Seth Meyers: Lobby Baby

"Seth Meyers: Lobby Baby" is an hour-long stand-up comedy special featuring none other than the Emmy Award-winning writer and late night host Seth Meyers. Released by Netflix in 2019, this comedic performance of Meyers, filmed at the Pantages Theater in Minneapolis, offers an intriguing departure from his regular work on Late Night with Seth Meyers.

Seth Meyers, largely known for his political satire on "Saturday Night Live" and "Late Night with Seth Meyers," this time skips the politics and instead channels his personal experiences into his comedic material, with an equally entertaining result. Meyers' plaintive yet relatable storytelling ability shines throughout his monologue. He intertwines distinctive personal anecdotes about his wife, his children, his in-laws and even his dog, Frisbee, into his performance, inviting audiences into the humor and absurdity often found in everyday life.

Furthermore, he discusses his experience of becoming a father, with an especially entertaining segment related to his second-born's unexpected birth in the lobby of his apartment building, a hilarious tale from which the special derives its name – "Lobby Baby". Meyers' ability to reflect upon universal experiences with humor and humanity is what makes this comedy special extremely amusing and relatable. His clever observations on the trials and tribulations of marriage, fatherhood, and family life, resonate profoundly making the show both hilarious and heartwarming.

Notably, the special also features Jonathan Chacko, who adds a unique element to the performance. His appearance provides additional amusement, brilliant comedic timing and natural chemistry between both performers help keep the audience engaged and laughing throughout.

Exemplifying his understanding of his audience, Meyers introduces a novel feature in this special. "Seth Meyers: Lobby Baby" is the first stand-up comedy special to use Netflix's technology to deliver an innovative concept to the audience. The ‘skip politics’ button, a playful tool that allows viewers to sieve out any political jokes if they wish. This interactive feature emphasizes Meyers’ thoughtfulness resulting in a user-friendly stand-up experience that caters to a broad range of viewing preferences.

The subtle backdrop of the Pantages Theater underscores the storytelling flavor of Meyers' routine and complements the simplistic style of his performance. Directed by Neal Brennan, known for his work with the critically acclaimed Dave Chappelle, the show is well paced, filmed with a keen eye for audience reactions, and expertly edited to amplify the impact of Meyers' comedic delivery.

The script, punctuated with Meyers' signature wit, is beautifully crafted, turning ordinary life events into a cascade of laughs. Meyers' comedic style is self-deprecating yet endearing, typically steady-paced with rhythmically timed punchlines. The humor is derived largely from his intelligent observations and clever insights, rather than relying on outlandish anecdotes or offensive humor.

In "Seth Meyers: Lobby Baby," Meyers opens up his personal life for comedic fodder, managing to strike a balance between hilarity and sentimentality. His introspection allows him to produce comedy that is not only relatable but also strikes an emotional chord. The comedic monologue, teetering between the intimately personal and universally topical, underscores that comedy can be light, thoughtful, warm, and most importantly, enjoyable for everyone.

To sum up, “Seth Meyers: Lobby Baby” is a refreshing departure from the typical stand-up comedy. It’s a blend of deeply personal and broadly relatable material, combined with an innovative format that showcases Meyers’ versatile talent. Whether you're a longtime fan of Seth Meyers or new to his work, this special is sure to make you laugh and appreciate the humor hidden in everyday life. A must-watch for all comedy enthusiasts or anyone just in need of a good laugh.