Ep 2. July 21 - July 26, 2019

This Week at the Comedy Cellar is a television series produced by Comedy Central. It is a showcase for stand-up comedy, filmed at the iconic Comedy Cellar in New York City. The show features a rotating cast of comedians from diverse backgrounds, offering up their unique perspectives on current events, relationships, and the human condition. Season 2 episode 2 covers the week of July 21 - July 26, 2019, featuring a lineup of some of the funniest and most thought-provoking comedians working today.

The episode opens with a set from Roy Wood Jr., whose hilarious riffs on race, politics, and pop culture have made him a regular on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. Wood Jr. takes on the current state of politics, the absurdity of the 24-hour news cycle, and the hypocrisy of both sides of the aisle when it comes to issues of race and identity. His delivery is sharp and biting, and he draws big laughs from the audience with his deadpan delivery and comic timing.

Next up is Beth Stelling, a rising star in the stand-up world who has been featured on Conan, The Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail, and Netflix's The Standups. Stelling's style is charming and quirky, and she tackles a range of topics, from her childhood in Ohio to the challenges of navigating the dating scene in her thirties. She also gets personal, opening up about her experiences with sexual assault and the power of comedy to heal and connect people.

Following Stelling is ex-Scientologist Cathy Ladman, whose trenchant observations on religion, relationships, and mental health have made her a favorite on the comedy circuit for over 30 years. Ladman's set is a masterclass in self-deprecation, as she takes on the challenges of aging, the ups and downs of marriage, and the joys of getting high. Her wit is sharp and her timing impeccable, and the audience responds warmly to her self-effacing humor and relatable anecdotes.

The final comedian of the night is Robert Kelly, a veteran performer whose credits include HBO's Crashing, FX's Louie, and Comedy Central's Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn. Kelly's set is raucous and uninhibited, as he takes on everything from his struggles with weight loss to the joys of parenthood. He also discusses the darker side of humanity, delving into topics like depression, addiction, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in a sometimes-cruel world. Kelly's set is a fitting close to an episode that showcases the full spectrum of emotions, from laughter to tears.

Throughout the episode, the comedians interact with each other and the audience, riffing on each other's sets and improvising jokes on the fly. The atmosphere at the Comedy Cellar is lively and intimate, with the audience seated just a few feet from the stage and the performers. The show's format is fluid and spontaneous, with each comedian given free rein to explore their own unique perspective and voice.

Overall, season 2 episode 2 of This Week at the Comedy Cellar is a testament to the power of comedy to connect people and transcend boundaries. The comedians featured are diverse in terms of age, race, gender, and experience, but they all share a commitment to making their audience laugh, think, and feel. From the razor-sharp wit of Roy Wood Jr. to the self-deprecating charm of Cathy Ladman, these performers prove that comedy can be both hilarious and heartwarming, enlightening and empowering. Whether you're a diehard comedy fan or just looking for a good laugh, This Week at the Comedy Cellar is a must-watch.