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Bob Odenkirk criticized what he described as “manosphere comedy” as shallow and declining during an interview in which the actor addressed trends in modern stand-up, performance and cultural commentary.
“It’s definitely about low-hanging fruit — big time,” Odenkirk said on “The Interview” podcast for The New York Times. “It’s like literally on the ground. It’s fruit that’s on the ground rotting.”
The “Better Call Saul” star made the remarks when asked what today’s comedy landscape is reacting against, pointing to a wave of internet-driven, male-focused humor that gained traction in recent years.
“Manosphere comedy was the reactionary comedy movement of the last five years,” Odenkirk said.
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“I don’t think it has a lot of depth to it,” Odenkirk said. “It’s a movement that I’m happy to see transforming into something else and disappearing or dissipating.”
He went further, suggesting that the style relies heavily on shock value rather than thoughtful material.
“It’s like literally on the ground rotting. Pick that s— up and eat it. Throw it at people,” Odenkirk said.
“It’s just going to be boring after a while,” he added. “It’s like, what? Let’s use the stage to be as crude as we can be.”
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Odenkirk framed the issue as part of a broader misunderstanding about comedy itself, arguing that audiences often mistake performance for sincerity.
“If you want to say something honest, then you should get off a comedy stage,” Odenkirk said. “Everything you say is of construct. Everything.”
He added that part of the appeal comes from audiences reacting to blunt or abrasive delivery rather than deeper insight.
“Let’s use the stage to be as crude as we can be and as clumsy and oafish as we can be,” Odenkirk said.
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He argued that comedians are often incorrectly treated as if they are speaking directly and sincerely when they are performing a role.
“You are not you. You are pretending to be a person named you,” Odenkirk said.
He added that the shift blurred the line between entertainment and genuine expression.
“That’s not right,” Odenkirk said. “If you really want people to understand it directly, you should get off that comedy stage and say it somewhere else.”
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Odenkirk rose to prominence in the 1990s alternative comedy scene alongside David Cross before gaining mainstream recognition through “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul.” In recent years, he transitioned into action roles, including the “Nobody” franchise and his upcoming film “Normal.”
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