Aziz Ansari: Right Now

It was lovely to see a comedian talk about mind-opening subjects, such as being completely present in each moment, especially the ones we share with out loved ones. I was also happy he mentioned some of the cognitive biases that shape our judgments and conclusions we make based on biased research. And finally, he is pretty funny.

As a fan of Aziz from his work on Television such as Parks and Recreation and Master of None, I haven't watched any of his previous specials. Knowing the situation that he was involved in in the height of the "Me Too" movement, I was wondering how he would or if he would come back to television / stand up again and after turning on Netflix today I was surprised to see this stand up special.

I usually don't enjoy stand up specials as there are only a few comedians I would sit down and watch an hour + of so going in, I wasn't sure what to expect.

The director chosen for this special was in my opinion what made this special so unique. It's not filmed with multiple cameras, perfect shots, lots of lights and hd quality. Aziz chose to use about 2 camera men with rigs attached to them to be on stage / in the audience to deliver a very fresh take on a stand up special.

Comedy wise the stories told and the way he delivers them left me laughing and then he manages to take a moment from comedic, to heartfelt and beautiful with stories of his grandmother or reflections on life.

Regardless of what you may think of him after what he was involved in, I believe how he handles this special and explains where he's at in life is a perfect example of how somebody can change as a person and use their experiences to help others learn from their mistakes.

This is definitely one of the best stand- ups (if I can even put it in that category) I have seen in a long time and the different artistic direction with the overall message really makes this a great return for Aziz.

This Aziz's stand up special is to comedy is what Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen is to music - somewhat reminiscent of Nanette (minus all the righteous anger) and used impeccably as a comeback vehicle by Aziz. Carefully chosen words, practiced precision like Seinfeld, deft and somewhat manipulative use of emotions (especially manufacturing the emotions that by "forgiving" Aziz, you are somehow becoming the bigger person), and jarring camera position to keep it intimate, the set is flawlessly designed.

However, beside designs and precisions, there are two factors that can only be earned - a sincere honesty, brutal, incisive, thought-provoking, equivocal-ambiguous honesty that constantly asks you to be present in the set with your full faculties -always conscientious and questioning. And above all, extreme compassion towards all our frailties, misunderstandings, misgivings, missteps. Aziz evokes a dark sense foreboding in reevaluating his own jokes, stating in no uncertain terms that in 50 years, it would be difficult to justify our own behavior (to homeless people among others), or we have got 60 more times to meet our parents. This level of compassion had steered the second season of "Master of None" to a masterpiece, now shepherds this rather ingenuous set to unforgettability - a momentous achievement.

Aziz Ansari brought in some sweet genuine moments lased in humor and genuinity in this special of his. Definitely worth a watch.

I think everyone knows, Aziz was in a very tough situation recently, and if he wanted his career to keep going, he was going to have to move carefully and considerately. This special is masterfully done, I saw it live and I loved it. Aziz shows himself to be humble and looks to have really grown from the incident, but other than that, this special is hilarious. Aziz focuses a lot on 'woke' culture and how it has changed the world. I think he has made the correct steps and I hope he jumps back into not only consistent stand up specials, but television too. Very very funny. 10/10