant step for Peacock and other streaming services looking to diversify their content. Live specials offer a different kind of engagement, one that can draw in viewers looking for something more immediate and unfiltered. If successful, this could pave the way for more live events, not just in comedy but across various genres.
Personal reflections
As a long-time fan of both Jost and Che, seeing them take on this new venture was both exciting and nerve-wracking. Their chemistry, honed over years on “Saturday Night Live,” translated well to this new format. The unscripted moments, the playful banter, and the genuine camaraderie among the comedians made for an entertaining and memorable night.
For those who missed the live event, you can catch the replay on Peacock. And if you’re curious about the comedians featured, check out their individual performances and projects. Each one brings a unique voice and perspective to the comedy scene, making “New York After Dark” a showcase of diverse and emerging talent.
Explore more
- Colin Jost & Michael Che Present: New York After Dark
- Alex English
- Aida Rodriguez
- Aminah Imani
- Carlos Miller
- Mike Birbiglia
- Sal Vulcano
- Sarah Sherman
This special is a testament to the evolving landscape of comedy and entertainment, where traditional formats are being reimagined for the digital age. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Jost and Che or just looking for a good laugh, “New York After Dark” is worth a watch.