‘SNL’ Star Sarah Sherman Unveils Her Biggest Fear in Debut HBO Comedy Special
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Sarah Sherman, an esteemed personality from “Saturday Night Live,” recently opened up about her greatest fear in connection with her premiere HBO comedy special. In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, the talented comedian shared insights into her groundbreaking project, ’90s cartoons, and her optimism that her unconventional stand-up routine could resonate with a wide audience. The special, titled Sarah Squirm: Live + in the Flesh, features a plethora of bizarre and gross-out comedic elements that showcase Sherman’s unique comedic style.
Throughout her comedy special, Sarah Sherman fearlessly explores her penchant for the grotesque, evident in her depictions of hangnails, flossing mishaps, and copious amounts of (fake?) blood. Despite her bold approach to comedy, Sherman admits to harboring concerns about potential audience reactions. She confides, “My biggest fear with the special is that people see the poster and it’s like, ‘Oh, a clown with a queer haircut. This isn’t for me.'” However, she remains hopeful that the diverse range of jokes in her special could appeal to a broad spectrum of viewers.
Sherman’s debut comedy special presents a medley of jokes that cater to various tastes, ranging from body horror to quirky pop culture references. The inclusion of a cameo by legendary filmmaker John Waters and nods to iconic shows like The Ren & Stimpy Show adds to the eclectic nature of the performance. Despite the seemingly avant-garde nature of her material, Sherman reveals that she has honed her craft over several years, both through touring and her work on “Saturday Night Live.”
In her interview with PEOPLE, Sarah Sherman delves into her creative process, drawing parallels between her animated alter ego and her real-life persona. She confesses that bringing her special to fruition was a labor of love, culminating in a visually striking and audaciously entertaining production. Sherman’s admiration for ’90s animation, particularly shows like Ren & Stimpy, deeply influences the visual aesthetic and comedic tone of her special.
One of the standout moments in Sarah Squirm: Live + in the Flesh is a comedic bit that playfully subverts traditional comedy expectations. By incorporating elements of body horror and surreal comedy, Sherman offers a fresh and unconventional take on stand-up. Her willingness to push boundaries and challenge audience expectations underscores her commitment to delivering a memorable and thought-provoking performance.
Reflecting on the evolution of her comedic style, Sherman acknowledges her debt to iconic comedians like Rodney Dangerfield and Phyllis Diller. While she embraces a comedic sensibility that may diverge from mainstream conventions, Sherman’s comedy is grounded in a genuine desire to entertain and engage her audience. Her unapologetically bold and at times controversial approach to comedy exemplifies her commitment to pushing creative boundaries.
In conclusion, Sarah Sherman’s debut comedy special represents a bold and distinctive addition to the comedy landscape. With its blend of grotesque humour, surreal visuals, and offbeat charm, Sarah Squirm: Live + in the Flesh promises to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression. As Sherman herself puts it, her ultimate goal is simple: to make people laugh, perhaps provoke a gag or a wince, but above all, to ensure that her audience feels their time was well spent.
Sarah Squirm: Live + in the Flesh is set to premiere on Friday, December 12 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and HBO Max, offering viewers a glimpse into the creative mind of one of comedy’s brightest talents. With its fearless approach to comedy and distinctive flair, Sherman’s special is poised to leave a lasting impact on audiences and cement her status as a comedic force to be reckoned with.